Monday
Open: Father, show me the gospel today — who I am because of Jesus.
Read: Read Romans 1:16–17 — the gospel is God's power to save all who believe.
This year you will study how the gospel changes every part of life — in school, online conversations, close friendships, decisions, and future plans — beginning with a bold statement from the apostle Paul. In Romans 1:16-17, Paul writes, "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth." Look closely at what Paul calls the gospel: "the power of God unto salvation." The gospel — the good news that Jesus died for sinners and rose again — is not merely a comforting story, a set of rules, or an outdated religious idea. It is God's own power, and it is fully able to save people from sin and give them eternal life. Think about that word "power." Nothing else in the world has the power to save a soul, forgive sins, and change a heart forever — no amount of money, effort, science, or self-improvement can do it. Only the gospel can, because it is the power of God. That is why Paul says he is "not ashamed" of it. Now, here is something you will feel more and more as you get older: the world often treats the gospel as embarrassing, outdated, or foolish, and there is real pressure to hide your faith or feel ashamed of it. But once you understand that the gospel is the very power of God to save, you realize it is nothing to be ashamed of. Why would you hide the most powerful, life-changing message in the universe? So today, notice that the gospel is God's power, and journal about where you feel ashamed of it and why.
Talk about:
- What is the gospel? (God's saving power!)
- Should we be ashamed? (No!)
Remember: "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ" (Romans 1:16).
Pray: God, make me unashamed of the gospel's power.