Romans 1:3-16 "Concerning HIS SON JESUS CHRIST our LORD, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; and declared to be the SON of GOD with power, according to the SPIRIT of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: by WHOM we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for HIS name: among whom are ye also the called of JESUS CHRIST: to all that be in Rome, beloved of GOD, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from GOD our FATHER, and the LORD JESUS CHRIST. First, I thank my GOD through JESUS CHRIST for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. For GOD is my witness, WHOM I serve with my spirit in the Gospel of HIS SON, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers:
Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of GOD to come unto you. For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established: that is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the Gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of CHRIST: for it is the power of GOD unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
In Romans 1:3-16 Paul makes three "I am" statements relating to personal evangelism that are highly instructive:
1. "I am debtor" (v.14 pictured above). As a debtor, Paul owed something. He had an obligation, a Gospel duty. Elsewhere Paul wrote, "For though I preach the Gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the Gospel" (1st.Corinthians 9:16). If we were to discover a cure for cancer, would we keep it a secret ? Would we not owe it to the world to give them the information that would save countless lives ? Saul of Tarsus once felt an obligation to persecute every Christian, but later Paul felt an obligation to preach the Gospel to all (Mark 16:15). He "owed" this good news to every member of the human race: Life is short; death is sure; sin the cause, CHRIST the cure !
2. "I am ready" (v.15 pictured above). Paul was ready, willing, and eager to share the good news concerning his SAVIOR. The Greek word for "ready" (prothumos) conveys a sense of eagerness, readiness, or willingness. It describes and eager attitude of being prepared to act or respond positively. It describes a disposition that is enthusiastic and keen to serve or obey. Paul was ready to preach the Gospel and looked for every opportunity to do so. We need to prepare by prayer, asking GOD to give us opportunities, even today, to share the Gospel with others.
3. "I am not ashamed" (v.16 pictured above). Like Paul, Christians should not be ashamed of the Gospel, nor should we be a shame to the Gospel by living contrary to its principles. If we are ashamed of the Gospel, then we are ashamed of JESUS CHRIST, the very ONE WHOM the Gospel is all about. May we be bold as a lion to share the wonderful, good news ! GWZ
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation
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