"I Am Not Ashamed"

I Am Not Ashamed --

Unashamed: Because He’s Not Ashamed of You

As I was preparing and listening for what to talk about this morning, a song just wouldn’t leave my heart. I’ve learned that when something keeps repeating in my spirit like that, it’s usually God’s way of getting my attention. The song was “Unashamed” by Matthew West.

There’s a line in that song that says:

“I’m unashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the truth that changed my life.”

That line has been echoing in my heart all week. Because God—you really have changed my life. And I am not ashamed of that.

Working in a public school, I know there can be limits to how much we openly share our faith. But I’m grateful to be in a place that allows freedom, and I’ve seen God open more and more doors lately—to talk with students, staff, families—and to share hope. And every time He does, something inside me grows bolder. I find myself asking, why would I stay quiet about the One who saved me?

I don’t know exactly where this message will go this morning, but that’s what’s on my heart.

The Voice of Shame vs. The Voice of the Gospel

Did you know shame has a voice?

It says things like:“You’re not enough.”“God could never be proud of you.”“He can’t use you after what you’ve done.”

That’s shame talking—not God.

The gospel has a louder voice.The gospel says:“You are chosen.”“You are loved.”“You are Mine.” 

Paul writes in Romans 1:16:

“I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.”

When Paul wrote that, he was likely in prison. He had been beaten, betrayed, and falsely accused—and yet he said, “I’m not ashamed.” Why? Because Paul understood something powerful: God is not ashamed of us.

Before we can boldly say, “I’m not ashamed of the gospel,” we have to first know deep down that God is not ashamed of us.

God Is Not Ashamed of You

What if we read Romans 1:16 like this—through God’s perspective?

“I am not ashamed of you because of the gospel, for it is My power that brings salvation to you.”

He created you. He redeemed you. He’s still transforming you. And He has never been ashamed of what He made.

When God looks at you, He says:“I made you. I designed every quirk, every strength, every detail. I placed you where you are on purpose, for a purpose—and I am proud of My creation.”

Standing Because He Makes Us Stand

Romans 14:4 says,

“Who are you to judge another man’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls, and he will stand, for God is able to make him stand.”

You are God’s servant—and He is the one who makes you stand.

When we really believe that it changes how we see ourselves and others.

Think about the prodigal son in Luke 15. The father didn’t stand on the porch, arms crossed, shaking his head in disappointment. He ran to his son, embraced him, and restored him to his place in the home. That’s what God does for us. He doesn’t run from our mess—He runs into it with mercy.

Jesus Is Not Ashamed to Call You Family

Hebrews 2:11 says,

“For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brothers.”

Jesus is not ashamed to call you, His family.He’s not embarrassed by your weakness—He meets you in it.

Think of Thomas, who doubted until he could see Jesus’ scars. Jesus didn’t shame him. He invited him closer.Think of Peter, who denied Jesus three times. Jesus didn’t reject him. He restored him: “Do you love Me? Feed My sheep.”

Every time we fall, Jesus picks us up, heals what’s broken, and sends us forward in grace.

Adopted and Sealed

Ephesians 1:5 says,

“It was always in His perfect plan to adopt us as His delightful children.”

In the ancient world, adoption wasn’t just about bringing someone new into the family, it was a coming of age, a public declaration of belonging and maturity. Like a bar mitzvah, where a father stands before the community and says, “This is my beloved child, in whom I am well pleased.”

That’s what God does for you.He declares, “You bear My name. You are ready to carry My purpose.”

And then He seals that declaration with the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 1:13-14 says,

“You were stamped with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit, given as a guarantee of our inheritance.”

That seal is like heaven’s engagement ring—a promise, a mark of authenticity. The Holy Spirit is God’s way of saying, “Yes, they are Mine.”

Walk Like a Child of the King

When you know God proudly calls you His own, you walk differently. You speak differently. Like a prince or princess who knows who they are, you carry yourself with confidence—not arrogance, but assurance.

Paul’s boldness in Romans 1:16 wasn’t pride—it was confidence in God’s love. He had encountered a love that erased every reason to hide.

Your Seat at the Table Is Waiting

For those who haven’t yet said “yes” to Jesus, the invitation still stands.The table is set.The music is playing.Your name card is already on the table.

You just have to walk up, take your seat, and receive the love that’s been waiting for you.

In Christ, we step into our full rights as sons and daughters—adopted, sealed, loved, and never ashamed.

Prayer

Father, thank You for setting a place for us at Your table.Thank You for choosing us, redeeming us, and placing Your Spirit within us.Today, we say yes to Your invitation. We step closer. We step higher.And we pray for those still lingering outside, let them hear the music calling their name.

We declare together:I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ, because it means You are not ashamed of me.

Amen.