What does "obligated" in Romans 1:14 teach about our duty to evangelize? Romans 1:14 — Our Standing as Debtors “I am obligated both to Greeks and barbarians, both to the wise and the foolish.” Paul’s word “obligated” (Greek ὀφειλέτης, “debtor”) pictures a bill that must be paid. The gospel has so enriched us that we now owe its riches to everyone else. What Kind of Debt? • Not money, but the life–giving message of Christ • Not optional philanthropy, but a binding responsibility • Not limited to friendly audiences—Paul names “Greeks and barbarians, wise and foolish” to sweep in every culture, class, and intellect Why the Debt Falls on Every Believer • We received pardon we could never earn (Romans 5:6–8) • Christ purchased us for His mission (1 Corinthians 6:19–20) • The great commission is given to all disciples (Matthew 28:18–20) • God “has committed to us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18–20) Scripture Echoes of This Obligation • 1 Corinthians 9:16 — “For if I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am compelled to do so. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” • Romans 13:8 — “Owe no one anything, except to love one another.” Evangelism is love paying its debt. • 2 Kings 7:9 — The lepers who discovered abundance said, “We are not doing right… let us go and tell,” modeling gospel urgency. • Ezekiel 33:8–9 — The watchman must warn; silence makes him guilty of blood. How the Debt Shapes Daily Life • Pray for open doors and boldness (Colossians 4:2–4) • Initiate conversations that bridge to Christ—across cultures, generations, and personalities • Support missions and church outreach with time, gifts, and finances • Live consistently, so the message is not discredited (Philippians 1:27) • Equip yourself: study Scripture, learn to explain the gospel clearly, rehearse your testimony Encouragement When the Task Feels Overwhelming • Provision accompanies obligation—“I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16) • The Holy Spirit empowers witness (Acts 1:8) • Results rest with God (1 Corinthians 3:6–7); our duty is faithfulness, not scoreboard Seeing ourselves as debtors reframes evangelism. It is not a hobby for the gifted but a stewardship for the forgiven—an outstanding bill of love that compels us to carry the good news to every person God places in our path. |
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