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by Sandy Shaw
We are in Romans Chapter 1and it is Chapter through which we should not hurry.
We have seen the apostle Paul in prayer - longing to visit these disciples of Jesus Christ in Rome.
If you cannot thank God for people, it becomes very difficult to pray for them.
Paul is eager to preach and teach there - and he has this desire to impart a spiritual gift. Paul had often wanted to go to Rome - but he had been frustrated in his desire to get there. He had been hindered - prevented. That can happen even when we are called of God - and notice that being called signifies that the initiative lies with God.
Jesus calls - Jesus invites - and we respond. God loves the people He calls - and when God calls you to be something - to be saints - to be holy - and when He places you upon that rock, called Jesus Christ - you are what He calls you to be whether or not you feel like it.
Paul wants to give and he wants to get. Paul wants to impart a spiritual gift - to equip them further - to build up the fellowship - and Paul wants to be comforted together along with them.
The whole Roman Empire was talking about these disciples of Jesus Christ in Rome. What happens in a Fellowship is talked about.
Paul wants to be encouraged and fortressed. It is a mutual giving and receiving. He wants to see fruit in Rome - just as he has seen fruit all over the Middle East where he has preached and taught and ministered.
Verse 14 - I owe a lot to the Greeks and to the Barbarians - to the wise - and those who are not so wise. So - I owe people the Gospel. The world owes me nothing.
This is the opposite of what the world says today -"My employer owes me higher wages - I deserve more money - I will no longer work until I get more."
The disciple of Jesus says - "I owe the world."
Paul wanted to preach and teach and serve. I am ready to preach the Gospel to you who are at Rome also. I am ready to come - and the time of my coming among you lies with God. He had a universal obligation to preach the Gospel. Just as I have preached the Gospel in other places, I am ready to preach the Gospel to you in Rome ALSO.
I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ - here is one of Paul's big sentences.
I am eager to preach in Rome and I am not ashamed of what I preach.
Some are ashamed of the Gospel of Christ Jesus. Many are ashamed of it.
The Gospel is incredible - a bay born of a virgin - and this baby is GOD! Surely you don't believe that can be a very common comment! Five loaves and two fishes and 5,000 people are fed and filled and satisfied - Jesus Christ walking on the water.
The Cross - sin being dealt with the Passover Lamb being sacrificed - His Blood being shed to wash away our SIN - the Resurrection - Rising from the dead and appearing to all the disciples.
Some people are ashamed of being connected with a place where men and women believe the Gospel. It is costly.
Never be ashamed or embarrassed by believing and holding fast to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
“Almighty God – You have called me and chosen me – and you have given be a job and task to do – help me to fulfil my ministry. Fill me - and refresh me and revive if I become weary and tired. Never let my passion for Jesus Christ wane or fade. Use me in this dark, broken, needy world – I pray in Jesus Name. Amen.”
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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