Category Archives: Scripture

Ashamed, Attacks, Bible, Embarrassment, Humiliation, Scripture

NOT ASHAMED

ROMANS 1:16

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

Shame and condemnation are methods the devil uses to try to discourage and discredit us. You’re not worthy! Look at all the bad stuff you’ve done. God can’t forgive you! Those are just a few of the things he might say. Shame has no place in the life of the believer, either shame dumped on us by others (or the devil) or shame we put on ourselves. Paul talks about another kind of shame, however, in today’s verse. Let’s see what he says.

Paul says, “I am not ashamed of the gospel.” Why in the world would he say that? Well, just think about his life. He had been a Pharisee, a keeper of the law. Now he is proclaiming salvation in Jesus alone. All those Jewish leaders he knew were shaming him, even attacking him. They probably said he had lost it, had gone crazy and was even denying his faith. Shame, shame, shame! But Paul was brave and courageous and refused that shame. He was speaking the truth and seeing lives changed.

APPLICATION

The word for “ashamed” is used eleven times in the New Testament. Six of those times it is used in the negative as to “not be ashamed” as it is here in today’s verse. But in Mark 8:38 (and the parallel verses in Luke 9:26) Jesus warns us of being ashamed of Him or His words. “‘For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.’” Now, who wants to face that? I sure don’t. I want to hear those precious words, Well done, my good and faithful servant.

Paul tells Timothy to “not be ashamed” in 2 Timothy 1:8. “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God,…” And he says he is not ashamed in verse 12 of the same chapter. “For this reason I also suffer these things; but I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to protect what I have entrusted to Him until that day.” There’s a little song that goes with that verse. Remember it – “For I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able,…”

Paul praises a believer named Onesiphorus 2 Timothy 1:16-18 for not being ashamed. “16 The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains; 17 but when he was in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me— 18 the Lord grant to him to find mercy from the Lord on that day—and you know very well what services he rendered at Ephesus.” Don’t you want to hear those words said about you? Live unashamed of the Gospel of Christ. Live so that you will not be ashamed at His coming!

Lord, I am not ashamed of being called Your child and of placing my faith in You. You are my life.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Preaching, Scripture, Sharing, Willingness, Witnessing

EAGER TO PREACH

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.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Debt, Obedience, Obligation, Payment, Scripture

UNDER OBLIGATION

ROMANS 1:14

“I am under obligation both to Greeks and to the uncultured, both to the wise and to the foolish.”

Have you ever owed someone something that you know you could never pay back? Maybe they paid off a debt you owed (that has happened to me). Maybe they did an act of kindness to you during a very low time in your life. Owing a debt can feel overwhelming at times, whether it is financial, spiritual, emotional or physical. But, as we will see in today’s verse, being a debtor isn’t all bad.

Paul says he is “under obligation” to reach the Greeks and uncultured (that would have definitely included me, lol). The literal Greek reads, “a debtor I am.” The word used here is used six other times in the New Testament. We will look at a couple of those. The word is opheilétēs. HELPS Word studies says, it is “someone under obligation to pay back (discharge) a debt.” The debt Paul felt was his debt to Jesus for forgiving him and rescuing him from the penalty of sin. He now had the obligation to take that message to those who needed to hear it.

APPLICATION

Opheilétēs is used in Matthew 6:12 where it is part of the Lord’s prayer. “‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.’” We learned this prayer as a child, didn’t we? But how many of us are really living that? How many of us forgive as Christ forgave? I know, it’s hard. But we are commanded from the very lips of Christ to do it.

In Matthew 18:24, we see this word used again. This is the story of the man who owed the 10,000 talents. “’And when he had begun to settle them, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him.’” The point, of course, was this was a debt that could never be repaid. The same is true of us. There is nothing we can do to repay the debt we owe Jesus for dying for us. You may have heard it said, “We owed a debt we could not pay. He paid a debt He did not owe.”

Are you grateful your debt has been paid? Then you are under obligation, you are indebted to Christ. What does He require of you? Deuteronomy 10:12-13 gives us a pretty clear picture. “12 ‘And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13 and to keep the LORD’S commandments and His statutes which I am commanding you today for your good?’”

Father God, I owe You my life and to You I give it. Take it and use it for Your glory. 

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Fruit, Harvest, Ministry, Production, Scripture

FRUIT

ROMANS 1:13

“I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that often I have planned to come to you (and have been prevented so far) so that I may obtain some fruit among you also just as among the rest of the Gentiles.”

