Young man wearing eyeglasses, sitting outside reading scriptures. (horiz)
At one time or another, we will all need to stand up for what we believe. Addressing the Saints living in Rome, Paul declared that he was “not ashamed of the gospel of Christ” (Romans 1:16). His eagerness to share the message of the gospel was proof. This lesson can help you not be ashamed to be known as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
What do you already know?
Imagine you tell one of your friends who is of another Christian faith that you are studying the New Testament in seminary. She tells you she loves the New Testament but sometimes struggles to understand the Epistles. She asks you what you know about them. Take the following quiz to see how well you might be able to respond to her.
Take the quiz in your study journal. The correct answers are located at the end of this lesson.
What are the Epistles?
Official Church announcements made by the prophet
Talks given by Church leaders that have been collected over the years
Various letters written by Church leaders to the Saints
Who is credited for writing 14 of the 21 epistles included in the New Testament?
Peter
Paul
Luke
How were the first 13 of the Epistles organized?
Chronologically (by when they were written)
By importance
By length
Who were some other authors of the Epistles?
James, Peter, John, and Jude
James, Peter, John, and Stephen
James, Peter, John, and Timothy
The Epistle to the Romans
The book of Romans is an epistle that Paul wrote to the Saints in Rome near the end of his missionary journeys. Rome—the capital of the Roman Empire—was saturated with worldly philosophies and was a difficult place to preach and live the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul wrote to the Roman Saints to strengthen their faith, prepare them for his arrival, clarify and defend his teachings, and promote unity between Jewish and Gentile members of the Church.
As you study Romans 1, look for truths that can encourage you as you strive to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.
I am not ashamed
Watch “Preparation of Joseph F. Smith: True Blue, Through and Through” (1:31) available on ChurchofJesusChrist.org. This account can also be found in Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith [1998], 104.
Read Romans 1:15–17, looking for what President Joseph F. Smith and Paul had in common. Consider marking the words or phrases in these verses that you find meaningful.
You may have marked the words “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ” in Romans 1:16.
From what you learned about Paul in the book of Acts, how had he shown that he was not ashamed to be known as a Christian?
What situations might youth face today where they need to stand up and not be ashamed of the gospel of Christ?
Paul knew that Rome was a difficult place to live and preach the gospel. He also faced opposition from those who misunderstood or rejected his teachings. Nevertheless, Paul was eager to go to Rome and preach there to bring others to Christ (see Romans 1:15).
Think about experiences where, like Paul, you have had an opportunity to stand up for or share your faith in Jesus Christ. Make a brief list in your journal. Include your thoughts and feelings on how much you desired to share your faith in those situations.
Why might a young person feel ashamed to be known as a Christian? What could they do if they have those thoughts or feelings?
Scriptural and modern examples
Review two of the following examples of people who were not ashamed to make their faith in the Lord known. Think about the situations they were in, and look for similarities between their lives and yours.
When others judge you: The woman who washed Jesus’s feet with her tears (Luke 7:36–50)
When you share the gospel: Teren Bingham and Brandon McEuen (“Same Jersey” [5:01], ChurchofJesusChrist.org)
What impressed you from these examples?
How did these individuals demonstrate that they were not ashamed of the gospel of Christ?
Who has been an example in your life of being unashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ? How have they shown their faith?
Romans 1:15–17 tells us that Paul’s enthusiasm for the gospel of Christ came in part from his understanding that “[the gospel] is the power of God unto salvation” for all of God’s children. In other words, because Paul knew that no one can be saved without the gospel of Jesus Christ, he wanted to share it with everyone.
1. Respond to at least two of the following items in your study journal:
How can remembering what the Savior has done for you help you not be ashamed of Him and His gospel?
While there might be times when we are called upon to defend our faith in large or dramatic ways, most of the time our faith is best shown in small and simple ways (see Alma 37:6–7). What might being “not ashamed of the gospel of Christ” look like, sound like, or feel like in your daily life?
Finish the following sentence: I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ, because …
Answers to the quiz: (1) c; (2) b; (3) c; (4) a
Optional: Want to Learn More?
How can I share my testimony in normal and natural ways?
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
Image
Official portrait of Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, 2006. Called as Second Counselor in the First Presidency, 3 February 2008. Made official portrait in 2008 replacing portrait taken in 2004.
I know that some of us are more outgoing than others. That’s okay. The Lord makes it possible for each of us, in our own way, to invite others to come and see and come and help. Then God will do His saving work, and they will come and stay.
May I suggest five things anyone can do to participate in the Savior’s great commission to help gather Israel.