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Daily Devotions

Romans

Romans 
Day 
Day 328

"In word and deed..."

Text: Romans 15:18

PERSONAL WORK ETHIC

Paul had developed a very strong personal work ethic. This is well stated in the following text.

“For I will not dare to speak of any of those things
which Christ has not accomplished through me,
in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient-”
Romans 15:18

1. I will not dare to speak of any of those things

a) Paul was conscious of the ministries that others had established.
b) The apostles had accomplished many mighty works for the Lord.
c) Though he may have had a small part in them, he did not glory in that.

2. Which Christ has not accomplished through me

a) Paul’s focus was on what Christ had done through him personally.
b) This was his “work ethic”.
c) He would glory only in the things that Christ had accomplished through his personal hard work!

3. In word and deed

a) “In word” would mean
i) Essentially a “verbal” ministry.
ii) This would include “preaching, teaching, counseling etc.”
b) “In deed” would mean
i) The actual work that Paul had attempted and accomplished.
ii) This would be a reference to both miraculous and non-miraculous work.

4. To make the Gentiles obedient

It was hard work developing the ministry to the Gentiles! The task was not just to preach the Gospel to them. The great challenge was to “make them obedient” to the Lord Jesus Christ!