Every time I read a verse about “fruit” I think of figs or apples or bananas. Can’t help it! I know that is not the meaning behind the word in today’s verse, but it gives us a very vivid image of what Paul is talking about. The Greek word for “fruit” is used 66 times in the New Testament to describe physical and spiritual fruit. The context tells you which. Some of the best verses about “fruit” are words spoken by Jesus Himself. We will look at some of those.

Before we do that, listen to what Albert Barnes says about this statement by Paul “that I may obtain some fruit among you.” “That I might be the means of the conversion of sinners and of the edification of the church in the capital of the Roman Empire. It was not curiosity to see the splendid capital of the world that prompted this desire; it was not the love of travel, and of roaming from clime to clime; it was the specific purpose of doing good to the souls of human beings. To ‘have fruit’ means to obtain success in bringing men to the knowledge of Christ. Thus, the Saviour said John 15:16, ‘I have chosen you, and ordained you that you should bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain.’”

APPLICATION

Let’s go to my favorite chapter about “fruit,” John 15. Take a minute and read verses 1-16 and count how many times the word “fruit” is used by the Lord. I’ll wait…. Done? How many? That’s right – eight times! Do you think the Lord wants us to produce fruit for Him? He wants us to produce much fruit for Him.

The idea of producing fruit isn’t just in the New Testament. In Psalm 1:3 we read, “He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers.” I hope you memorize Psalm 1:1-3. They are words to live by. If we walk with the Lord, he promises fruit in our lives.

Now, before you open up a stand at the spiritual farmer’s market, make sure you have the right kind of fruit. You find that in Galatians 5:22-23. “22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” That’s the fruit He gives us to share with others. By exhibiting that fruit, we are able to gain spiritual fruit through the salvation of those we minister to. Start your harvest!

Father, You have gifted us with Your fruit. Help us produce more fruit for You.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Comfort, Encouragement, Fellowship, Listening, Scripture

ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER

ROMANS 1:12

“that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.”

We all need encouragement. I get that from my friends and family. I get that from my wife. But most of all, I get that from the Lord. He is always seeking to build me up and make me more like Jesus. If I would only listen more closely, that could happen more easily. But I allow my own self-interest and self-indulgences to get in the way. Those can also block the encouragement from others. Listen to Paul’s words in today’s verse.

He uses a Greek word for “may be encouraged” that is only used once (right here) in the New Testament. It comes from three Greek words. The word is sumparakaleó (sum+para+kaleo). The Topical Lexicon says this about this word. “The term emphasizes reciprocity: encouragement is not delivered from a superior to an inferior but shared among believers who stand shoulder to shoulder. The prefixed prepositions συν- (with) and παρά- (alongside) intensify the core verb καλέω (to call), yielding a picture of believers summoning one another to persevere in faith, hope, and love.” That is a great breakdown of this once-used word.

APPLICATION

The writer of Hebrews expresses a similar idea in Hebrews 10:24-25. “24 and let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, 25 not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Just going to church and seeing other believers can encourage you and encourage them. We are on this journey together.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Paul writes a similar thought.  “Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, just as you also are doing.” Paul also shows this idea in 2 Corinthians 1:4 when he tells us to comfort each other. “who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

We have an obligation to encourage each other, to bring comfort to one another. How can you do that? By listening to a hurting friend? By praying for someone who is in need? By just fellowshipping with other believers? Find a way this weekend to live out Romans 1:12. I promise you will be encouraged, as well.

Lord, thank You for sending others into my life to encourage me. Help me do the same for others.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Blessed, Blessing, Gifts, Holy Spirit, Scripture, Spiritual

SHARE YOUR GIFT

ROMANS 1:11

“For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established;”

Often when I travel overseas, I deliver gifts to my friends. On a trip last year to Africa, I was able to deliver monetary gifts to some friends in three different countries. What a blessing to see them receive this, knowing how much it blessed them. I am not sure who was blessed more – them, me or the ones who gave the money. Gifts have a way of continuing to bless others, don’t they?

This verse has been highly discussed by many scholars. Some think Paul was going to lay hands on them and bestow the gift of the Holy Spirit. Other scholars disagree with that, seeing that believers receive the Holy Spirit at salvation. They claim Paul meant to share of his spiritual gifts with them. The word “impart” can also be translated “share,” as it is Luke 3:11 and Ephesians 4:28.

APPLICATION

So, what do you have to “share” or “impart” to others? What spiritual gift do you feel is your primary gift? In 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 we read what Paul wrote about the spiritual gifts. “7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.”

