Romans 1 - Paul’s Concern
Notes
Transcript
Text
Text
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 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; Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end you may be established; That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Introduction
Introduction
In writing to the Christians at Rome, like in all of Paul’s letters, we get a clear picture of his concern for his fellow brethren. In his heart he desired to go to Rome and personally minister to these believers but at the time of his writing all that God would allow was a letter. Thankfully, we have a copy of this letter included in the cannon of the New Testament and with it we have a very detailed explanation of the doctrine of the gospel.
Last week we looked at Paul’s credentials and the authenticity of his ministry and his message.
Funny Story - Getting our minds around the idea of concern for others
A Sunday School teacher was telling the story of the Good Samaritan to her class of 4-5 year olds.
She was making it as vivid as possible to keep the children interested in her tale.
Then she asked the class, “If you saw a person lying on the roadside all wounded and bleeding, what would you do?”
A thoughtful little girl broke the hushed silence, “I think I’d throw up.”
Transition
Transition
As we move on in the introductory section this morning we are going to get a further glimpse into his genuine concern for these Christians in Rome.
Notice first...
I. Paul was concerned about their testimony -
I. Paul was concerned about their testimony -
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
A. Their testimony was familiar to Paul
A. Their testimony was familiar to Paul
How can we minister to people we do not know - Paul was both thankful and familiar with these people
B. Their testimony was familiar to the whole world
B. Their testimony was familiar to the whole world
Rome was the center of the civilized world and word of the faith of these Christians had spread far and wide.
What a privilege and responsibility to represent Christ in such a significant way
Our faith might not be spoken of throughout the whole world but it is speaking in some realm in some way - we need to be mindful of this
He was concerned with their testimony but he was also concerned with their growth...
II. Paul was concerned about their growth -
II. Paul was concerned about their growth -
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; Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.
A. Their growth through prayer
A. Their growth through prayer
Not only was Paul thankful but he was prayerful
We can get so comfortable with one another that at times Ithink we forget how much we need one anothers prayer support. Whom in th body are you regularly taking to God in prayer. Are we acquainted with the needs of our fellow brothers and sisters and are we “unceasingly” taking these needs before the Lord?
1. His Praying was Consistant (vs 9)
1. His Praying was Consistant (vs 9)
“without ceasing”
“always in my prayers”
My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord;
In the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.
2. His Praying was Specific (vs 10)
2. His Praying was Specific (vs 10)
“Making request…to come unto you”
B. Their growth through purposeful fellowship -
B. Their growth through purposeful fellowship -
For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end you may be established; That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.
1. Fellowship that establishes
1. Fellowship that establishes
“that you may be established”
Illustration: If you have ever started a business or some kind of entrepreneurial endeavor you know what it’s like to be unestablished. You don't have all of the resources you need, you dont have the experience that you need because you are just starting out. You might look around and see another business owner who has plenty of clients and tools and financial resources. - Just think about Great Lakes Baptist - right now we are not very established!
We have so many Christians that are not very established in the faith
True and purposeful fellowship helps to facilitate the establishment of other Christians
2. Fellowship that comforts
2. Fellowship that comforts
“mutual faith”
there is something about our mutual faith that unites our fellowship and provides a comfort not known in this world
C. Their growth through practical preaching
C. Their growth through practical preaching
I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
1. His position in preaching-
1. His position in preaching-
Paul was a man in debt - not financially but spiritually. He viewed his responsibility as a messenger of Christ as an indebtedness to the lost world around him
How would this effect our lives if we viewed our life in the same way? Paul Does not mince words about the guilty verdict God has placed on all man - we will see that in the coming chapters, however, he does view those who are living apart from Gods truth of salvation and people he is in debt to. Who has God placed in our lives that we are in debt to? Do we live like we are in debt?
2. His preparation in preaching -
2. His preparation in preaching -
“I am ready”
This means he was willing
No necessarily that he knew it all - but that He was willing to use what he did know
Are we willing?
3. His power in preaching -
3. His power in preaching -
“not ashamed of the gospel…it is the power of God”
There are many anecdotes floating around in this world but the true power for change comes only through the proclamation of the gospel
Conclusion
Conclusion
Clearly Paul was a man that was concerned with the spiritual wellbeing of others. It may have been one of his most important and defining characteristics. Throughout his writings you can picture a man that is genuinely concerned about his fellow brethern.
Are we focused on the spiritual wellbeing of others?
Are we familiar with others individual testimonies?
Are we concerned enough to pray for one another regularly?