Romans 15:18-19 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not worked by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,… I. IN WHAT LIGHT IS THE GOSPEL TO BE PREACHED BY ITS MINISTERS. Surely in the same in which it was preached by the apostle, viz. — 1. As it reveals the ground of a sinner's acceptance with God. 2. As it furnishes the only perfect rule of moral conduct, and the only efficient motive, love. 3. As it unveils the mysteries of a future state. II. HOW THE APOSTLE PREACHED THE GOSPEL. 1. Fully. He shunned not to declare the whole counsel of God; he instructed, exhorted, and warned that they might grow in grace in the knowledge of Christ (Acts 20:20). The gospel should be thus fully preached. (1) Because it is connected with the spiritual and eternal interests of the hearers. A physician would be considered in the last degree criminal who trifled with his patient; but the gospel minister is charged with the cure of souls. (2) Because failure here will contract awful guilt upon the preacher (Ezekiel 3:17-21). 2. Extensively. Paul carried it from Jerusalem to Illyricum. He was not weary in well-doing, but continued active and diligent to the end. "The glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together." But how many places are there yet destitute of sufficient means of grace! This, then, is a call upon our zealous exertions.Conclusion: Note — 1. That natural and acquired talents may be efficiently employed in promoting the cause of religion. This is well illustrated in the case of Paul. What are the talents God has entrusted to you? Wealth? Influence? Zeal? Use them all for God. 2. The gospel is worthy of all acceptation. (D. Jones.) Parallel Verses KJV: For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, |
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