ROMANS 1:15

“So, for my part, I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.”

Boy, this verse hits home with me. I love to preach God’s Word. I still remember when I preached my very first sermon at Harmony Baptist Church back in 1978. I was dating someone who attended there and was asked to preach at their Youth Sunday service. I was so nervous. I flew through my message in probably about fifteen minutes (no one ever complains about a short sermon, by the way). I just spoke from my heart. I had no training, no theological classes – just God’s Word that was fresh on my heart as a relatively new believer in Christ.

That eagerness, that zeal, that excitement hasn’t waned. I still love to preach every chance I get. Paul tells the Romans in today’s verse that he too was eager to preach to them. The Greek word translated as “eager” is prothumos. It comes from two Greek words – pro (before) and thumos (wrath). It’s interesting how words get their meanings, isn’t it? Let’s take a closer look at this word and how it’s used in Scripture.

APPLICATION

Strong’s says this word “encapsulates the believer’s Spirit–enabled eagerness that persists amid human weakness and external obstacles. Whether voiced by Jesus in a prayer–soaked garden or by Paul on the eve of a Roman mission, πρόθυμον calls every generation to a vigilant, fervent, and gospel–anchored readiness.”

This same word is used in Matthew 26:41 (also in Mark 14:38) when Jesus finds his three most trusted disciples asleep. “‘Keep watching and praying, so that you do not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.’” Here it is translated as “willing.” That sounds a little different that “eager.” I can be willing to do something but not exactly eager. For instance, I am willing to go shopping with my wife, but I am never eager to do that (sorry Chris). That’s when I die to myself and do what I know will give her joy. You have to look at the full meaning of this word and bring it all together.

In Psalm 51:12 we find the idea of willingness written by David. Don’t you just love this Psalm? Verse 12 says, “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and sustain me with a willing spirit.” Shouldn’t that be our desire? Shouldn’t we have a willing, eager spirit towards the things of the Lord? Ask yourself today if you are eager for Him. Ask yourself if you are willing to do whatever He asks.

O God, give me that kind of spirit each and every day. When I am struggling remind me that Your Spirit is within me.

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