Scripture Reading: Romans 1:14-17
Paul's "I Am's"
(Romans 1:14-17)
Intro.
1. The persistent endurance and unwavering determination of the apostle Paul inspire us, Phil. 3:12-14; 2 Cor. 12:10.
2. His faith enabled him to endure and press forward.
3. 3 great “I am’s” in Rom. 1:14-16.
I. I AM A DEBTOR, Rom. 1:14.
(Very few of us do not owe some form of debt. Familiar with it. There are also debts of a spiritual nature we are obligated to pay.)
A. To Preach the Gospel to All Men, 1 Cor. 9:16.
1. Like Jeremiah, Paul could not keep from preaching (Jer. 20:7-9):
a. Fear of God convinced him, 2 Cor. 5:11.
b. Christ’s love compelled him, 2 Cor. 5:13-14.
c. God's grace called him, Gal. 1:15-16.
2. Paul owed it to Christ and to mankind to preach the gospel.
B. Paul was Indebted to: (cf. Ourselves)
1. Christ: Because of His grace and salvation and apostleship.
a. Debt of sin forgiven, Matt. 18:23-24, 27, 32.
b. Debt which we could never be “paid in full.”
c. Owe it to Christ to put the flesh to death and to live after the Spirit, Rom. 8:12-13.
2. The lost: To save some (1 Cor. 9:22).
3. To Christians: Rom. 15:27 -- Gal. 6:2.
- The debt of love, Rom. 13:8-10.
II. I AM READY, Rom. 1:15 (“Predisposed,” Vine; Willing, eager) - Not “waiting.”
A. To Preach the Gospel, 2 Cor. 12:14-15.
B. Willingness to Serve Christ, Matt. 26:40-41.
-Service accepted in proportion to ability; Readiness must be there.
C. Readiness is Shown in Doing, 2 Cor. 8:11.
1. “Walk the walk” not just “talk the talk.” (1 Jno. 1:9)
2. How are we fairing in our readiness to:
-Worship regularly? Give purposefully? Study diligently? Teach faithfully? Stand for truth unwaveringly? Support truth enthusiastically?
III. I AM NOT ASHAMED, Rom. 1:16; Mk. 8:38.
(“Feeling of fear or shame which prevents a person from doing a thing...; the feeling of shame arising from something that has been done,” Vine, I:77).
A. Not Embarrassed of the Gospel.
1. Many Jews were, 1 Cor. 1:23, 26 (2:1-5).
2. What of us? 2 Tim. 1:8; 1 Pet. 4:16
3. Its exclusiveness? Its holiness? Its call to distinction?
B. Not Disappointed in the Gospel.
1. Never: “Look what I could be doing” / “What I have to miss out on” because I’m a Christian.
2. Those who “missed out” on many things–Obtained something far better. [Eternal perspective of faith] Heb.10:32-34
3. Don’t be disappointed in choosing Christ – God is trustworthy and powerful to eternally reward you, 2 Tim. 1:12.
C. Our Lives Must Reflect Respect/Honor for Christ and the Gospel.
1. Through diligent use of word, 2 Tim. 2:15.
2. “Glorify God” through holy, devoted, consecrated lives, 1 Pet. 4:15-16.
Conclusion
1. Paul knew his responsibilities and he was dedicated to them. This helped him persevere and do marvelous things for Christ.
2. What are you? We are debtors / We must be ready / We must not be ashamed.
By: Joe R. Price
Posted: August 30, 2018