14I am debtor both to Greeks and to Barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish.
15So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you also that are in Rome.
16For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17For therein is revealed a righteousness of God from faith unto faith: as it is written, But the righteous shall live by faith. (Romans 1)
God is The I AM.
Paul also had a few I am’s to share with us.
In verse 14, Paul is a debtor/slave to the world because he is a bondservant of Jesus Christ. He was bought with the blood of Jesus, just as we are, and committed to sharing that Good News with the world.
I am challenged to do the same.
I am challenged to understand that Jesus Christ is my Master and He is bound to provide everything I need to serve Him. That’s the Master/slave relationship.
I am challenged to love as He loves.
In verse 15, Paul is ready to preach the gospel. Eager even.
I am challenged to be ready and eager to share that same gospel.
In verse 16, Paul is not ashamed of The Gospel. He has experienced it and he knows it’s power.
I am challenged to not be ashamed of Jesus Christ and His righteousness.
The more time I spend with Jesus in His Word, the more natural these I AM’s become. The more I know Him, the easier it is to talk about Him and follow Him and want to be like Him. The more time I spend with Him, the more time I want to spend with Him. That’s the way it is with friends.
Paul knew Him, therefore Paul was a servant to Him and his neighbor; Paul was eager to tell the world about Him; Paul was not ashamed of Him. It just occurred to me that Paul may have wanted to say, “I am proud to be a servant of Jesus Christ,” but he didn’t want anyone to think of him as being prideful, so he said, “I am not ashamed.” God revealed to Paul, also, that people would be ashamed of Jesus Christ… because they don’t know Him.
I have accepted a challenge to read one chapter in the book of Mark for sixteen days in March. Join me?
[Romans 1:14-16 was the text for Don’s message this morning.]
Hear It on Sunday, Use It on Monday: Judgment Day
by Michelle DeRusha
2 comments:
You know what, you have enlightened me so much with this post LaVon! I am familiar with Jesus' "I am" statements in John, and with God's I AM statement in Exodus...but I have noticed the many, many "I am" statements by Paul, too. Thank you for illuminating yet another aspect the Bible that until now has gone unnoticed by me.
And thanks for linking up to the community member-- so fun to have a family member (!) there! ;)
Paul had such faith and conviction - I'm sure he would have enjoyed your 'I am' stiring post!
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