v. 8-10 Paul expresses his sincere appreciation for his readers: notice he demonstrates that we go through Jesus (God the Son) as we pray, even giving thanks to God the Father.

Prayer: an essential discipline as we nurture our “in Christ” life. How’s your prayer life?

Paul is thankful for “your faith” a living and active faith being reported “all over the world.” So too, may we be thankful for our brothers and sisters persevering and maturing in our shared faith in whatever context God leads them.

v. 9 Paul a servant who is completely, wholeheartedly, preaching the good news and constantly mindful of his Christian readers in prayer. Moreover, he genuinely wants to fellowship with them if it be in accord with God’s will.

v. 11-13 Why do we need each other? Initially Paul writes “that I may impart…” v. 12 “that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.”

Blessings do not flow one way. All of us need to be encouraged, even the Apostle Paul.

What encourages you as you strive to live your “in Christ” life? Have you been encouraged this week by other Christians? Have you intentionally sought to encourage others this week because of your relationship with our Lord?

Paul was being transparent: hence open and honest, which reflects the freedom from sin only possible “in Christ.” May our lives genuinely reflect transparency.

As Paul anticipates meeting the Christians at Rome, he looks forward to “a harvest.” He was likely thinking of reaching the lost, reaching the Gentile community with the good news (gospel).

The motivation to reach the lost comes from Christ indwelling. Whatever the means (place, time, method) we allow God in us to determine.

However, to ensure my co-participation with God, (i.e., that God will use me with all my quirks and inadequacies, as well as my talents and swav-e) I have to honestly ask: Am I crying out to God for the salvation of others?

Am I/are we being sensitive to God the Holy Spirit directing our steps? Do I really believe that God wants to use “me” to accomplish His purpose, especially bringing salvation to the lost?

v. 14-15 “I am obligated…” As “a servant” (v. 1) “to call people…”(v. 5). All people need Jesus! It doesn’t matter about one’s: status level, intelligence, etc., Do we have an obligation to share such a great salvation? I’d say it is “obligation” based on supernatural transforming power!

Paul was supernaturally transformed. He couldn’t help but to share the gospel, in fact he eagerly anticipated the opportunity to preach the gospel and call people to salvation.

ZEAL! ZEAL! ZEAL! Lord give us supernatural excitement! May we cry out for a genuine concern for all people, especially those in our sphere of influence, to know and experience Jesus.

Maybe you haven’t experienced this supernatural zeal and struggle to maintain faith. What should you do?

Am I uncertain? Do I have reservations? What is my role as a disciple? What is in the balance?

v. 16-17 “I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.”

Harrison (1976) comments that “power” used here is not necessarily a mode of operation to:

Blow false religions out of the way….

Blast a trail of success for the true faith, or

even deliver people from habits they can’t shake off….

Although we do deal with false teachings, and contend for the genuine gospel, and show mercy to those who are caught up in self destructive behaviors.

Of necessity, the “gospel…it is the power of God…for salvation…” for all who genuinely believe the gospel message and have faith/trust in God through the Lord Jesus, the supernatural occurs:

An intrinsic dynamic change, hence a changed heart, a renewing of the mind and motivations. By faith all who will believe and repent are “in Christ.” A new creation 1 Cor 5:17 is now reflected in everyday life.

All things take proper perspective as the power of God through the gospel brings salvation first.

Salvation includes: forgiveness of sin and makes us right before our Holy God. Moreover,

The Scriptures teach this great salvation is an event (sanctified) and a process (sanctification). Therefore, persevere! Be encouraged, we are in process and striving toward holiness.

Justification: declared righteous through the cross by faith (Rom 4:25)
Reconciliation 2 Cor 5:18-19
Sanctification 1 Pet 1:15; Heb 12:14
Redemption Heb 9:12
Regeneration A new life– 2 Pet 1:4, “In Christ” Eph 2:10; Jn 1:13, 3:3-7

Salvation is only meaningful and effective as mankind willingly embraces the gospel message. And, may we be the vessel through which God brings salvation to others.

The Jewish people were God’s chosen people in the OT. And, Jesus was sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Moreover, the Jewish people were given the first opportunity to receive the Lord Jesus. Harrison said, “It is a case of historical priority, not essential priority, for the Jew who is first to hear the gospel is also the first to be judged for his sins (2:9). What he means by “not essential priority” is that the gospel did not have to be preached to all the Jewish people before it was preached to the Gentiles.

v. 17 May our Lord empower us by His grace everyday to manifest our righteous position “in Christ” and live by faith.

Persevere!

References:

Expositor’s Bible Commentary (1976) F. E. Gaebelein (ed).

NIV Study Bible (1984).