“A HOLY HARVEST”
Romans 1:13-14
- A devotional Bible Study by Rev. Don Schink, © 2010
Romans 1:13-14
- A devotional Bible Study by Rev. Don Schink, © 2010
Verse #13:
“I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among other Gentiles.”
Paul’s continued concern for reaching the lost is clear. He not only wants them to be informed, but Paul’s concern for a spiritual harvest among them is clear, also. He had planned to visit them many times before, but was unable to do so. God had other plans for him. The time hadn’t been right previously.
Paul is a great example of one who is sensitive to God’s providence. He was obedient to God’s directives. God’s will is seen as more important than Paul’s own desires, even with the best of intentions.
There were times when Paul was “forbidden by the Holy Spirit” to speak the word in a certain place, only to be redirected to another assignment. In the process of Paul’s being led to minister in Macedonia, in Acts 16:6-10, we read, “Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phyrgia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. (7) When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bythynia , but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. (8) So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. (9) During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia, standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” (10) After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.” God had been preparing hearts to be receptive of the gospel in Macedonia. So that is where they went. That was the Holy Spirit’s leading for them for that day and time. They would go other places later, including Paul’s finally going to Rome.
Many times, I’ve seen and heard people do and say things that were obviously of their own will, not God’s, as there was no evidence of prayerful seeking or fruit. We need to be careful that we don’t get ahead of the Lord. Had Paul not obeyed the Spirit, He would have missed effective and fruitful ministry. It’s the same with you and me, today.
Verse #14:
“I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish.”
Paul is obligated to share with all without prejudice. If we are truly set apart and sent by God in ministry, each of us are under obligation to share the gospel with others in the same measure that we’ve received it. So there is an eagerness to share the good news of Jesus Christ anywhere that God may lead us to do so.
Paul was profoundly and gratefully indebted to the Lord Jesus Christ for saving him on the road to Damascus and for his subsequent calling. He was more than happy to share this same salvation that he’d received as a precious gift. He felt compelled to share it wherever and with whomever the Lord allowed him to do so.
For questions and comments, please email me at: PastorDonNM@gmail.com
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