The gospel is meant to be shared. There are about 200 million people in the world today with no Scripture in their language. There are city streets around you teeming with young men and women who are wandering in a moral and spiritual wasteland, many ignorant of the truth of the gospel. There are countries where evangelists cannot physically keep up with the number of open doors for the gospel. There are homes not far from you that haven’t received a tract or an invitation in a generation. There are countries where Christian witness is weak and small, and in great need of reinforcement. There are children growing up in our neighborhoods unaware of sin and Jesus Christ. The gospel that has been such a blessing to you is intended to be shared with them also. “As it is written, “To whom He was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand” (Rom 15:21).
In the Epistle to the Romans, the gospel is intended to be understood and received by faith. It is intended to change the people who receive it. And it is intended to be shared. Believers have died to sin and have received the Holy Spirit to enable them to live a life that pleases God. They pursue a life of love and holiness. And they become a testimony and witness to the gospel of Christ.
As a Biblical priest, you are to bring sacrifices and offerings. We considered one aspect of this last month – your body, as a living sacrifice unto God. But did you know you can also offer other people to God? Now don’t get any strange ideas! But notice that evangelism is also “the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit” (Rom 15:16).
The Spirit directed Paul to write Romans so believers there might be united in their understanding of the gospel, and, thus, united in their Christian testimony. “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom 15:5-6 ESV). Then, Rome could be an effective base for him as he launched further west with the gospel into Spain. For about a decade, the Apostle had intensely evangelized a broad region of the Roman world. In many cities, the gospel was preached and churches were established. And now, he just wanted to do it over and over and over again. So should we.
Christ came so that “that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy” (Rom 15:8-9). The nations are awaiting Christians like you to share the gospel with them. “As it is written, “To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand” (Rom 15:21).
