I am Not Ashamed

Jesus calls us blessed! Blessed means endued with power for success, prosperity, fecundity (fruitfulness in child bearing) and longevity. The Bible says we should not be ashamed of how good the news of Jesus really is (Romans 1:16).

We must never be ashamed that Jesus has the power to give us good success, heal our physical body, cause everything our hands touch to prosper, bless us with children, or bless our children and satisfy us with long life (Psalm 103:1-5).

Jesus redeemed us from the curse...that the blessing of Abraham might come upon us (Galatians 3:13-15). Isn't it interesting that the Lord is very specific in mentioning that Christ wants us to experience the blessing of Abraham? It should behoove us to know what the "Blessing of Abraham" is.

The blessing of Abraham is explained in Romans 4:13. The blessing of Abraham is to be "heir of the world".The word "world" in the Greek is kosmos and it means the whole circle of earthly goods, endowments, riches, advantages and pleasures. That is what we are heir to through Jesus Christ. This is the promise God made to Abraham and his seed. Don't be ashamed or ignorant of what Jesus accomplished for you,but discover how to enjoy it.

According to Romans 4:13-16 the blessing of Abraham is made void and of no effect when we try to earn and deserve it through our own efforts. The secret to walking in the blessing of Abraham is to stop trying to deserve it. Instead exercise your faith (respond with corresponding actions) that you are righteous through Jesus finished work. Romans 4:5 says that Abraham's secret to enjoying the blessing was that he believed God justified the ungodly.

According to 2 Peter 1:2-4, 9, when I comprehend what Jesus has done for me, I will not lack in any power to overcome and be pleasing to Him. Let's worship the Lord and thank Him for this wonderful gift of love that empowers us to be pleasing to Him. Let's receive the gift of the ABUNDANCE of grace and the gift of righteousness (Romans 5:17). Receiving is how we reign in this life as heir of the world.

Christianity is not about behavior modification. It is about heart transformation when we believe and receive Jesus Christ and what He did for us by grace. My behavior is not a pre requisite to the blessing of Abraham. My behavior is my response (faith) to this wonderful gift (grace). When we seek His righteousness and not our own,all things are added to us (Matthew 6:33-34). I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ and its power! We love you!

Dr. Cliff Self
Man UP Ministries