Romans 1:8-15

Paul follows his salutation with personal remarks that reveal the occasion for the letter and his love for these people he has yet to visit.  This is his prayer for them.

As with most prayers it begins with thanksgiving.  Paul is thankful for the world-renown faith of this church in the capital city of the empire.  To stand for Christ in the center of the emperor-worship and secularism was no easy matter.  So their example was well known and an encouragement to believers across the empire.

The basic request of Paul’s prayer is that he might be enabled by God to come to Rome so as to minister there.  The church had started apart from Paul’s ministry but as the apostle for obedience to the faith among all nations (v5) it was important that he preach Christ in Rome.  Thus he prayed this prayer unceasingly (v8).

What catches us is not only the geography of Paul’s desire but his passion to serve.  He desires to see this church established, not in the sense of being started but in the sense of being stronger, able to stand in the face of even greater pressure.  There is a lesson here for any church: status quo is never where it’s at for believers.  We must always be in a mode of spiritual growth.  Even Paul, with all his spiritual maturity, recognized he had not made it and continued to press on (Phil. 3:12-15).

As if to assure any detractors Paul concludes by affirming his integrity in this desire to come to Rome.  It has always been his plan (v13).  He recognizes a personal debt in this matter because of his apostolic calling (v14).  And he is ready (v15).

Before leaving this wonderful statement of the heart of the apostle meditate on his ministry and ask God to encourage you in your own service.

·        Paul served with thanksgiving, v8.  Often we serve with a chip on our shoulder, not truly seeing what God is doing in the lives of those we serve.

·        Paul served with accountability, v9.  God observes all we do.

·        Paul served with service, v9.  This word has a worship context.  Paul served in his spirit because it was worship (Jn. 4:24).  Is you service an act of worship?

·        Paul served with prayer, v10.  If God is not in it there can be no lasting value.  And it is by prayer in His will that God is brought into our ministry.

·        Paul served with fellowship, v11.  He longed to see them.  He loved them.  Do you love those you serve?  Do you want to be with them?

·        Paul served with giving (sacrifice), v11.  He desired to impart to them whatever was needed.  Are there unnecessary limits on your ministry?

·        Paul served with encouragement, v12.  Ministry was two-way; he also received from them.  God will encourage you as you encourage others.

·        Paul served with planning, v13.  By the Spirit we must plan to obey God’s leading.

·        Paul served with fruitfulness, v13.  We don’t just do things.  We do things to bear fruit for Christ.  That’s why He chose us (John 15:16).

·        Paul served with obligation, v14.  Paul is on record about his ministry in Rome.  We are obligated to love (Rom. 13:8).

·        Paul served with eagerness, v15.  He is not dragging his feet but joyfully anticipates ministry in Rome.

This is not merely a list of duties.  It is ministry at its best.  It is our own personal prayer list before God that we too might properly serve Him and others.