A Gospel-Shaped Heart

This is our second message in the Book of Romans. Let’s be honest, Romans can feel pretty heavy. A lot of doctrine, and potentially controversial subjects. But here in the opening verses, before Paul talks about sin and salvation, before he explains justification by faith or life in the Spirit, he talks about people.

In verses 8–15, Paul gives us a window into his heart. And here’s what you’ll see: when the gospel gets ahold of someone, it doesn’t just change what they believe. It changes what they love, what they pray for, what they live for.

And so here’s the question for us today: What would it look like for the gospel to shape your heart the way it shaped Paul’s?

Some of you may be wondering, “When did the Apostle Paul write this letter?” Since Paul was on his way to Rome as we finished the Book of Acts.

When we last left Paul, he’s on his way to Rome to appeal his arrest and imprisonment before Caesar.

It’s believed Apostle Paul wrote his letter to the Romans around A.D. 56 or 57, about two years before his arrest in Jerusalem and subsequent appeal to Caesar. He wrote the epistle while staying in Corinth, near the end of his third missionary journey.

Now that we have the background, let’s move on to the text.

Romans 1:8 NKJV

8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

The Greek word Paul uses here for “thank” is eucharisteō. It’s where we get the word Eucharist. It’s a word that means to express gratitude for benefits or blessings.

Before Paul teaches anything, he gives thanks. He says, “I thank God for you.” That’s his starting point.

How does this inform our life, and our attitude? In everything we do…

I. Start with Gratitude (v. 8)

And what does he thank God for? Their faith. He says, “Your faith is talked about everywhere.” Rome was the capital of the empire. Politics. Power. Idols. Corruption. And yet, there’s this group of believers whose faith is so strong that the whole empire is talking about them.

Now let’s be honest, when you think about other Christians, is gratitude your first reaction? Because for Paul, it was.

Application: This week, thank God for the believers who encourage your faith. Maybe even write a note or send a text. Because gratitude softens your heart toward people.

Let’s move on to verses 9-10. Paul continues…

Romans 1:9–10 NKJV

9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, 10 making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you.

I don’t think it’s an accident that Paul brings God in as a witness. We’re going to see as we get further into chapter 1, that we’re ushered into the courtroom as all mankind is judged. We’re judged on one thing. Where do we stand with God. From the wicked to the wayward, from the heathen to the self-righteous, we all stand condemned before God.

But we haven’t gotten there yet. What do we get from verses 9-10?

I think this gives us an example for us to…

II. Pray with a Heart for People (vv. 9–10)

Paul says he prays for them “without ceasing.” Based on the word Paul used, it doesn’t mean nonstop, like Paul prayed 24/7. It means regularly, faithfully.

Here’s what amazes me: Paul hasn’t even met most of these people. He hasn’t been to Rome yet. But he prays for them.

That’s what the gospel does. It expands your heart for people you may never meet this side of heaven.

Application: Maybe this week, start praying for believers you’ve never met, missionaries, persecuted Christians, church planters. Ask God to bless and strengthen them.

Paul goes on:

Romans 1:11–12 NKJV

11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established—12 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

I love this part. Paul says, “I want to encourage you, but I also expect you’ll encourage me.”

We’re given the example to…

III. Build Up Others, Not Just Yourself (vv. 11–12)

That’s humility. That’s the pastor’s heart in Paul. He’s written Scripture. Planted churches. Survived persecution. And he says, “I need your encouragement too.”

The word “established” means strengthened, made solid. Paul wants their faith anchored, steady, growing.

What about this “impart to you some spiritual gift?” Did it mean Paul could bestow spiritual gifts upon people?

No, not at all. It simply meant Paul wanted to exercise his own spiritual gifts on their behalf. He wanted them to benefit from the spiritual gifts God had given to him.

The word “impart” means “to share,” “to share with someone else what one has.”

Application: When you gather with other believers, don’t just ask, “What can I get out of this?” Ask, “Who can I encourage today?”

Next,

IV. See People as Your Calling, Not a Burden (vv. 13–14)

Listen to this:

Romans 1:13–14 NKJV

13 Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles. 14 I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise.

Paul says he’s a “debtor.” He said he was under obligation.

Why does Paul feel obligated? Because the gospel changed his life. And when you’ve experienced grace, you owe it to others to share it.

Greeks saw themselves as wise. Anyone non-Greek was seen as uncultured. Paul says, “Doesn’t matter, I owe the gospel to everyone.”

Application: Ask God to give you that same sense of calling, that the people around you aren’t interruptions; they’re opportunities.

Do we do that? Do we see people that we may not know, or, maybe even don’t like, as our calling? Or do we see them as a burden, or an interruption?

Let’s ask God to instill within us the same calling as Paul.

All to often we see programs, the offerings, or the number of people here on a Sunday morning, instead as people themselves as our calling. It’s people, not programs. It’s people not statistics.

God has called us to work with people.

And then, lastly,

V. Be Eager to Serve Where God Opens the Door (v. 15)

Finally, Paul says:

Romans 1:15 NKJV

15 So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.

The word “ready” here means, eager, willing, enthusiastic. Paul was enthusiastic about sharing the gospel with others.

Paul doesn’t say, “If it’s convenient, I’ll come.” He says, “I can’t wait to come.” That’s what a gospel-shaped heart looks like, eager to step into whatever opportunities God opens.

Application: Pray this simple prayer: “Lord, make me eager to share Jesus where You open the door this week.”

Conclusion

`So what do we see in Paul’s heart here?

Gratitude for what God is doing in others.

Prayerfulness that reaches beyond his own needs.

Love that builds others up.

A sense of calling that refuses to stay silent.

Eagerness to go wherever God opens the door.

That’s what happens when the gospel shapes your heart. And that’s what our world needs to see in us.