FAITH: Comes by Hearing the Word of God
Romans 1:15: So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.
FAITH: Comes by Studying the Word of God
Paul sees himself as a man who cannot rest until every gospel cent is paid to every Gentile creditor. That is why he wants to go to Rome, then Spain. His debt is to God, but the payment is to men. Hudson Taylor, realized this, as was seen when it was suggested by someone that he had given his life to the Orient because he loved the Chinese. To this he shook his head and answered thoughtfully, “No, not because I loved the Chinese, but because I loved God.” What a freshness would come to our motivation if we saw ourselves as great debtors to our neighbors, our community, our city—to the poor as well as the rich. This kind of indebtedness might even make us run the risk of appearing a fool by telling a deluded sinner we will pray for him. 1
FAITH: Comes by Obeying the Word of God
Pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:38
Jesus, thank You for saving me and thank You for sending me to tell the world the great news. Jesus Christ has come to redeem us from the power and the penalty of sin. Help me “to see myself as a great debtor to my neighbor and beyond.” I am praying for that freshness of motivation. Make me Your missionary to my world!
FAITH: Comes by Experiencing the Transforming Work of God
Fresh motivation comes when stale service is confronted as unloving to God.
FAITH: Comes by Praying with the Word of God
Paul answered, “For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 21:13
Dear Father, break my stubborn will, so I can do Your glorious will…in Jesus name. Amen.
1. Hughes, R. K. (1991). Romans: righteousness from heaven (p. 26). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
