Romans 1 02.10.22

SCRIPTURE Romans 1:8 NIV

“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world.”

OBSERVATION

Paul wrote to the Roman believers from Corinth towards the close of his third missionary journey as he prepared to leave for Palestine with an offering for the poor believers in the Jerusalem Church (Romans 15:25).

In his letter, Paul highlights something truly “Praise” worthy to the believers in the Roman Church. “I thank God for you, because your FAITH is being reported ALL over the world”.

UNDERSTANDING

The Roman historian Tacitus writes that in the city of Rome “flow all things that are vile and abominable, and they are well encouraged”. Yet, in the midst of such a “moral cesspool” the Roman saints were living singularly pure lives and giving glorious testimony to the supernatural source—the transforming POWER of the Gospel of Grace found in Jesus Christ. (Precept Austin)

The Testimony to the “Life Changing” Power of the Gospel was SO evident in the Roman Church that it stood apart and shone bright---in the midst of the city’s moral decay. The believer’s FAITH was SO Powerful and Bore such Fruit that the news of their Faith spread worldwide.

LIFE APPLICATION

How do I apply this to my life?

Many churches strive to be known for various things. Some boast in their beautiful architecture and stained-glass windows, others take pride in large attendance and multiple services, while others offer various programs, many admiral traits to be sure. But if I could boast of one thing—I would surely choose…Faith in Jesus. A Faith that is of such a magnitude that it is reported worldwide.

I love what Pastor Levi shared on Sunday about a young woman who said upon coming to know Jesus as her personal savior “It was as if I had been seeing all my life in black and white—Now, everything is in Color”.

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for providing everything we need to GO and be Your witness. You have given us your Holy Spirit for wisdom and power and YOU go before us to prepare the hearts of each one you connect us to. Thank You that Your Gospel Truth has Power independent of our eloquence or formal theological training. May we simply and Joyfully speak your Truth in Love.

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might GO  and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” (John 15:16)

“You are now to be a living letter testifying to the transforming Power of the Gospel. Known and read by everyone—a letter of Christ—written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the Living God, not on tablets of stone, but on tablets of human hearts.” (2 Cor 3:2-3) My personal life scripture)

 Tina Kudelka