Intentional Relationships
Opening Prayer
My God and Father, I thank You today for those people You sent me who have nurtured and encouraged my faith.
Read ROMANS 1:8-17
[8] First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. [9] God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you [10] in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you. [11] I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong- [12] that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. [13] I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles. [14] I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. [15] That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are at Rome. [16] I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. [17] For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What does Paul say about the Gospel in this passage?Paul is eager to establish a warm relationship with the Christians in Rome. He has a purpose in this—that they might mutually encourage one another in order to grow stronger in their faith in Christ. More than that, he longs for the Church to grow numerically as well as in depth. For Paul, evangelism and discipleship go together. He is eager to preach and unashamed of the Gospel. He brims with excitement about the Gospel being for all people.
Can we truly say we are unashamed of the Gospel? Do we share Paul’s eagerness to tell others that Christ brings them salvation? So often we are hesitant and reluctant to even admit we are followers of Jesus.
In my travels to understand Bible Society work in other parts of the world I am often struck by the eager and natural way in which fellow believers share their faith. I don’t think it is just shyness or natural reserve that prevents many of us from being more vocal. Paul would challenge us to consider whether we have so firmly grasped the Gospel that we know we have a gift that must be passed on.
Apply
Do you delight in the Gospel so much that you’ll eagerly help others know Christ and grow in him?
Closing prayer
Good Lord, I pray that You will graciously deepen my delight in the Gospel and my eagerness to share it with others.
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