A Gospel for "Every Man"
by Rev. Kirby Williams
Exploring why Paul and all Christians are under obligation to share the Good News about Christ.
Text: Rom. 1:14-15
Date: 11/08/2026, the Combined service.
Series: "Romans: Unashamed of the Gospel" Part 15
Description:
As Paul comes to the end of his introductory statements, he reveals yet another reason he is eager to go to Rome-- he is under obligation to preach the Gospel to them. We will first define the meaning of "every man" by "unpacking" the phrases, "Greeks and barbarians" and the "wise and foolish". We will then analyze why Paul was "under obligation" and what the nature and scope of this obligation was. We will also carefully examine a variety of reasons this obligation or debt was a reality for Paul. Ultimately we will apply the same principles to ourselves and realize that all condemned sinners who have received such an amazing grace as the redemption of their souls, are also under obligation to share the story of that grace with a world lost in darkness. This means every "tribe and language and people and nation"-- for this is a Gospel for "every man".
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I. Introduction, Matt. 18:21-35.
II. Exposition of the text, Rom. 1:14-15.
A. Context
B. An obligation to "every man".
1. Putting the words into perspective.
a. The scope of Paul's obligation, vs. 14b.
i. Looking at the words.
1) A pair of "merisms", Isa. 44:6; Rev. 22:13.
2) To the Greeks and Barbarians.
3) To the wise and foolish.
ii. What does Paul mean?
1) What Paul is not saying, Acts 17:32; 2Tim. 4:1-4; Gal. 1:6-8.
2) What Paul is saying, 1Cor. 9:22.
b. Paul's obligation, vs 14a, Matt. 6:12.
c. The outcome of Paul's obligation, vs. 15.
2. Delving deeper into Paul's obligation.
a. The nature of Paul's debt.
i. Revisiting the parable of the unforgiving servant.
ii. Applying the principle to Paul.
1) Paul's teaching on "obligation", Rom. 8:12-13, 15:1-3.
2) Paul has something to impart, Matt. 18:34-35.
b. The reasons for Paul's obligation.
i. Because he was a Christian.
1) Because Paul had received grace, 1Cor. 15:9; Acts 22:4, 26:11; Rom. 1:16.
2) Because you have received grace.
ii. Because Paul was "Paul".
1) Paul's gifts and abilities, Acts 22:3; Phil. 3:4-7.
2) Your gifts and abilities.
iii. Because of his calling as an apostle.
1) Paul's Commission as an apostle, Acts 9:15, 26:16-18; 1Cor. 9:16.
2) Your commission as an "apostler", Matt. 28:19; John 20:21; 1Pet. 2:9.
iv. Because of the spiritual darkness around him, Matt. 5:14-16, 22:13; 2Cor. 5:10-11; Rom. 6:23.
III. Application
A. The assumption.
B. Martyn Lloyd-Jones's poignant illustration.
IV. Conclusion
