“8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you because the news of your faith is being reported in all the world. 9 God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in telling the good news about his Son — that I constantly mention you, 10 always asking in my prayers that if it is somehow in God’s will, I may now at last succeed in coming to you. 11 For I want very much to see you, so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you, 12 that is, to be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.”
Paul begins this section by thanking God for the church in Rome. Paul is not only here encouraging them about the good news of their faith, but he also indicates that he regularly gives thanks to God on their behalf. Paul provides proof that his own life is being spent building the kingdom of God. He is serving God by telling the good news about Jesus, that is, he is sharing the gospel with others. Paul is also actively involved in encouraging others and in building up the church’s unity by praising the members of the church for their faith. He says that he constantly mentions them.
Paul discusses his desire to have visited Rome in the past, although hindered. (See Romans 1:13) What is the purpose of Paul’s burning desire to visit the Christians in Rome? Why does he seem so bent on making a trip to see them? He tells us that he wants to “impart some spiritual gift to strengthen them.” (v. 11) What exactly does that mean? Verse 12 tells us. He wants to encourage them in their faith, and by displaying his own faith, he knows too that they will be encouraged.
Paul sets forth a precedent for believers, that we should be in frequent prayer for one another and that we should encourage one another in our faith. We should be concerned with both praying for each other’s needs and with thanking God for the faithfulness and obedience of others.
Here are some application questions to ask yourself related to today’s reading:
- Am I often thankful for the faithfulness of others? Do I encourage others by praising them for and pointing out their faithfulness and obedience? How often do I praise God for how others are following in obedience to Him?
- Do I enjoy spending time with other Christians? Am I refreshed by being in their company? Do I look forward to worshipping with them on Sundays and at other times throughout the week?
- When I am with the church, do I make good use of my spiritual gifts in order to strengthen and encourage one another as Paul models?