READ: Rom. 1:8–15: … that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me …
Paul not only expresses thanksgiving at the end of his letters but also begins with it. In this, he sets an example for us to also place thanksgiving at the forefront of our prayers. Here his thanks are for God’s gift of faith to the Romans.
That faith has now become known throughout the inhabited world around the Mediterranean—the “world.” Not because the Romans are such exemplary people, but because they have received the precious gift of faith!
Paul says that he serves God in his spirit—that is, he wholeheartedly dedicates himself to the proclamation of the gospel. He also continually expresses to God his longing to one day visit this congregation in person.
He realizes how necessary it is to encourage one another in the faith, especially when true faith is found in each other. Then there is unity in the truth, which encourages and comforts, as is also the case now in the church and in the fellowship of churches. This is not so much a matter of feeling, but of building up in faith. The Romans need that, but Paul himself also does (v.12).
Paul says he wants to share with them “some spiritual gift” (v.11). In 1 Cor. 12 much is said about such gifts. They are given by the Holy Spirit in great variety to the members of the congregation for the building up of the body of Christ.
Paul is very eager to finally visit the congregation at Rome to serve them with his gifts. He regrets his absence but also points out that in his gospel preaching and in establishing congregations, there is no preference regarding people’s origin or level of development.
The Romans might think they are more cultured and thus more deserving to receive Paul. But that is not how the Lord works, and thus not how His apostle works. Still, it remains Paul’s great longing to meet them one day.
What is your contribution within the congregation?
Sing: Ps. 92:6