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Christians are stewards of the most fundamental, powerful, life-giving truth that exists: God, in Christ, reconciles humans to himself. So, why is it often so hard to muster the courage to share our faith? A big reason is that non-Christians actively suppress this truth (v. 18). Instead of seeing the truth for what it is, they create their own version that makes them the hero of their own destiny. Anything that competes with that self-centered truth rankles them. The only solution is to preach the gospel boldly and without shame, depending on the power of God for the life-changing results (v.16).

Key Study Passage:

Romans 1:16-21

1. Why do you think it's important to regularly share your faith?
2. What are some things that keep you from regularly sharing your faith?
3. What are some ways that non-Christians you know "suppress" the truth? How can you best respond to these?
4. Think of some opportunities you regularly have to share your faith.
5. Think of some ways to prepare yourself for the next time these opportunities arise.

Spend Time in Prayer: Ask God to give you the faith to believe more deeply that the gospel is true; ask him to give you the courage to boldly share your faith with truth and grace.

Romans 1:16-21

16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."

God's Wrath Against Sinful Humanity

18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of human beings who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.

Copyright © 2012 by Christianity Today/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Lord, help me to see the truth as you see it, so that I can have courage to share my faith.

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