The Normal Christian Life: A Journey Through Romans
Thursday, January 19, 2006
My Prayer Today
Heavenly Father, I thank You for the body of Christ – Your church! It is such a blessing to be a part of a community of believers who encourage one another. Thank You that all of us have a part to play in building Your kingdom. We can mutually bless one another through what You have done for us. Help me to be an encouragement to those around me today for the sake of Your glory! In Jesus’ name I ask this. . . Amen.
God’s Word Today—Romans 1:8-15
8 Let me say first of all that your faith in God is becoming known throughout the world. How I thank God through Jesus Christ for each one of you. 9 God knows how often I pray for you. Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God, whom I serve with all my heart by telling others the Good News about His Son. 10 One of the things I always pray for is the opportunity, God willing, to come at last to see you. 11 For I long to visit you so I can share a spiritual blessing with you that will help you grow strong in the Lord. 12 I’m eager to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. In this way, each of us will be a blessing to the other.
13 I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to visit you, but I was prevented until now. I want to work among you and see good results, just as I have done among other Gentiles. 14 For I have a great sense of obligation to people in our culture and to people in other cultures, to the educated and uneducated alike. 15 So I am eager to come to you in Rome, too, to preach God’s Good News.
Reflecting on God’s Word
In Romans 1:8-15 the apostle Paul gives several reasons why he intended to visit the Roman Christians. We mentioned yesterday that his first purpose was to “impart a spiritual gift.” The second reason, according to verse 12, was “to share encouragement.” Paul didn’t come solely for the purpose of blessing the church at Rome, but he also wanted the church to be a blessing to him. He needed their encouragement just as must as they needed his! If Paul, one of the greatest spiritual warriors for Jesus Christ, needed encouragement – then we all do! When God’s people come together there is a mutual exchange that takes place. We are mutually encouraged and empowered when we gather together. We bless one another. Just as “iron sharpens iron,” so we all need to be encouraged. There is nothing like a word or action that blesses us at a time when we need it the most! If we neglect being with God’s people, we miss the opportunity for God to work through others to bless us. Likewise, we miss the opportunity to offer a timely word or action for someone else. We are mutually encouraged when we come together in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ!
A Deeper Exploration of God’s Word
Corporate worship is important to God. In the Old Testament He called Israel to worship at the Tabernacle, and then the Temple in Jerusalem. In the New Testament, Jesus regularly attended the synagogue, and the church in Acts continually met together to encourage one another. God always intended for His people to come together and worship Him. Missing church (the gathering of God’s people) is always a recipe for spiritual disaster!
Understanding God’s Purpose for Us
God’s purpose for us in coming to church is not only so that we can be encouraged, but also so that we can encourage others! The challenge for most new Christians is moving from the mindset that simply comes to church to receive a blessing, to one of also being a blessing. It’s not only for our own spiritual welfare, but also for the spiritual welfare of others. What are you doing to encourage others at church?
Applying God’s Word to Our Purpose
Do you find yourself discouraged often? According to Paul’s second purpose in coming to Rome (vs. 11), what is something you can do to be encouraged?
Is church attendance a significant priority in your life? Why or why not?
Thoughts
A story is told of a pastor who went to visit a man who hadn’t come to worship for several months. It was a cold winter day and the pastor went over to the man’s fireplace, where a warm fire crackled and blazed. The pastor took a pair of tongs and removed one burning ember from the fire, and laid it on the hearth. Within a few moments the ember turned from a brilliant orange to a cold, black lump. The pastor looked into the man’s eyes, holding his gaze. The man sat quietly for a time and then said, “I’ll see you in worship next Sunday.” When we consistently miss church, we’re in danger of spiritual burn out! If you show me a person who misses church regularly, I’ll show you a person who’s not on fire for God. I’ve heard people say, “well, I’ll worship God my own way.” The point is that we not worship God “our way,” but rather “His way!” God’s way of worship, throughout history has always been in the context of community. It’s important to worship God “privately,” but we must not forget the “corporate” manner of worship. We worship God’s way, because gathering together with other believers is our lifeline for spiritual blessing and encouragement.
This Week’s Memory Verse:
I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. Romans 1:12b