A Life Filled with the Gospel

Romans 1:8-13

I. Paul’s Delight in the Progression of the Gospel v.8

A.He was Thankful for their Salvation V.8

1. Paul after sharing how the gospel had changed his own life and how that God had brought this Gospel into the world through Christ, it seemed he just paused from his theological thought and just broke into praise.

2. There was joy in the heart of Paul when he heard that someone had been saved.

3. He rejoiced in the sure mercies of the Lord! It just tickled and blessed his heart to know that God’s redeeming grace has reached out and redeemed a lost soul.

4. The rejoicing in among the church today is rather superficial. Someone gets saved and we say, “Oh how great, that’s wonderful news, I’m so glad to hear that,” but it doesn’t thrill our heart, or cause us to be filled with great joy and rejoicing.

5. I believe the reason Paul rejoiced so much over the salvation of others is because he never got his experience with Christ.

6. What keeps us silent is many times we have become callused to our experience with Christ. We have forgotten what Christ did for us and how to be thankful for what he did for us.

7. So how do we fix that? We must once again remember and recapture who we were and where we were going, and how that Christ graciously forgave our sins. We were hopelessly and helplessly lost heading for Hell, but Christ saved us. WE MUST NEVER GET OVER CALVARY!

B.He was Thankful for their Success V.8

1. Paul wanted to see them succeed. He wanted them to become all that God had created them to be.

2. Many times the church has been infected with jealously. It was an issue in Paul’s day and it is an issue in ours.

3. It didn’t matter to Paul who God used, just as long as the work was getting done.

4. There is a lot of envy among churches and within churches today. God could have His hand on someone using them and there be envy in the heart of others instead of thanksgiving for God working in an individual’s life accomplishing the kingdom’s work.

5. What a powerful testimony this church had. They were living out their faith in the face of all persecution and a pagan society.

6. Their testimony was so strong that it was affecting and influencing the whole world. So much that the emperor expelled all the Jews because of their influence.

7. What an impact they made! Are we living a successful Christian life? Is our faith known to all we come in contact with?

II. Paul’s Devotion to Practice the Gospel v.9-10

A.He was an Instrument of Christ v.9

1. He was a Person of Worship

a. Paul was completely consumed with the gospel and serving Christ and he served Him with all his heart, for he served Him in his spirit. It was his whole life; his reason for living.

b. As we read this text we can see the intimacy he had with Christ. v.8

c. “My God” God was more than just a theological discussion, but God was Paul’s beloved Savior and dearest friend. Is Christ that in our life? Are we that intimate with Him. Christ wants to be our everything, why wouldn’t we want Him to be?

d. True service flows from a heart that is overflowing with worship.

2. He was a Prayer Warrior

a. The word service comes from the idea of the service of the High Priest, and how they would make intercession for the people.

b. He knew the secret of successful Christian living; the power of prayer. He never ceased to pray. One thing that is lacking in the Christian’s life today is prayer

c. He never took these believers off his prayer list and was faithful to continuously call their name in prayer.

d. Prayer isn’t just for believers who have weak faith or fallen away, but for believers who have strong faith, that their faith will remain strong against this sinful society.

3. He was a Powerful Witness

B.He was an Imitator of Christ v.10

1. Paul was completely Surrendered to the Father’s Will

a. Whatever God wanted that is what he wanted, no matter what it was.

Act 21:11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.

Act 21:12 And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.

Act 21:13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

Act 21:14 And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

b. Jesus lived His life on earth in that manner. Ex. Garden of Gesemene

2. Paul was completely Satisfied with the Father’s Way

a. However God wanted to work through him it was ok. Paul only wanted to glorify God and live in harmony with His will. He knew God’s way was best.

b. Paul did eventually make it to Rome, but he went in chains.

c. God worked His marvelous plan through this EXPLAIN Phil.1:12

III. Paul’s Desire to Preach the Gospel v.11-13

A.He wanted to Establish the Saints v11-12

1. Paul had a Genuine Concern for Other Believers

a. He wanted to see their faith grow stronger that would be brought about by preaching and teaching the word of God.

b. That should be the desire in each of our hearts that we want to see our brethren grow in their faith.

c. It’s your business how I’m doing, and its mine at how you’re doing

d. Paul also wanted to grow in his faith. Don’t ever think you have learned it all and that no one can teach you. It is unfortunate when some think that way and others are made to feel that way.

e. Now here is Paul, a man who was taught by Christ Himself, was called up into the 3rd heaven, and sought and looked forward to being encouraged and built up by other believers.

f. No matter who you are or where you are in your walk with Christ, mature or immature, young or old, you have something to contribute to the body of Christ.

g. Paul was saying you need me, but I also need you. They had a mutual faith.

When William Carey was about to board a ship to India to begin missionary service there, some of friends asked him if he really wanted to go through with his plans. Expressing his great desire for their support in prayer, he is said to have replied, “I will go down [into the pit itself] if you will hold the rope”

B.He wanted to Evangelize the Sinners v.13

1. Paul had two main goals:

a. To Equip the Saints

b. Add to the church with converts. His goal was high priority. He wanted to see people saved.

c. This is the heart of God.

d. Nothing is more rewarding than to bear the fruit of soul winning.

e. Paul said I want to get there with all my heart to share the gospel so sinners will be saved.

f. This should be our desire, to share the gospel with a lost and dying world.

g. This should be our purpose and should be our priority