“…I glory in Christ Jesus…” Romans 15:17

Recognizing the Roman Christians as competent to instruct each other (v.14), Paul admitted he had written boldly on certain things to remind them they were God’s people. He wasn’t nagging them about wrong living as much as pointing them to right living, which was his priestly duty (vv. 15 – 16). Paul was concerned with both what they believed AND how they behaved, for the two go hand in hand.

Paul then explained how God had dispensed through him the grace to proclaim Christ to the Gentiles. In fact, it was that calling in which he declared, “I glory in Christ Jesus”. (v.17) In other words, Paul’s passion was all about preaching Christ to others. He even qualified the calling by dedicating it exclusively to the Gentiles who would be sanctified by the Holy Spirit as an acceptable offering to God (vv. 16 – 17). He articulated it this way:

“…I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ. It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.” (vv. 19 - 20)

Again, drawing from the sacred texts, Paul cited Isaiah’s words:

“Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.” (Isaiah 52:15)

Paul was so committed to this calling of preaching to Gentiles that it had prevented him from visiting the church at Rome. He promised to visit them on his missionary trip to Spain (vv. 22 – 24). He wasn’t one to just count the number of converts. He was truly interested in their spiritual development… to be more like Christ!

How are we to ‘glory in Christ Jesus’? Paul’s passion was found in preaching to those who had never heard the gospel of Christ. In what ways can the message of Christ be sown in the passion of your life? Some people are passionate about hunting and fishing. Could the food from those endeavors be given to the poor along with an invitation to come hear about the Savior at church? Could those whose passion is business find a way to help the less fortunate start a business while pointing them to Christ? Do you see my point? Our passions would all lead to the same bold declaration:

“I glory in Christ Jesus!”

Have a blessed day…