Romans 1_14_17 A message for the entire world

Text: Romans 1:14-17

Title: A message for the whole world

Intro: Fritz Kreisler (1875–1962), the world-famous violinist, earned a fortune with his concerts and compositions, but he generously gave most of it away. So, when he discovered an exquisite violin on one of his trips, he wasn’t able to buy it. Later, having raised enough money to meet the asking price, he returned to the seller, hoping to purchase that beautiful instrument. But to his great dismay it had been sold to a collector. Kreisler made his way to the new owner’s home and offered to buy the violin. The collector said it had become his prized possession and he would not sell it. Keenly disappointed, Kreisler was about to leave when he had an idea. “Could I play the instrument once more before it is consigned to silence?” he asked. Permission was granted, and the great virtuoso filled the room with such heart-moving music that the collector’s emotions were deeply stirred. “I have no right to keep that to myself,” he exclaimed. “It’s yours, Mr. Kreisler. Take it into the world, and let people hear it.

Paul understood the need for the Gospel to be taken into the all world for all to hear because by it alone can sin be cured.

CPS: The world is in need of the Gospel and each Christian has an obligation to proclaim the life saving message of Jesus the Christ.

The message of the gospel will reach the entire world when we understand that we are in debt to proclaim it. (vs. 14)

He felt he owed a great gospel debt to every sinner (2 kings 7:9), why? Because he was Christs servant of Christ. This is a debt that we cannot repay, such a debt that Christ paid it for us but we must serve Him.

Debtor (noun) metaphorically under obligation to preach the Gospel

Greeks and Barbarians – The whole human race from the Greek point of view all sinners

ILL: Walking down the beach with a rescue buoy

There is a world full of drowning people

The message of the gospel will reach the entire world when we stand ready to proclaim it (vs. 15)

The use of “ready” shows this obligation was not a burden he must bear nor a duty he must carry out but one that he was “eager” to fulfill.

Paul preached at Jerusalem (The religious center of the World) and was mobbed

(Acts 21:31; 22:22-23)

Paul preached at Athens (The intellectual center of the World) and was mocked (Acts 17:32)

Paul preached at Rome (the political center of the world) where he would be martyred (2 Tim 4:6)

The message of the gospel will reach the entire world when we are not ashamed to proclaim it. (vs. 16-17)

Paul’s confidence is in the gospel. Paul understood the Gospel would never let him down or put him to shame. He understood that is the remedy for sin sickness and in it righteousness is revealed.

Ashamed – Not shameful