You see, our spiritual gifts are meant to help others in their walk with Christ. They are not to be hoarded and kept private. My particular gifts are teaching and administration. But I also have all the rest of the gifts present within me through the Holy Spirit. I have to work at exercising those gifts sometimes. Others come easily. But they are all present for others.

To whom can you share your gift with today? You may have the gift of encouragement. You are a “Barnabus,” who was called the Son of Encouragement. I was encouraged the other morning by a dear brother. I really needed to hear what he had to say. He had no idea when he texted me, but God knew and prompted his spirit to reach out. That’s how our gifts work. Let your gift work today.

O Lord, the gifts You have given me are such a blessing. Help me to share them with others today.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Answers, Bible, Hearing, Prayer, Requests, Scripture

PRAYER REQUESTS

ROMANS 1:10

“always in my prayers requesting if perhaps now, at last by the will of God, I will succeed in coming to you.”

I often ask waitresses or waiters at restaurants if I can pray for a request they may have. I did that this week at a Waffle House here in the Knoxville area. The waitress really shocked me when she said, “Yea, pray my husband can find work so we can stop living in the tent.” I agreed to pray and did as we blessed our meal. (I also left her a generous tip.) Prayer requests should be made knowing the Lord hears and will answer.

Paul wrote this letter to the Romans from Corinth hoping to visit them after he delivered a gift to the Jerusalem church and on his way to Spain. Paul uses a Greek word for “requesting” that goes beyond just asking. HELPS Word studies says, déomai (from the root deō, ‘having deep personal need, to be in want,’ see also déēsis, ‘felt-need’) – properly, to feel pressing need because of lack – hence, to make urgent appeal; to have deep personal need causing one to beseech (make earnest, specific request).” Spiros Zodhiates, a Greek scholar I knew personally, emphasizes the middle voice of this word. It’s a personal felt-need that drives Paul to make this request of God.

APPLICATION

In Luke 5:12 we see this same word used. “While He was in one of the cities, behold, there was a man covered with leprosy; and when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged Him, saying, ‘Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.’” Of course, we know what happened. Jesus was willing and healed him. Look at the next verse there. “And He reached out with His hand and touched him, saying, ‘I am willing; be cleansed.’ And immediately the leprosy left him.” Why would Jesus not do the same for us when we beg Him like this?

When Paul appeared before Agrippa, he was still begging, not for his life, but for Agrippa to hear him clearly. “…I beg you to listen to me patiently.” Have you begged someone to listen to you? I meet with men all the time. I beg them sometime to listen to His Word, not the world. I beg them to get quiet and listen for God’s voice. I beg them to put aside any impurity in their lives and walk with Jesus.

I am begging you today. I implore you today. Listen to the words of Christ. Get into His Word and see for yourself what He will do for you, if you just obey. I am begging God for you. And like Paul, I am asking the God of heaven to allow me to see some of your faces soon.

Father, I know You hear every request we make. Help me show this personal heart-felt need to come to You daily on behalf of others.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Prayer, Scripture, Testimony, Witness

AS GOD AS MY WITNESS

ROMANS 1:9

“For God, whom I serve in my spirit in the preaching of the gospel of His Son, is my witness as to how unceasingly I make mention of you,”

Whether you realize it or not, God is our witness in all things. We cannot escape His presence. Just ask Jonah and Gideon and Elijah. I could go on and name many from the Scriptures who tried to deny God’s presence, only to be reminded He is always there. When we were little, we would hide under tables or behind doors to try to escape our parents’ eyes if we had done something wrong. It didn’t work, did it? The same applies with us and God. His eyes behold all.

But Paul wasn’t saying that he was trying to hide something from God. On the contrary, he is pointing to God as his witness regarding his prayers for these Roman believers. God, after all, was the recipient of his prayers. The Greek word for “witness” is martus and “points to a person who testifies to what he or she has seen or knows. In Scripture the role is never neutral; a witness is accountable before God to state the truth and, if necessary, to seal that testimony with life itself.” (Topical Lexicon).

APPLICATION

Paul uses this phrase four other times (2 Corinthians 1:23; 1 Thessalonians 2:5, 10; Philippians 1:8). Each time he is showing that what we say here on earth, even in our prayers, is heard in the heavenlies. What better witness do we need? If God can testify on our behalf, who could contest it? Later in Romans 8, we read these verses that apply to that. Verse 31 reads, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?” And verses 33-34 go on to say, “33 Who will bring charges against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; 34 who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, but rather, was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.”

