GOSPEL PARTNERS
Romans 1:8-15
This is the second sermon of the series, “Romans: The Gospel Blueprint.”
Paul established that he is a slave and apostle of Christ, and his apostleship is for the gospel (Rom. 1:1). He stated key elements of the gospel that the gospel is concerning the Son who was prophesied in Scripture, and that He is a descendant of David, and that this Son was raised from the dead by the Holy Spirit. He calls the Romans beloved of God and called to be saints, meaning sanctified and holy; it implies that God’s beloved are called to be holy. The apostle offers thanksgiving for the steadfast faith of the Roman believers. He expresses his desire to visit Rome to proclaim the gospel.
Thanksgiving and Prayer
Paul gives thanks for the faith of the Roman believers, which is well known among believers throughout the known world. Paul then says God is his witness that he constantly remembers them in prayer. He convinces them of his sincerity by stating that God is the witness to the prayers. Paul submits to God’s will and hopes to succeed in his planned visit.
Romans 1:8-10, ESV: 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.
One should note that Paul stated that he serves God in the gospel of His Son. At the beginning of his letter, he stated that he is “set apart for the gospel of God” (Rom. 1:1). Now, Paul claims to serve God in the gospel of His Son. He shows that he is a servant and that the gospel belongs to God and His Son.
Mutual Encouragement
Paul expresses his desire to see the Roman believers. His purpose is to impart a spiritual gift to strengthen their faith. The spiritual gift is probably a teaching or a word of exhortation, or working together.[1] The goal is mutual encouragement, which is necessary in the body of Christ.
Romans 1:11-12: 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.
Paul quickly adds that this strengthening would be mutual, because he also expects to be encouraged by their faith. Even as an apostle, Paul does not act pridefully, but humbly acknowledges that God encourages His people through one another. These verses teach that in the body of Christ, both ministers and members are blessed and strengthened through shared faith in the gospel.
Gospel Mission
Paul says he planned to visit them but had been hindered until now. His purpose includes that he might reap a harvest among them just as he had among other Gentiles. Paul then says he feels a divine obligation to preach the gospel to all kinds of people. The phrase “under obligation” may also be translated as “indebted.”[2]
Romans 1:13-15: 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.
This shows that the gospel is not limited to one culture, class, or level of education, but is for the whole world. Therefore, Paul says he is eager to preach the gospel in Rome as well, showing both his zeal for Christ and, probably, his desire to make sure they understood the gospel clearly.
Application
1. Let us remain thankful to the Lord for every church community that remains steadfast in its faith. Let us also pray for the other church communities with whom we partner or wish to partner.
2. Let us desire to bless other church communities, which includes supporting them in prayer, giving, and visitation. Believers must expand their awareness of God’s move in other church communities.
3. Let us proclaim the gospel to other church communities because it is central to the Christian life. Let us proclaim the gospel to the lost here and in other places, so that all the Gentiles will hear of the gospel.
[1] Schreiner et al., Romans (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), 2nd ed. (Baker Academic, 2018), 59.
[2] David Garland, Romans (IVP, 2021), The Letter Opening.
Bibliography
Garland, David. Romans. IVP, 2021.
Schreiner, Thomas R, Yarbrough, Robert W, Jipp, and Joshua. Romans (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament). 2nd ed. Baker Academic, 2018.
Poem
TOGETHER FOR THE GOSPEL by Ed Pilapil Jr. Thank the Father through Christ the Lord For all who are steadfast, yes, all By His grace, their faith was well-known They are the believers in Rome The apostle longed to visit To impart a spiritual gift He expressed his sincere prayers For the gospel, to be partners The Romans and the apostle Them together for the gospel For the fullness of the Gentiles The mission entails many miles In Rome or Spain, many races As well as to many places His gospel will spread to many Gospel power through you and me
Study Guide
1. What was Paul’s thanksgiving, and what was his prayer? (Rom. 1:8-10)
2. What is the dual nature of the spiritual gift that Paul wants to impart? (Rom. 1:11-12)
3. Explain the sense of obligation or indebtedness that Paul mentioned. (Rom. 1:13-15).
