Romans 1:1-6, Call for Witnesses

Romans 1:1-6 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) 3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: 5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: 6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:

Paul exhorts the believers in Rome to be witnesses for Christ for they too are “the called of Jesus Christ”. They too, like Paul, are called to faith and obedience. He reminded them of their common mission to reach out to the nations with the gospel beginning in their home city of Rome and extending their outreach beyond to the uttermost part of the Roman Empire.

The gospel work is not the exclusive responsibility of full time ministers of the gospel but the responsibility of all believers. We are to jolt the people in our sphere of influence to the blessings of life with God. By the way we live out our faith and our obedience to God’s Word, we become light and salt to the world. It is a glorious calling. We are the only privileged people with the message of salvation that “Only Jesus Saves”. If we will not tell it, who will? But if our lives are not lived in faith and obedience, we become a stumbling block to the gospel. God forbid that we bring shame to His name. Rather, may God help us to be a shining witness for Him.

Jesus bids us shine, with a clear, pure light,

Like a little candle burning in the night;

In the world of darkness we must shine,

You in your small corner, and I in mine.

Indeed, individually, our influence may be small. But do not despise the one good thing that you can do for Jesus today. It is precious in His sight.

Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Mark 9:41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.

May the Lord encourage your heart to be a blessing for someone today. Amen.