God Is My Witness
Romans 1:8-15
A. Paul was writing with appreciation to people who had already made an impact for the gospel; the Romans were evidence of Providential interest in Paul’s work. “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.” (Romans 1:8)
B. Trace everything which occurs to its origin in the divine plan; the course of history moves according to Providence rather than chance. “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;” (Ephesians 5:20)
C. Christians need to understand that they are always representing God to the world. “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:11) “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20)
D. Paul was committed to Jesus’ mission mandate. “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” (Matthew 24:14)
E. The deeply doctrinal Letter to the Romans is a theological application of the Great Commission; there is no division between doctrine and evangelism. “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
A. Preaching, evangelism, in fact all of Christian living, begins in prayer. “For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;” (Romans 1:9)
B. Doctrine, character, and prayer form a powerful cord to draw people to the gospel; the Book of Romans is reinforced with Paul’s prayers and his faithful example. “For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:” (1 Thessalonians 2:5-10) “And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12)
C. Paul cared more about the spiritual welfare of the Romans than about anything of his own; he wanted them to prosper in things of eternal value. “Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;” (Romans 1:10-11)
D. Grace spills over from one believer to another with benefits for everyone. “That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.” (Romans 1:12)
A. A believer must want outsiders to enter the family of God. “Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.” (Romans 1:13)
B. Christians draw strength in the faith from everyone they encounter, not just from established Christians who can support them. “I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.” (Romans 1:14) “For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.” (2 Corinthians 8:12)
C. What follows is the missionary message; not just doctrinal information. “So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.” (Romans 1:15) “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” (Isaiah 6:8)