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