Romans 1:14‑16
The greatest Christian who ever lived, apart from the Lord Jesus, was in my estimation the Apostle Paul. He authored more than half of the books of the New Testament, founded churches throughout parts of Asia Minor and the Roman Empire, took the Gospel to Rome, and was personally called into service by Jesus Himself. He wrote the book of Romans, considered to be the greatest book in the New Testament. And when you examine his heart and motivation, you discover Paul was totally abandoned to the Gospel.
Paul explained what it means to be “totally abandoned to the Gospel” in what he said about himself in Romans 1:14-16.
I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise. So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
In short, “I am a debtor, I am ready, and I am not ashamed.” This explains what motivated the greatest Church pioneer and spokesman who ever lived.
Not long after Jesus ascended to Heaven, He stopped Paul on the road to Damascus. Paul asked, “Who are You, Lord?” and “What would You have me do?” He got his answers and began teaching and traveling as a missionary. By the time he was martyred, there was a Christian church, a little colony of Heaven, in every major city in the western empire.
“I am a debtor.” Paul was faithful to the Gospel’s obligations.
We are debtors to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Do you see yourself as a debtor to the Savior who died for you? “You are not your own… you were bought at a price” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
We are debtors to heroes of the past.
This includes faithful ones before us who suffered and died that we might be here today. We owe them for their sacrifice.
We are debtors to all those around us.
We owe those who do not yet know the Lord Jesus Christ. We must tell them. How will you feel when you stand before the casket of your neighbor, your mother, your brother, your father, knowing you never told them about Christ?
“I am ready.” Paul was flexible for Gospel opportunities.
Paul was available. He was a great witness because his life was evidence for all to see.
Are you ready to live for Christ? Do others see a quality of life in you that makes them want what you have?
Are you ready to die for Christ? Paul was ready to preach the Gospel in Rome, where he was beheaded. Until you are ready to die, you are not ready to live.
If Jesus were to say, “I want you to preach the Gospel,” would you say, “Yes, Lord”?
Paul was wholly—not half-heartedly—committed. “With as much as is in me,” he said, “I’m ready.”
“I am not ashamed.” Paul was fearless at the Gospel’s opposition.
Can you imagine going to Rome, the Imperial city, and saying, “I want to tell you about a Jewish carpenter who was crucified”? Christians were the lowest of the low in Rome, but Paul was bold for the Lord.
Are you ashamed of the Gospel? Ashamed to put a Bible on your desk at work? Ashamed to bow your head at lunch? Ashamed to invite people to Jesus Christ?
How could we be ashamed of the Gospel when the power of the Gospel is the only thing that can save this world today?
Paul was not ashamed of:
- The Gospel’s purpose—to share salvation.
- The Gospel’s power to cleanse us from sin.
- The Gospel’s plan—to save everyone who believes.
Anyone, anywhere, anytime can say, “Lord Jesus, come into my heart and save me,” and He will.
What motivated Paul? What compelled him? “I am a debtor. I am ready. I am not ashamed. I am faithful. I am flexible. I am fearless.”
Friend, there is One who can save you. His name is Jesus. Give your life to declaring the glorious Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.
