How can we practically fulfill our obligation to "Greeks and non-Greeks" today? Setting the Scene: Romans 1:14 in Context “I am obligated both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish.” Paul speaks of a real debt he owes—because Christ saved him, he must freely give the gospel to every kind of person. The obligation still rests on every believer. What the Obligation Means • A gospel debt: salvation was given to us without charge; we now “owe” the good news to others (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:16). • Universal reach: “Greeks” stood for the cultured, “barbarians” for those outside that circle. Paul lumps in “wise” and “foolish” to show no one is excluded. • Not optional: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). The Great Commission is the practical outworking of Romans 1:14. Seeing “Greeks and Non-Greeks” in Today’s World • Educated and uneducated • Urban professionals and rural laborers • Local neighbors and overseas tribes • Digital natives and those with no internet access • Friendly listeners and hostile skeptics All are on the same footing before the cross (Galatians 3:28). Practical Steps for Everyday Believers 1. Reach through our words • Speak the gospel plainly (1 Corinthians 2:2). • Adapt language without diluting truth (1 Corinthians 9:22). • Keep a ready answer: “Always be prepared… yet with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). • Use digital platforms, letters, texts, or face-to-face conversations—wherever people actually listen. 2. Reach through our actions • Serve practical needs: food drives, tutoring, medical clinics (James 2:14-17). • Cross cultural lines intentionally—share a meal, learn a new language, respect customs (Acts 17:23). • Live transparently so works back up words (Matthew 5:16). • Practice hospitality; invite outsiders inside (Romans 12:13). 3. Reach through our resources • Support missionaries, translators, and church planters (Philippians 4:15-16). • Fund Bible distribution and audio resources for oral cultures. • Give time: volunteer with refugee ministries, prison outreach, campus groups. • Leverage professional skills (medicine, teaching, business) for kingdom purposes. 4. Reach through ongoing discipleship • Mentor new believers, teaching them “to obey everything I have commanded” (Matthew 28:20). • Form small groups that welcome diverse backgrounds. • Equip others to repeat the cycle, multiplying the witness (2 Timothy 2:2). Drawing Strength from Scripture • 2 Corinthians 5:18-20—ambassadors of reconciliation • Mark 16:15—“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” • Colossians 4:5-6—walk in wisdom toward outsiders, speech seasoned with salt • Acts 1:8—Spirit-empowered witness “to the ends of the earth” Keeping the Gospel Central Culture-bridging methods will change, but the message never does: Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). As long as that proclamation rings clearly, our obligation to both “Greeks and non-Greeks” is being joyfully paid. |
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