Sense of Obligation!

What Paul had received, he was powerfully COMPELLED TO SHARE. In his deep appreciation for the grace of God and the hope of salvation he had received, Paul felt a necessity TO SHARE the message, even saying, “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” ( 1 Corinthians 9:16 ESV)

To the church at Rome he stated…
“(14) I am UNDER OBLIGATION both TO GREEKS and to BARBARIANS, both to the WISE and to the FOOLISH. (15) So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.” ( Romans 1:14-15 ESV)

“Under obligation.” The word translated “obligation” in this passage is from the Greek “opheiletes”, which refers to one who owes another something (especially money), thus implying being under the personal obligation of a debt.

Note also Paul’s attitude as expressed in his letter to the church at Corinth.
“For though I am free from all, I have made myself A SERVANT TO ALL, THAT I MIGHT WIN MORE OF THEM.” ( 1 Corinthians 9:19 ESV)

The word Paul used translated “servant” in this verse could be better rendered “slave” or “bondservant.” It was to that degree Paul was COMPELLED TO SHARE the hope of salvation with others.

It was not that Paul could ever repay the debt lifted from him by God. He referred to himself as the worst or foremost of sinners ( 1 Timothy 1:15-16) as he encouraged others regarding the adequacy of God’s grace to deal with sin. Paul probably felt like the debtor in Christ’s parable ( Matthew 18:23-34) who had a debt forgiven that could never have been repaid. However, unlike that unmerciful servant, Paul, having accepted God’s mercy, extended the mercy he had received to others by SHARING the message of hope in Christ with all whom he was brought into contact.

Paul went on to state…
“I do it all for the sake of the gospel that I MAY SHARE WITH THEM IN ITS BLESSINGS.” ( 1 Corinthians 9:23 ESV)

How COMPELLED TO SHARE are we? I know I must be more diligent. How about you? May we recognize the great blessing of salvation that is ours in Christ with such a sense of appreciation that we too will be COMPELLED TO SHARE the message of the magnanimous grace of God with those around us.

Have a great day RECOGNIZING OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO REACH OTHERS!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Responsibility