Romans 1:8-15
The Heart and Mission of Paul the Apostle

Today, March 3rd, 2023, let us together, in the grace of God, rejoice and reflect on the Word of God in Romans 1:8-15.

8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of in all the world.

9 For God is my witness, whom I serve in my spirit in the gospel of His Son, how without ceasing I make mention of you

10 always at my prayers, beseeching if by any means now at length I shall be blessed by the will of God to come to you.

11 For I long to see you, that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, for the establishing of you;

12 and this is to be comforted together among you, through the faith in one another, both yours and mine.

13 But I do not wish you to be ignorant, brothers, that often I purposed to come to you, and was kept back until the present, that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among the other nations.

14 I am a debtor both to Greeks and to foreigners, both to wise, and to foolish,

15 so as far as lies in me, I am eager to preach the gospel to you in Rome also.

[Literal Translation of the Holy Bible]

Suggested Questions:

1. What does “all the world” refer to?

2. What does it mean to serve God in spirit?

3. Was Paul’s desire natural or spiritual?

4. What is a “spiritual gift”?

5. What does “the faith in one another” mean?

6. Is there a difference between harvesting among God’s people and harvesting among the nations? If so, what is the difference?

7. Why did Paul consider himself indebted to everyone? What was that debt?

8. Paul is writing a letter to the Church in Rome, which means he is writing to those who have received the Gospel. Why does he say he is eager to preach the Gospel to them?

Suggested Applications:

1. Is your faith in Christ known throughout your community? Does your lifestyle make it clear to your neighbors that you are living according to the Word of God?

2. Are you serving God? If so, how? If not, do you believe you have a duty to serve Him?

3. Do you have any natural desires that align with the Word of God? Do you have any natural desires that you know do not align with the Word of God? Or do you have any natural desires that you are unsure of whether or not they align with the Word of God?

4. If you have a natural desire that aligns with the Word of God but it has not yet been fulfilled, what should you do? What should you do with a natural desire that you know does not align with the Word of God, or that you are not sure if it aligns with the Word of God?

5. Do you have any spiritual gifts to share with the Church? Have you ever benefited from any spiritual gifts from your brothers and sisters in Christ?

6. If you believe that you are serving God, how do you expect to reap the fruits of your labor?

7. Do you owe anyone anything, like how Paul felt he owed everyone? If so, how will you repay your debt?

8. Do you have a fervent desire to preach the Gospel to everyone? How does that relate to the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself?