How does Romans 15:17 inspire confidence in sharing the Gospel today? Verse in focus “Therefore I exult in Christ Jesus in my service to God.” (Romans 15:17) What Paul is saying—plain and powerful • “Exult” means to boast, glory, rejoice. • The boasting is “in Christ Jesus,” never in Paul’s own skill. • Paul reviews what God has done through him (vv. 18-19) and credits Christ alone. • Because Christ is the One working, Paul is confident and joyful in ministry. How this breeds confidence for sharing the Gospel today 1. Source of confidence • Our credibility rests in Christ’s finished work (John 19:30). • We serve the One who holds “all authority in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). 2. Sufficiency of the message • The Gospel is “the power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16). • No upgrades or embellishments are needed. 3. Strength supplied by God, not self • “Our competence comes from God” (2 Corinthians 3:5-6). • “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). 4. Security in results • God’s Word “will not return to Me void” (Isaiah 55:11). • He gives the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6-7), freeing us from anxiety. 5. Scriptural certainty • Because Scripture is accurate and true, every promise about the Gospel’s power stands unshaken (Psalm 119:89). Linked verses that echo the same heartbeat • 2 Corinthians 10:17 – “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” • Galatians 6:14 – “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” • 1 Peter 3:15 – “Always be ready to give a defense… yet with gentleness and respect.” • 2 Timothy 1:7-8 – God gives “power, love, and self-control,” so “do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord.” Putting it into practice • Pray before speaking, asking Christ to work through you. • Share what Christ has personally done—your testimony exults in Him. • Keep Scripture central; let God’s Word carry the weight. • Trust God for results; focus on faithfulness, not outcomes. • Celebrate every opportunity as proof that Christ is still drawing people to Himself. Encouraging takeaway If Paul, once a persecutor, could freely boast in Christ, so can we. Confidence is not measured by personality or eloquence but by the greatness of the Savior we proclaim. Exult in Him and speak—the same Christ who empowered Paul empowers you today. |
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