Devotion 5

Romans 1:8-12

Priority One

After clearly stating who Paul is addressing in Romans 1:5-7, he now states his first objective.  He will first make mention of his gratefulness for the believers to whom he is writing. In verse 8 he says “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.” I must say from a pastoral perspective, that there is little more that will bring joy to a minister’s heart than to see God’s people in the active service of our Lord and Savior. So many times in the ministry the pastor feels that his work and words are having little effect on those ministered to. Speaking personally, I have felt the weight of this burden many times. It has been such a joy recently to see God’s people rise to the occasion in prayer and service during a time of suffering in within our church. Paul has similar sentiments in the book of I Thessalonians 1:1-8. In verse 8 he says “For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God ward is spread abroad so that we need not to speak anything. “ They caught the vision and ran with it. In Romans 1:8, the faith of the believers in Rome had spread throughout the whole world, which again emphasizes the focus on spreading the gospel and accomplishing God’s great commission.

In verse 9, Paul assures the believers in Rome that although he is not there with them he is with them in prayer.  Paul does not take his responsibility to pray lightly. He says that he is praying for them “without ceasing.” He understood the power of ongoing prayer. So often in our walk today, prayer becomes an abstract and distant thing. Paul understood that prayer was the connecting bond between himself and those that were ministering in other areas of the world. It is God’s unseen communication network that allows us to participate in the work of the ministry around the world at any given time. Prayer allows us to impact the lives of people. II Thessalonians 1:11 says “Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodness and the work of faith with power.” Paul’s desire as seen in his prayer is for the fulfillment of God’s purpose in the lives of God’s people. It is important to bear in mind that prayer is not designed for our own selfish fancies. It is designed to fellowship with God in the fulfillment of his mission. It is also important to note in verse 10 Paul is praying according to God’s will. He desires to come and be with his beloved brothers and sisters in Christ however he understands that God’s will overrides his desires as he says “by the will of God.” Take some time today to connect with someone in prayer. 

In verse 11, Paul’s desire for personal interaction with the believers in Rome is twofold as stated in verses 11-12. First of all, he desires to see them to impart unto them some spiritual gift. His desire is not fleshly in nature. His desire is to edify the body of Christ that they might be established in the work of the Lord. Paul’s focus is continually on the accomplishment of God’s purpose, whether it be in his life or that of others. This warrants a moment of self evaluation in this area. What are we doing to edify one another in the faith? Christianity is a team sport.  Paul desire is that of Ephesians 4:12 “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” Help a brother out, and remember that God does not give you what he does for your edification only. Give it to someone else.

The second reason that Paul desires to both see and encourage these blessed brethren is for the purpose of fellowship. He desires a sincere relationship that is built upon the joys of mutual purpose and faith. Having worked in law enforcement for a number of years, I can honestly say that the bond between fellow officers is one of the strongest bonds that I have ever had the privilege of experiencing. We spend more time with one another than anyone else. We face potential life and death situations together on a routine basis. There is a mutual fellowship that exists between men that have fought and bled together that does not exist in any other arena other than that of soldiers in battle. There is a comradery and comfort between officers that exists in the midst of some of the most chaotic and horrifically surreal situations.

 I have at times experienced this same fellowship among believers however I must admit that it is rare. It exists between brothers and sisters that are engaged in the spiritual battle for the souls of men. As Paul says, his desire was to “be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.” Faith is a strong bond between believers. Remember that “faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God.” Our unity in faith comes when we as believers work and struggle together to accomplish God’s will in our lives as being directed by the word of God. Ephesians 4:1-8 is a great passage on the commonality of believers. Give it a read sometime.  I want to encourage you today to break free and step beyond the norm of complacent Christianity and engage in the battle in the furtherance of the kingdom of our Lord and Savior.

Onward Christian soldiers, marching as to war

With the cross of Jesus, going on before

Christ the royal Master, leads against the foe

Forward into battle, see his banners go

Onward Christian soldiers marching as to war

With the cross of Jesus going on before