INTRODUCTION

The average believer when asked about his efforts to share the gospel may offer up several “reasons” why it is not feasible for him or her to tell others about their need for salvation. These reasons often seem spiritual in nature and are sometimes even accompanied by verses of scripture for support. However, the real truth is that believers who do not witness fail to do so because they are ashamed. Those believers who refuse to witness will be offended by this statement, but the apostle Paul confirms its validity. The reason Paul was “ready to preach the gospel” to those who were at Rome was because he was “not ashamed of the gospel of Christ.” Why was he not ashamed? Because he knew that it was “the power of God unto salvation.” Those who do not witness may offer excuses, but in reality they fail to believe in the power of God.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Read Psalm 119:46I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.
  See All.... Sometimes we fail to speak up for the Lord because we feel the other person will reject what we say. Remember that when some refuse the words of the Bible, they are rejecting God Himself, not you. Consider 1 Samuel 8:7And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.
  See All....
• (For everyone): Why did Paul have to admonish Timothy not to be “ashamed of the testimony” of the Lord (2 Timothy 1:8Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
  See All...)? What part might afflictions play in being ashamed?
• Do you worry that others might get angry with you for witnessing to them? Do you worry that persecution might be the response of your efforts to witness? How is this likened to being ashamed in 2 Timothy 1:8Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
  See All...?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to help you know when you are ashamed.
• Thank the Lord for what He did for you on Calvary.

HYMN

Must I Go, and Empty-Handed?

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