Romans 1:8-13

A Faith that Precedes Us (v. 8)

At various levels, our reputation and name precede us -> the Romans had a lofty reputation that did not go unnoticed

At the personal level, your name is tied directly to your character, and a good name is a great treasure (Prov. 22:1)

At the family level, your household has a combined reputation -> loving families are a great strength of the church (Rom. 16:10-16)

It makes the difference in a church that fizzles out and a church that marches strongly onward

At the local church level, we are known for our Spiritual qualities (both good and bad)

While there may be some faithful individuals or families, the overall spirituality of an given local body has a reputation to care for

This impacts the people that may or may not come for various reasons or services

At the universal church level, our reputation as saints impacts how the world views us

We need to earnestly strive to be known as a faithful family of faithful churches full of faithful families with faithful individuals!

In order to accomplish this, we will later see a need to be concerned for others, not just ourself (Phil. 2:1-4)

A Prayer for Others (vv. 9-10)

Seeing that this is the case, we need to be prayerful for others, not just ourselves! -> we all need the prayers of those we love

Paul’s was a prayer of thanksgiving -> this is not a competition, but a cooperation

We must be excited and supportive of the success of others -> not envious and jealous (Rom. 12:9-21)

Paul’s prayer was that he could be used to minister to them -> a mature prayer is one that takes the initiative to serve others

It is not that a nameless, faceless force would benefit someone else, but that I can at my expense

Not for my glory, but because I want others to benefit -> as you would a child or spouse, but for other believers

Mutual Comfort (vv. 11-13)

There is a mutual comfort among believers -> it is a good and necessary thing to be together

Those that are ministering are also being ministered to -> this is the function of the body

More importantly, those that are ministering are encouraged by the growth that is seen in those they minister to

There is no greater joy than to see the fruit of your labor

It lets you know it is worth the effort

Those you love grow closer to God

God is pleased with others loving and worshipping Him

All through the book of Romans, we will see the selfless service the gospel calls us to