Obligation

S-Romans 1

S-"For I have a great sense of obligation to people in our culture and to people in other cultures, to the educated and uneducated alike. So I am eager to come to you in Rome, too, to preach God's Good News." Romans 1:14-15

A-Our obligation to Christ

L-Paul's Obligation-Our Obligation

    * Why did Paul feel obligated to people everywhere?
           
             Because, just like Christ saved and rescued him, he too wanted to save and rescue others from the death trap of sin, by sharing the Good News about Jesus Christ.

      *In verse 16 of chapter 1 Paul goes on to tell us why he so desperately wanted to go see the Christians in Rome and even gives us insight to our obligation to Christ as well.

    "For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes-Jews first and also Gentiles. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. this is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, 'It is through faith that a righteous person has life.'" Romans 1:16-17

We need to remember that the first part of Romans Paul's intentions were to share with the Christians in Rome what they needed to believe, and that was that Christ, the Son of God came as a man, died for our sins and was powerfully raised from the dead. Therefore it is through faith in Him that we are saved.

Secondly we need to remember when this calling on Paul's life began. If you remember from the book of Acts Paul, then Saul was headed to Damascus ready to arrest Christians and take them back to Jerusalem in chains when the Lord got a hold of him, beamed a bright light upon him and asked, "Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?" Upon Saul's reply, 'Who are you sir? And Jesus replied, I am Jesus the one you are persecuting! Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you are to do."  Acts 9:1-6(My Paraphrase)

Saul got up to find that he was blind and he remained blind for the next three days.

I like this part because Saul had to be led to Damascus by his companions. He needed help! To me this began Paul's suffering and dependence on Jesus.  There is so much depth in this passage.

Further on as we go, we see God's calling on Paul's life and when his obligation to the Lord and people everywhere began. "But the Lord said, 'Go and do what I say. For Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. And I will show him how much he must suffer for me." Acts 9:15-16

Why is it important for us to know this?

         * Because just like Paul, we too have been called and have an obligation to the Lord and others. It's called the Great Commission.

                      -"Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20

S-So today, how can we begin to fulfill this Great commission and obligation we have? How can you share with others what Christ has done for you and for them? Share the Good News with someone today.