Paul Affirms His Calling And Commitment To The Gospel – What About You? -Bliss & Fire Network Weekly Digest December 7, 2010

Paul Affirms His Calling And Commitment To The Gospel – What About You?

"Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)"- Romans 1:1-2

"For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith." - Romans 1:17 (Read Romans 1:1-17)

EXPLORATION

History has it that it was not Paul that started the church in Rome but he heard of their faith in the Lord and desired to visit them in order to minister and encourage their faith in the Lord so that they might be properly established in the Lord. According to him, he had tried coming to them a number of times, but one thing after the other hindered him. Despite all obstacles, he was determined to reach and minister to the brethren in Rome at all cost. And this he did through an epistle.

INSPIRATION

Paul’s commitment and determination was not only to pray and intercede for the Church in Rome, but to reach out and impact, instill and teach them the ways of the Lord. Bringing them to the full knowledge of the gospel – that they may be established in the Lord. He says:

"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." - Romans 1:11-12 His desire is to see the believers established in the Lord.

Paul explained the full context and power of the gospel of God as follows:

a)      That it was foretold in the Old Testament Scriptures. (John 5:39)

b)      That the gospel concerns Jesus Christ the Son of God. (John1:41, 45).

c)      He made them realized the humanity of Jesus as the descendant or the seed of David and his divinity as the Son of God. (Romans 1:3-4)

d)     As the Son of God, He has power which was demonstrated in his resurrection from the dead (Romans 14:9, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Philippians 3:10)

e)      In his spiritual nature, he is holy. (2 Timothy 1:9).

f)       The Roman church, like other Christians elsewhere, were saints who have received grace to obey the Lord. (Romans 1:5, Ephesians 1:1, Philippians 1:1, Colossians 1:2).

g)      That a person is justified by faith in the gospel. (Romans 1:17)

h)      And that the righteousness of God is revealed through the gospel. (Romans1:17)

By these revelations, Paul brought the full titles of Jesus Christ before the church in Rome. A person cannot be an effective Christian or properly preach the gospel without knowing Christ in his entirety. No wonder Paul said to Timothy, "...for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." -2 Timothy 1:12

Do you really know the full person of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and be able to say like Paul?

"But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:  That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;" - Philippians 3:7-10

Because Paul knew Jesus so well, he declared "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." - Romans 1:16 

Having known the Lord, Paul saw himself as having the duty of preaching the gospel to the Greek and to the Barbarian; both to the wise, and to the unwise. (Romans 1:14, 5)

This week: As we know through the Bible, that Paul was glad to receive the testimony of the church in Rome and intercede for them. Do you live a selfish Christian life by praying only for yourself and not interceding for new converts in the Church or pray for other Christians even when they are in need. You can learn today from the selfless life and ministry of Paul the apostle.

Though Paul could not visit the Christians in Rome, he did not give up his desire and determination to assist them spiritually since he could reach them by correspondence, he wrote an epistle to teach and exhort them and sent it through Phebe. Are you so uncaring over the well-being of others that you give flimsy excuses for failing to witness and follow up new converts? Share the love of Jesus Christ and ignite others with the FIRE of the HOLY SPIRIT in your life. Beloved! The example of Paul should challenge you.

Paul was learned, had social and political influence and was well respected religious matters yet he was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. If indeed we love the Lord we shall not be ashamed to confess him before our families, friends, neighbors and the whole world.

Remember the Bible says: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." - Romans 1:16

You are blessed, we love you!

Pastor Wales Goriola

Bliss & Fire Network Team

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