2. Romans 1:8-17 - Paul’s Thanksgiving and The Power of the Gospel.

September 11th, 2024
by Jongseung Park

Paul expresses gratitude for the faith of the Roman believers, declares his desire to visit them, and emphasizes that the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, both Jew and Gentile.

1. SCRIPTURE

8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you 10 always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God's will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— 12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. 13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles.
14 I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. 15 So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.

2. OBSERVATIONS :

Paul expresses his gratitude to God for the Roman believers, whose faith has become known throughout the world. Even though he hasn’t met them, he prays for them regularly(8-9).
Paul really wants to visit the believers in Rome to help them grow spiritually and to encourage each other in their faith. He’s tried to come before but has been prevented(10-13).

Paul’s Mission: Paul feels a strong duty to share the gospel with all kinds of people—both Greeks (the educated and cultured) and barbarians (non-Greeks, those considered uncivilized), the wise and the foolish, no matter who they are(13-15).

Paul boldly says he’s not ashamed of the gospel because it’s God’s power to save everyone who believes, both Jews and non-Jews. Through the gospel, God’s righteousness is revealed, and we live by faith(16-17).

3. APPLICATION:

When I think about Paul’s thankfulness for the Roman Christians, I’m reminded of the people in my life who have strong faith. Do I thank God for the faith of others around me? Do I intentionally recognize and pray for how God is at work in my community? I need to be more intentional in thanking God for them and recognizing how their faith inspires me.

Paul wanted to visit the Romans not only to teach them but also to be encouraged by their faith. This makes me reflect on how I approach my relationships with other believers. Do I focus on mutual encouragement, or do I only think about what I can give? I need to be open to both sharing my faith and receiving support from others.

Paul was not ashamed of the gospel and felt an obligation to share it with all people, regardless of background or status. Am I willing to share my faith with those around me, even when it feels uncomfortable or I’m unsure of their response? I want to grow in courage, trusting that the gospel is God’s power to save, not something I should ever feel hesitant about.

Paul’s words about living by faith make me ask: Am I truly living by faith each day? It’s easy to say I trust God, but am I letting that faith guide my decisions, actions, and outlook on life? I want to depend more on God’s righteousness and less on my own efforts, knowing that His plan is greater than mine.

4. PRAYER:

Lord, thank You for the faith of those around me. Help me to appreciate and encourage them.I ask for boldness to share the gospel without shame and to be committed to Your mission to reach all people. Remind me daily that it is by faith that I live, and guide me to trust in Your righteousness. May my life reflect the power of the gospel in everything I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Posted in Book of Romans

1 Comment

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Carla Donaldson - September 13th, 2024 at 9:11am

That is my heart’s desire! To be bold and to also be equipped with knowledge of the Word to give a defense and explanation to everyone that ask for the reason of the hope that we have.