Equipping and Encouragement

Having conventionally begun with his own name, Paul quickly moves to speak of the Gospel of which he is an apostle. As Christ’s servant, he wants only to highlight the credentials of Jesus: the One foretold in Scripture by the prophets, descended from David, the Son of God raised from the dead. Paul delivers a succinct, yet powerful acknowledgement of who Jesus is; his every word opens up meaning and deepens our understanding. His Jewish readers will know the significance of the messianic prophecies and understand that Jesus is God’s Son. Paul wants his Roman Gentile readers to grasp this also and experience the reality of Christ’s power and resurrection. For Paul has accepted God’s calling to share the Gospel with the Gentiles and draw them into obedience to Christ, also (5).

Paul greets the Roman Christians knowing they share God’s love and his calling. He speaks very personally to them. News of their faith has spread, and Paul’s constant prayers for them have been answered. Now he longs to encourage them even more in person, and to help them grow. There will be much hospitality and sociability when Paul comes to visit, but his ambitions for the trip are deeper than that. Their time together will be about both giving and receiving. Paul wants to be a vehicle for the Holy Spirit to deepen and strengthen their faith (11), but he also wants to grow himself–through their encouragement and through seeing the fruit of what God is doing in them (13). It’s something we need to note for our own times together as Christians. As Christ’s body, we need to be committed to mutual encouragement–to build one another up in the faith. If that is lacking in your church, ask God now how you might deepen your fellowship together.

Think of people you know who might need your encouragement today. Ask God to show you ways you can reach out to them with encouragement, and resolve to be obedient.