Both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to foolish people, I am a debtor. That is why I am so eager to proclaim the gospel to you who live in Rome, too. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is God’s power for the salvation of everyone who believes, of the Jew first and of the Greek as well. For in it God’s righteousness is being revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, “The righteous will live by faith.” (ISV)
Romans 1:14-17
For I have a great sense of obligation to people in both the civilized world and the rest of the world, to the educated and uneducated alike. (NLT)
I am a debtor / under obligation to Jews and Gentiles, Greeks and barbarians, wise and foolish people, the civilized world and the rest of the world, to the educated and uneducated alike. Are you getting the picture? To the world. Why does Paul owe all these people a debt? Because of THE GOSPEL. This gospel he has been talking about. He had a very keen sense of his debt which is not actually to these people but to God. He can’t shake the burden or the sense of duty to reach the world. Thus he can say I am not ashamed of the Gospel, it is the power of God to salvation – to all people.
What about you? Are you ashamed of the gospel? Think about it deeply and ask yourself the question: Am I ashamed of the Gospel and of being a Christian? Oh not in church of course!
- But are there other situations, certain situations where you are ashamed of the Gospel?
- Where you shut your mouth and don’t say anything?
- Why?
- What is going on inside you to cause that to happen?
- Have you noticed a change?
- Was there a time when you were not ashamed of the Gospel or of God but now you are?
- What has changed?
Remember Peter, one moment bold enough to cut off the servant’s ear in front sword wielding soldiers and then denying the Christ before servant girls and old women.
- Were you bolder when you first became a Christian but now the fire has gone out and you keep your mouth closed?
It is one thing to not be ashamed of the Gospel. It is another thing to be proud of the Gospel. Oh many think it is foolishness but what do you think on the inside?
Ian Vail
Now work on making your “outside” match your “inside”.
Ian Vail
Missionary interest is the discharge of a debt. We owe everyone the gospel.
Ian Vail
The policy of One British church: to spend £10,000 more on missions than on itself.
Anon
Keep the faith…but not from others.
Ian Vail