Romans 1:8-12

Scripture

Romans 1:8-12

8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world.

9 For God, whom I serve in my spirit in the preaching of the gospel of His Son, is my witness as to how unceasingly I make mention of you,

10 always in my prayers making request, if perhaps now at last by the will of God I may succeed in coming to you.

11 For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established;

12 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other's faith, both yours and mine.

Observation

Paul starts with encouragements by way of showing his thankfulness for other's faith. He is not simply thankful in the moment of writing, but expresses that is has been "unceasingly." And the thankfulness is not just an attitude, but it comes up consistently in prayer. Paul's desire to meet in person seems to grow and knows what good can come from the fellowship with each other.

Positives to meeting in person.

vs. 11. One of his own spiritual gifts may help establish their..... faith? church? community?

vs. 12. further explanation... ("that is") To encourage each other by each other's faith.

To not be alone... To share good news... new news....share burdens....worship.

Out of love springs.....action.

Application

I am not to forsake being thankful, praying, meeting, and encouraging other Christians. These are all disciplines that I live as though they will just happen and sometimes they do just happen. That is, in my prayers, sometimes someone just comes to me and I will pray for them, but too many times I let life move on by without me really taking inventory. I have so many to be actively and unceasingly thankful for. There are relationships that I need to step up in and get proactive rather than each of us "remind" ourselves that, "oh yeah.... we are friends." Or to make excuses like... "she knows that I love her."

I must act..... or more likely, be proactive.

My prayers should be full of being thankful and seeking the ability to further grow in my relationships with others in the faith.

I am going to write a letter to a dear lady that is far over due.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for all of the loved ones that you have placed in my life throughout my life. Please impress upon my heart to never forsake them, but to lift them in whatever means I have and especially in prayer to you, dear Lord. Allow me to love on them greatly in a way that would be encouraging to both parties. Thank you, Lord.

Romans 1:1-7

Scripture

Romans 1:1-7

1 Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,

2 which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures,

3 concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh,

4 who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord,

5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His nam's sake,

6 among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;

7 to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as Saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Observation

How I long to be able to speak/write in a concise way that matters. These 7 verses MATTER! Verse 1, Paul's confidence in who he is and what his purpose in life is tremendous. He owns it in a very honest way. I long to wear my faith so boldly. So often I choose another "outfit" so to speak.

After is perfect intro of himself he makes it clear what it is he means when he writes, "the gospel of God." Talk about something that "matters." In others words, if you don't get this detail, do not move on. Paul is saying, "Get this!" This is the Christ, this is what He did, and this how it effects you.... all of you! Which of course, Paul is conveying during the entire book.

Verse 2- fullfillment of prophecy

Verse 3- His lineage

Verse 4- His declaration as the Son of God/ressurrection

Verse 5/6- Gifts/purposes that all Gentiles received as a result. A new identity, as well.

Verse 7- Paul greets the "beloved" Romans as the title that God has given them, "saints," probably as a reminder and probably because Paul had that same outlook on them as God does.

Application

What would my life look like if I never forgot who I truly am in God? What if I took on my title and lived it out? How would I treat others in Christ if regarded them as God does? My marriage, parenting skills, friends, ministry and so on????

Too often I take the title of sinner vs. the title of one who is redeemed. It is so easy to do nothing living as an "owned up" sinner. Of course, I would expect nothing of me and it is easy to talk myself into believing that God doesn't either. "He wants me to shape up before...."

I have got to allow myself to be lifted up higher than where I place myself because it is Christ Himself that put me there. Who am I to live a life in utter rejection of His work? I have got to get past living a fine life and into living a dangerously righteous life that is set apart for the gospel of God.

How to do that? I am a stay at home mom of 3 small ones.... Prayer. I believe that my prayer life needs to step it up. Do I dare pray in a radical manner? I think that I should. Is my heart ready to be open for whatever it is that may come of this? Oh man.

Prayer

Dear Lord,

Break me out of my life and set me into the one that You have for me. Give me the opportunities to be used in a manner that would shine the light on You. Puncture my heart with a love that is so great for those in this world that I cannot ignore, but must act for them, in Your holy name.