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  ONE MAN'S TESTIMONY
  by Theodore Epp
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Summary: The sermon emphasizes the importance of being a debtor to the
Gospel, being ready to share the message, and being unashamed of the
Gospel, as exemplified by Paul's testimony in Romans 1:13-17.

Topics: "Obligation to Share the Gospel", "Readiness in Faith"
Scripture References: Romans 1:14

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DESCRIPTION
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Theodore Epp emphasizes Paul's testimony in Romans 1:13-17, where Paul
expresses his sense of obligation, readiness, and lack of shame
regarding the Gospel. Epp highlights that as believers reconciled
through Christ, we have a duty to share the message of reconciliation
with others. He stresses the importance of being mentally prepared to
fulfill God's will and the significance of standing firm in our faith
without shame. Ultimately, our faithfulness in this ministry will be a
key aspect when we stand before Christ.

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CONTENT
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Romans 1:13-17

In Romans 1:14-16 Paul made three significant statements about himself.
First, he said, "I am debtor" (v. 14). He realized he had an obligation
because he had seen the truth concerning Jesus Christ. Those of us who
have been reconciled to God through the blood of Jesus Christ have a
ministry of reconciliation--we have an obligation to take the message to
others (see 2 Cor. 5:18-20). When we stand before Christ to give
account, our faithfulness to this type of ministry will no doubt be one
of the chief concerns.

Second, Paul stated, "I am ready" (Rom. 1:15). It's one thing to sense
an obligation and even to be willing, but it is another thing to be
ready. Readiness involves a mental attitude--putting ourselves at God's
disposal to do His will.

Third, Paul said, "I am not ashamed" (v. 16). He was not ashamed of the
Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is a clear and strong reference to the
great doctrine that the Holy Spirit, through Paul, established by
irrefutable logic in the succeeding chapters of Romans; that is, the
doctrine of justification by faith. Or one may simply call it the
doctrine of salvation by grace.

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give
an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in
you with meekness and fear" (1 Pet. 3:15).

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/theodore-epp/one-mans-testimony/
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