Unashamed of the Gospel: A Reflection on Romans 2
On January 11, 2026, Pastor TJ delivered a powerful sermon at Walnut Springs Baptist Church, diving deep into Romans chapter 2. His message challenged the congregation to reflect on their relationship with the Gospel and the nature of God's judgment.
The Power of the Gospel
Pastor TJ began by reminding us of Romans 1:16-17, where Paul states, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes." He posed a pivotal question: *Are you ashamed of the gospel?* This moment prompted introspection, encouraging us to consider how we can embrace the teachings of Jesus Christ without shame.
Trusting in Facts vs. Feelings
A key theme of the sermon revolved around the distinction between trusting in facts and feelings. Pastor TJ emphasized that while feelings are important, they should not dictate our understanding of God's judgment. He illustrated this by comparing God's judgment to a courtroom setting, where a judge must uphold the law impartially.
-Imagining Judgment: Picture a judge who sympathizes with a defendant guilty of a heinous crime. Would we want that judge to allow emotions to cloud their judgment? Of course not. In the same way, God’s judgment is not swayed by feelings but is based on truth and righteousness.
The Dangers of Hypocrisy
Pastor TJ pointed out that Paul addresses hypocritical moralists in Romans. These individuals may preach righteousness but fail to live it out. He warned against the temptation to believe that we are better than others, reminding us that we all fall short of God's glory.
-Self-Reflection: Are we guilty of the same sins we condemn in others? Pastor TJ urged us to approach God with humility, recognizing our own faults before judging others.
The Reality of God’s Judgment
The sermon took a sobering turn as Pastor TJ explained that there will be no escape from God’s righteous judgment.
- No Excuses: When we stand before God, our excuses will fall flat. He sees all and knows the truth of our hearts. Pastor TJ stressed the importance of understanding that God’s kindness is meant to lead us to repentance, not serve as a loophole for our sins.
Embracing God’s Mercy
Despite the weight of God’s judgment, Pastor TJ offered hope through God’s mercy. He emphasized that by grace, believers are saved and made alive in Christ.
- Key Truths to Remember:
- We are alive together with Christ.
- Salvation is a gift of grace, not based on our works.
- We are created for good works, reflecting God’s love.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
Pastor TJ concluded with a heartfelt prayer, inviting the congregation to humble themselves before God. He encouraged everyone to seek a genuine relationship with Christ, free from the deception of self-righteousness.
As we reflect on this message, let us ask ourselves: Are we living unashamed of the Gospel? Are we trusting in the truth of God’s Word over our feelings?
In embracing the reality of God’s judgment and the gift of His grace, we can find the strength to live out our faith authentically, making a difference in our communities and beyond.
