Scripture
”It doesn't
matter if people are civilized and educated, or if they are uncivilized
and uneducated. I must tell the good news to everyone.
That's why I am eager to visit all of you in Rome. I am proud of the
good news! It is God's powerful way of saving all people who have
faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles. The good news tells how God
accepts everyone who has faith, but only those who have faith. It is
just as the Scriptures say, ‘The people God accepts because
of their faith will live.’” Romans 1:14-17 CEV
Thoughts
for Today
Today’s scripture reveals the apostle Paul’s
enthusiasm about sharing the gospel, the good news about Jesus, to
everyone—civilized and uncivilized, educated and uneducated,
Jew and Gentile. Why was he never ashamed to share the gospel with
others? Because he believed with all his heart that the gospel reveals
the power of God to us and that through believing the gospel we are
saved from our sin. He was eager to share the good news because he knew
the gospel brings salvation to all who believe. He believed that the
potential results of his testimony far outweighed any rejections or
danger that might come.
Jesus has
called every believer to share the gospel with others. Are you as eager
as Paul was to share the good news? Or is your witness hindered by
fears that are common. Fear of what others would say
… fear of being misunderstood … fear of losing
friends … fear of being perceived as a fanatic.
Consider
this…
These types of fears are natural—but not productive. Think
about opportunities you have had to share Jesus with someone
… but didn’t. What was holding you back? Ask God
to help you identify and overcome any obstacles to your witness.
Prayer…
Father, I want to be like Paul—eager and bold
in sharing the gospel with others. Help me to overcome
my fears. May the Holy Spirit guide me and stir boldness wthin me to
tell others about you, both through my life and through my words. In
Jesus’ name …
These
thoughts were drawn from…
Completely Free!
by Dan Strickland. Everyone struggles from time-to-time, but we can
have confidence that in Christ we are completely free from sin's
slavery, from condemnation, and from fear of failure. This group study
of Romans 1-8 and 12 helps Christians break out of the dull routine of
a stagnant spiritual life. Applying the truths found in Romans can
transform any believer into a person eager to follow God's will. This
study can also serve as a powerful evangelistic tool by explaining the
message of salvation as presented in Romans. Note: This curriculum was
written especially for small groups and we encourage people to use it
that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study
for individuals or couples.
