Whether it was conviction or conversion, we know that Saul wholly embraced the Gospel of Christ. As a well-learned man, he followed up his visits with letters known now as the Epistles. He wasn’t the only one, but by far, the most prolific. Several of the epistles are written by/attributed to him, a testimony of God’s grace and mercy. We can read his story as encouragement that those for whom we pray. Or we can see his story as an invitation to do likewise, following the Great Commission of Matthew 28:18-20. Let’s consider Today’s Holy Nougat.
Romans 1:14-15 AMP
[14] I have a duty to perform and a debt to pay both to Greeks and to barbarians [the cultured and the uncultured], both to the wise and to the foolish.
[15] So, for my part, I am ready and eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome.
A Duty to Perform
One of the marks of Saul’s change was his new self-understanding. He knew that his transformation was not solely for his salvation. For Saul-Paul, it was also an invitation to proclaim the Gospel. His audience? Judea, Jerusalem, and the outermost parts of the earth (see Acts 1:8). His outermost included Rome.
We will recall that Rome became his base of operating, especially while under house arrest. Our Nougat was written to the Roman Christians on one of the missionary journeys. The epistle to the Romans remains one of the most profound, as it outlines the tenets of the faith for fledgling and mature believers. It also holds proof of Paul’s transformation.
Self-Check
Where do we think God selected for our outermost parts? Where/What proof is there of our transformation?
Application
Saul saw his new calling as duty and debt. Duty, because it was now his responsibility to evangelise others. Debt, in response to God’s Damascus Road rescue, saving Saul from self-destruction. Note, however, Saul’s debt is to God and extended to all people of all social categories.
We also owe a duty and debt to God. As professing Christians (followers of Christ), it is not au fait for us to sit on our salvation. Conviction and conversion are intended to be contagious! With all the fear and uncertainty surrounding us these days, seeking to say nothing is not an option. Being light-bearers wherever we go is an imperative. And the Light to which I’m referring is the light of Christ (see Matthew 5). Let’s not be found burning the house down because our light was placed under a bushel!
Point to Ponder
Siblings, our Self-Check is also our Point to Ponder. We must ensure that our testimony is visible and audible for the world… in deed and word. It is equally important that we discern where, when, and to whom, God desires us to share the good news of salvation.
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May all we seek be found in Christ
