A Debtor

A Debtor

(Romans 1:11-15)

The faith of a Christian is the faith to give—a faith that gives everything, as a mother gives to her child! This was also the very heart the Apostle Paul had toward the saints in the church at Rome.

1. The Reason to Give Oneself
Paul desired to visit Rome so that the believers there might bear fruit. This fruit meant revealing the fruit of the Holy Spirit, turning away from sin to live holy lives, and saving and nurturing more souls. Some regard their increasing abilities and firm standing as the fruit of their work, but true Christians bear fruit for the Lord and bear fruit by being used by the Lord. They do not find their reward in what they themselves have accomplished, but in the spiritual growth and fruit of the souls they serve.

2. The Reason Not to Turn Away
Of course, ministry itself brings a reward of delight. However, when things do not go as we desire, there may come moments of sorrow, weariness, and frustration. Even then, we cannot run away. For we are debtors to God. Because of this debt, we have become servants of Christ. A servant cannot do as he pleases. A servant who serves only when he wishes is not a true servant. Such a person bears no thought of repaying his debt and treats his master as if he were a stranger.

3. The Reason Not to Stop
The Apostle Paul knew that he was a debtor to God. Appointed as an apostle to the Gentiles, he fulfilled that responsibility faithfully. He also knew he was a debtor before the souls he was called to serve. Not wanting to disappoint the Lord who had shed His blood for them, he carried out his ministry without yielding to any hardship or persecution. We, too, were once those who brought sorrow to the Lord. Yet now, we are debtors in every work through which the Lord uses us. Until the day we depart from this earth, there remains work to be done—to never forget the debt we owe.

Overseer Sung-Hyun Kim