Unlimited: Obligated to All
Apr 7, 2022 1710
I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish (Romans 1:14).
Here the apostle Paul says what to us seems to be a very strange thing. He says that he is a debtor to all. The word translated here “obligated” literally means that he owes a debt.
We don’t like having debts of any kind. We don’t like owing anyone anything. However, Paul’s debt isn’t one that brings him misery and despair. Paul’s debt fires his life with passion and purpose. The debt that Paul has is that he owes it to everyone to share the Gospel about Jesus with them.
Paul says he is obligated – he owes a debt that fires his life with passion and purpose.
This debt comes about for Paul because of what he knows he owes God for the grace and the salvation that he has received. While Paul knows that he will never be able to repay this debt to God, he also knows that he can live the rest of his life in such a way that brings glory to God. And because Paul knows what the Cross cost God for the salvation of sinners, he wants to bring glory to God by announcing the Good News of the Cross. In this way, Paul considers himself in the debt of everyone he meets.
For Paul, telling others about Jesus wasn’t a burdensome obligation. It wasn’t an awkward or embarrassing endeavour. When Paul told someone about Jesus, he was joyfully repaying the debt he owed them. He was doing them a favour – the greatest favour of all.
Spiritual Application
Think of someone you know who needs to know how great Jesus is. What are the things that are stopping you from sharing Jesus with them? Do them a favour and tell them about Jesus. Make a firm plan to do it this week.
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