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.
Sharing true stories and accounts. To help generate students’ interest in a lesson, consider sharing true personal stories from the lives of the prophets, Church history, general conference addresses, or Church magazines.
Student preparation: Invite students to come prepared to discuss why people might hesitate to be known as disciples of Christ or to share the gospel with others.
Possible Learning Activities
The following quiz can be used to teach about the Epistles in the New Testament. The answers are (1) c; (2) b; (3) c; (4) a.
More information about these epistles can be found in “Pauline Epistles” in Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org) or in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families.
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.
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.
It may be helpful to remind students that there are many small and simple ways in which they can show that they are not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. Consider inviting a few volunteers to share their own examples. Students could also share their preparation for this lesson by discussing why people might hesitate to share the gospel.
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.
See the “Supplemental Learning Activities” section for additional examples and an idea on how to use technology for this activity.
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.
Students’ answers to the following questions may be very different from one another. As these questions are discussed, help students understand that the application of this principle is personal and they should not judge others based on how they express their faith.
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 …
Consider testifying of the happiness and peace that can come from being true to your convictions and covenants.
Commentary and Background Information
How can I share my testimony in normal and natural ways?
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
Image
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf
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.
It may be helpful to create QR codes or shortened URLs for articles and videos that are available on ChurchofJesusChrist.org. These codes or URLs could be displayed around the room so students can access the resources on their individual devices.
Other examples of faith
These examples of people who were not ashamed to make their faith in the Lord known can be used in the “Scriptural and modern examples” section of the lesson.
Queen Esther: Esther 3:8–13; 4:13–16; 7:1–6 (for a more simplified but complete account, read from President Thomas S. Monson’s talk “May You Have Courage” [Ensign or Liahona, May 2009, 127])
Wickedness and sins prevalent in Paul’s day and in ours
In Romans 1:18–32, Paul listed many of the sins that were prevalent both in his time and today. While many people may accept these behaviors, discuss why these things hold us back from the happiness of Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation.
Point out that from Romans 1:18–32, we learn that prophets and apostles teach us about behaviors and attitudes that are offensive to God.
The language used to describe these behaviors may be difficult for students to understand. Explain that verse 23 refers to idolatry, or worshipping images made by humans rather than worshipping God. Verses 28 through 32 mention several other sins that damage our relationships with each other and with God, such as jealousy, violence, dishonesty, and pride.
Students may have questions about the references to homosexuality in verses 26 and 27. For more information or to help students understand the Church’s position on homosexual behavior, see 38.6.15 in General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).