Does the World See You Eager and Unashamed of the Gospel?

Eager and Unashamed of the Gospel

Jesus commands us to go into all nations and make disciples. {Matthew 28:19} What did Jesus mean when he said, “Go into ALL nations”? He means go to all different groups of people and make disciples: Eager and unashamed of the Gospel.

• Red, Yellow, Black and White
• Muslims, Indians, Chinese and Russians, Greeks
• Rich, Poor, Wise, Foolish, and Barbarians

Romans 1:14-16:

“I am under obligation both to Greeks and to the barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. So, for my part, I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

Under Obligation to the Nations

Paul says in verse 14 that he is under obligation to a specific group of people. But what does he mean when he says he is “under obligation” to these groups of people?

Under Obligation: {3871}The Strong’s Dictionary defines “under obligation” as: debtor, to be in debt. Conveys the basic meaning of owing a debt. One who is bound by some duty. One who owes any thing to another.

After reading the definition of, “under obligation,” I had to sit and think for a bit. There were several question that came to my mind as I pondered its definition.

1. Who am I under obligation too?
2. What debt do I owe?
3. Am I eager and unashamed?

These questions that I have running through my mind can be answered from the text we are looking at today. I am so grateful for God’s word! He will give us wisdom and understanding if we ask. I am Asking today! How about you?

To Whom am I under obligation?

Paul says he is under obligation to the Greek and the barbarians, to the wise and to the foolish. Who are the Greeks the barbarians, the wise and the foolish?

Group 1: The Greek and the Barbarian

The Greeks: Were considered civilized cultured people. They were highly educated and sophisticated, “The elite.” By todays standards they could include, Government officials, Movie Stars, Professors, teachers of higher education, or an expert in any field.

These groups of people seem almost untouchable. They seem to have it all together lacking nothing. They have friends in high places, money, and prestige. I have often day dreamed of living this kind of life style. No worries, all the money I needed, (to give to the poor of course)! Hobnobbing with the”Elite”…

The Barbarians: In the Greek mind set these people were those who did not speak Greek. They were considered a, “Non Greek.” In a narrow sense they were the uneducated, uncultured. There speech was considered rude, rough and harsh.

This group of people most of us want to run from. I know people who are rough and rude in speech. I know people who are un-educated. I know more people who fit into this group than I do in the “Greek Group.” If I am honest with you, and myself, I do not want to fit into this group. There are some legitimate reasons for not wanting to be characterized by this group but I am afraid pride is bigger than any of the other reasons.

If Paul is under obligation to this group of people, I must be too. 

Second group of People

The Wise: Refers to those who were educated above the norm. Those with acquired intelligence. They are characterized by the ability to use knowledge for correct behavior.

Who wants to be in this group? Me, I do, I do. I know people who are very wise and I often look at them and think I wish I were as wise as you.

The Foolish: One without understanding or with an unwillingness to use ones mind to understand. “Not having a mind.” This group is the exact opposite of the wise group. 

Do you know anyone that fits this group? I know I do and sometimes they drive me crazy! My mind screams, ” Why don’t you get up and do something to make your life better?” Use the knowledge God has given you to make better decisions! Not my favored group.

If Paul is under obligation to this group of people, I must be too!

What Debt Do I Owe?

We know from the definition of being, “Under Obligation” we owe a debt and are bound by a duty to pay this debt. I believe Paul understood this obligation without question. My prayer is for me and you to know this truth as well as the Apostle Paul did.  If your mind works like mine does, right now you are probable thinking, “Paul was an apostle sent by God for a specific task. He was equipped by the grace of God to preach and teach to all people. Paul was a Super apostle.” You would be correct in your observation of Paul but you and I are called, and equipped with the same grace as Paul. Our calling in our own place of the world is no less important than that of Paul’s. 

Do you remember who Paul once was? The following Scripture references give us in site into his before:

1. He gave hearty approval of putting Stephen to death. {Acts 8:1}
2. He ravaged the church, entering house to house, dragging off men and women putting them in prison. {Acts 8:3}
3. He threatened murder against the disciples. {Acts 9:1}
4. He persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it.{Galatians 1:13}

These descriptions may not apply to you and me but the following do. They also included the Apostle Paul.

1. For we once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. {Titus 3:3}
2. Formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. {Ephesians 1:3}
3. There was no fear of God before our eyes. {Romans 3:18}

But God:

“Being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:4-6 

The debt I owe to all the nations, the groups of people that we discussed earlier, is to teach them that they are dead in their trespasses and sins. They are under the wrath of God just as we were. And, GOD SENT HIS ONE AND ONLY SON TO DIE FOR OUR SINS! He has made a way back to Himself!

God is no respecter of persons. We cannot be either. The way we look at each of these people groups; The Greeks, The Barbarians, The Wise and the Foolish (every human being can be categorized in one of these groups of people) will effect our desire to go or NOT GO! Remember I said earlier I would like to be in this group but not in that group. I believe that affects my witness. I owe every single person who God puts me in my little corner of the world an explanation of what He has done in and for me through His son Jesus Christ! That is the debt I owe!

Am I Eager and unashamed to Preach the Gospel?

Paul says, “For his part, he was eager and unashamed to preach the gospel to those in Rome.” He considers himself to have a part in preaching the gospel. And not only that, he is eager and unashamed of the gospel! What does it mean to be eager? What does it mean to be unashamed?

Eager: Is a willingness and a readiness with passion (in this context) to Go into the world with the gospel. It is a Ready, Willing and Able Attitude!

ashamed: Is being embarrassed, being afraid, feeling shame, being reluctant. There is a fear of being humiliated, there is lack or courage.

Unashamed would be the exact opposite;  not embarrassed, would not be afraid, would be bold and courages.

Which of the above definitions describes you and me? I can tell you it is real easy to write these words and definitions but quit the opposite to walk them out. It is real easy to preach and teach the gospel behind the closed doors of my home but quit the opposite when the doors come open and I walk into that great big world. There are people out there ready to devour me. They may laugh at me, worse than that they may not allow me to fit into their group. Think about the apostle Paul. He was imprisoned, beaten, mocked… and he was still eager and unashamed to go.

Remember the words of God to Joshua,

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courages! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Let’s go today into the world ready,willing, able, eager, and unashamed of the gospel!

Are you interested in our Romans Bible Study? Follow this link to learn more and subscribe: The Good News of Grace, Truth, and Redemption.