“Through him and for his name’s sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith.”

Romans 1:5
As a pastor, I find that people often argue over motives. More precisely, they argue because they assume they know what the other party’s motives are. The truth is, it is almost impossible to know what another person’s motives are. Why did the Apostle Paul put his life on the line again and again by proclaiming the gospel when he could have had much easier circumstances by just keeping his mouth shut? We don’t have to guess; Romans 1:5 says it was for the sake of the name of Jesus.
Because Paul had received grace from God through faith in Christ, he willingly transitioned from being a leader to a servant. His life goal was to make Jesus famous. Even if it cost him his life, he would tell everyone that Jesus had done everything necessary to make us right with God.
People and nations are capable of doing amazing things as well as atrocious things to defend their reputations. We all have a tendency to defend our name at just about any cost. Will you step outside of your comfort zone to tell someone about Jesus’ name today?



Scripture Focus

Romans 1:1-6

Insight

“the Cross before me the world behind…/not to us, but to your name be the glory.” (Chris Tomlin, 2002)

Bible In A Year

  • Genesis 24
  • Psalm 12
  • Matthew 19-20

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