Are you shouting “Hallelujah” yet? Understand this – God is your witness. He testifies on your behalf. He is your advocate. People have tried to bribe or outright buy witnesses to help their case in courts. It doesn’t work, does it? Once that is discovered there is even more to answer for. But if we rely on the One True Witness, all is good. He knows our failures, but we are His child.

Can you say today with Paul that God is your witness as to how you pray for others? When someone asks you to pray for them, do you do it? Stop right there and do it. God will be your witness if they ever ask Him if you did. He heard your prayer. And He will answer accordingly.  

Father, thank You for testifying on my behalf before my accusers. You know me fully.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Appreciation, Bible, Grace, Scripture, Thankfulness, Thanksgiving

THANK GOD FOR YOU

ROMANS 1:8

“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the world.”

“God is great, God is good, let us thank Him for our food. By His hands we all are fed. Thank You, Lord, for daily bread. Amen.” How many times did you say that blessing at the table as a child? I know I said it a lot. My mama’s cooking was awesome, and I was thankful. Looking back, though, I was not grateful enough. I was truly blessed by the Lord. My childhood wasn’t perfect, but I was safe, loved and cared for. What else did I need? I’m truly thankful.

Paul thanks the Lord for his fellow believers in today’s verse. The Greek word he uses is euxaristéō. HELPS Word studies defines euxaristéō this way. “(from eú, ‘good’ and xaris, ‘grace’) – properly, acknowledging that ‘God’s grace works well,’ i.e. for our eternal gain and His glory; to give thanks – literally, ‘thankful for God’s good grace.’” It truly is God’s grace that should make us thankful for all things, not just mealtime.

APPLICATION

In Mark 14:23 we see euxaristéō used again, this time to describe the Lord’s giving of thanks at the Last Supper. “And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, and they all drank from it.” Jesus truly knew to Whom all thanks should be directed. God is our source. He is the One Who blesses us and meets our every need.

I am raising support currently for a trip to the Dominican Republic to lead a conference for our ministry, Every Man A Warrior. I have asked several of my friends to pray about giving towards this. Even as I ask, though, I am aware that God is the provider. He is the One Who burdens their hearts to give or not. It is not up to me to raise support. My job is to make the need known and leave the rest up to Him.

Giving thanks is truly a spiritual thing. Don’t wait until Thanksgiving to do it. Do it daily. Part of my daily prayer time includes thanksgiving and praise. I want to acknowledge daily the sufficiency I have in Christ. He is the reason I give thanks. Without Christ living in and through me, I would be hopeless and helpless. But praise be to God, He is with me. And He will be with you, too.

Lord, I give You thanks for all You have done for me. I do not want to ever take that for granted.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Beloved, Bible, Calvary, Covenant, Love, Scripture

BELOVED OF GOD

ROMANS 1:7

“to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Okay, be honest. Have you ever called someone “your beloved”? It’s not a word we throw around a lot. I mean, we know what it means, and we probably have people we would consider our beloveds, but we just don’t go around saying that. It sounds so biblical, doesn’t it? Well, it is. Let’s take a look.

In today’s verse, Paul uses the Greek word for “beloved” which is used over 60 times in the New Testament. I love what the Topical Lexicon said about this word. “The church lives, serves, suffers, and hopes as the ‘beloved of God.’” Yep, that’s us, isn’t it? We are His beloved. It’s an intimate word. It comes from the word used by God when He says He loves us (John 3:16). It’s a deep, personal love for another.

APPLICATION

In Matthew 3:17 we read, “…and behold, a voice from the heavens said, ‘This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.’” God used the same word to describe His Son. This belovedness (yes, I just made that word up) began in the Trinity and was passed down to us so that we can pass it on to others. It’s not a thing to hold tightly. The more you share this belovedness, the more it grows.

We see this same word used by the half-brother of Jesus in Jude 3. “Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all time handed down to the saints.” In many of the New Testament books “beloved” is used to attract the reader’s attention before giving a command or a warning.

So, look around, beloved. Who are your beloveds? To whom can you show the kind of love God showed to you on Calvary? You have this love in you as His beloved. He expects you to treat others the same. I dare you next Sunday to go up to someone at church and greet them by saying, “Hello, beloved. So good to see you.” You may get a strange look from them. Then tell them why you said it. You may both leave feeling more beloved.

Father, I know I am Your beloved. Help me love others the same.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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