Category Archives: Willingness

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.

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Bible, God's Will, Obedience, Sacrifice, Scripture, Willingness

WOULD YOU BE WILLING?

PHILIPPIANS 2:21

“For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus.”

I have been asked to take on tasks or even positions which I did not want. Sometimes I would grudgingly do it, and other times I would politely decline or make some excuse. When it comes right down to it, most of us would decline a dangerous and lengthy task if it was voluntary. Don’t be too hard on yourself. We have all done that.

It seems from today’s verse that Paul had asked others, besides Timothy, to make the trip to Philippi. Remember, this journey would have taken 3-6 months one way. For someone to give up a year of their life is asking a lot. Many scholars believe this may have been the beginning of the withdrawal of some of Paul’s followers that he writes about in 2 Timothy. But Paul could depend on Timothy. He was willing to sacrifice his life for Paul, if necessary.

APPLICATION

The Greek word for “seek” here is the same word used in Matthew 6:33 where we are told by Jesus to seek first the kingdom of God. If these other people who were asked by Paul to go to Philippi had been seeking first His kingdom, they would have made every effort to go. I am not implying they were in sin for not going. It’s just that we seem to seek after ourselves more than Him.

In Luke 19:10 Jesus says, “‘For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.’” Jesus never considered seeking to please Himself. He always sought after the things of the Father and came to seek the lost. Shouldn’t that be what we are seeking after also? When we are asked by the Lord to take up impossible tasks, we do it knowing He will enable us.

Are you willing to do whatever the Lord asks? Sure, Carl. I’ll do anything. Oh really! How about selling everything you own and moving to a third world country? Well, I didn’t mean anything. I am not pointing fingers. We all have our reservations about going and doing, don’t we? Just ask yourself this question – Are you seeking to please self or God? That should be pretty obvious.

Father God, I confess that I normally seek to please myself rather than You. Give me the humility and strength to seek Your will in all things.

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