Written by: John Sernaque
Call to Worship
Romans 1:14
1:14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.
Debtor Through Accepting Christ—
In what sense was Paul debtor both to the Jew and to the Greek? To him had been given the commission, as it is given to every disciple of Christ, “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.” In accepting Christ, Paul accepted this commission. He realized that upon him rested the obligation of laboring for all classes of men—for Jew and Gentile, learned and unlearned, for those occupying high positions and for those in the most lowly walks of life (Letter 262, 1903). {6BC 1067.4}
Paul faced many challenges as an apostle for Christ. He was attacked from all sides, from without and even from within. However, it did not stop him from testifying of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ Jesus. Even when knowing the mob wanted to put him to death, he continued marching forward proclaiming the everlasting gospel. Paul did not discriminate as to who he witnessed to, whether Jew or Gentile, rich or poor, wise or unwise. This is our commission today as it was for Paul in his day. We also have the same promise from Christ that He is always with us, even unto the end of the world.
Dear God,
We thank You for commissioning us, Your children, to be witnesses of how You saved the world. This You did for all, Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor, wise and unwise. Help us to labor for all classes of men, as did Paul. Your love for all is one of Your character traits for all to adapt. We pray to receive Your character, to be like You in every way. We thank You for Your promise that You will be with us always, even to the end of the world. We confess and repent of our sins and pray for Your forgiveness. Save us, dear Lord, in the name of Christ Jesus we pray. Amen.
