Author: Will

Romans 1:18 – Truth Bullies

Posted on by Will

For God’s wrath is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,

Truth to Learn

Sinfulness suppresses and hides God’s truth. Our job is to reveal that truth to the sinful world around us.

 

Behind the Words

The word translated “wrath” is the Greek word orgē, meaning “anger.” However, there is another Greek word often translated as anger. This word is thumos, meaning “indignation” or “wrath.” According to Aristotle, “ogrē, anger, is desire with grief”, so we can say, it is anger directed at those with whom God does not desire to be angry, namely mankind.

“Ungodliness” is from asebia, which is made up of the privative a, meaning “not” and a form of sebomai, meaning “to hold in reverence” or “to worship.” Therefore, we could easily translate this word as “irreverence.” It does not imply non-religious actions, but the practice of actions which are different than what God demands.

The word “unrighteous” is translated from adikia, made up of the privative a, meaning “not” and a form of dikē which refers to “that which is right.” In other words, this word refers to those actions which are not right in God’s sight.

“Suppress” is from the Greek word katechō, made up of kata, meaning “down” and echō, meaning “to have or to hold.” Hence, it literally means “to hold down.” It is the picture of a bully holding down a weaker child just because he can and he wants to.

 

Meaning Explained

Paul just talked about how the righteousness of God is revealed to man through the gospel message. He now looks at the other side of the equation, the wrath, or anger, of God. We Christians are often quick to grasp hold of God’s truth and God’s love, claiming it as the reason God has revealed his Son to us. But, we are just as quick to shun the notion that God gets angry.

This grievous anger of God is revealed against “all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men.” This is the very opposite of the godliness and righteousness of God Himself. These are people who don’t give God the reverence He deserves, though they may claim to be Christians. And, Paul says, they aren’t doing the things which God wants them to be doing. Instead, they are holding down, or suppressing, the truth about God by their irreverent and unrighteous ways, and that makes God angry!

Now, before we get too condemning of others, let’s remember that before we were saved we were just like them. We didn’t give God the reverence He deserves, nor did we act in a way that was right in His eyes. And, even now that we have been saved, it’s not our own righteousness that God sees (for we are all unrighteous), but the righteousness of Christ, which He has credited to our account.

 

Application

Our job as unrighteous sinners, who have been granted the righteousness of Christ, is to shine like beacons to the world around us, displaying the truth about God, not hiding it. But the light we are to project has nothing to do with our own actions or obedience. It has everything to do with the work that God has done through His Son on the cross. And that beacon has nothing to do with what we are doing for Him. It has everything to do with what He is doing through us.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 1:17 – Confident Faith

Posted on by Will

For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; even as it has been written, "The just shall live by faith."

Truth to Learn

From salvation to service, we reveal God’s righteousness.

 

Behind the Words

The phrase “from faith to faith” has been hotly debated for centuries. The Greek is ek pisteos eis pistin. As I have said before, Greek is a very descriptive language. It is an inflected language, meaning that the “case” of nouns and adjectives tells us how the nouns or adjectives are used. The two nouns in this phrase, pisteos and pistin, are both inflected forms of the noun pistis which means “faith.” The first of these, pisteos is in the Genitive case, which means “of faith” or “from faith” and the second, pistin, is in the Accusative case, which means that it is the direct object of the verb.

Now, since the case of a noun does not always give a precise indication of its meaning, prepositions were added to the Greek language to make the meaning clearer. In this example, ek pisteos uses the proposition ek, which means “out of” or “from” implying “the result of” (that is, the outcome of faith), and eis pistin uses the preposition eis which means “into” or “unto,” implying that it leads, or continues, into faith (you could say it results in faith).

 

Meaning Explained

I give you my apology up front for the technicality of today’s discussion. I hope you didn’t get lost in the Greek grammar lesson here. Technical as it is, it is important for a complete understanding of this verse.

What Paul is saying in this verse is that the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel first of all as the result of faith. That is, we are declared righteous when we believe the gospel message, just as Abraham was declared righteous when he believed God regarding the promise of many descendants (see Genesis 15:6). We see from this that righteousness is revealed from (as the result of) faith. Paul is then saying that this righteousness, which God has now given us, is also revealed when we live by faith after we have been saved. That is, righteousness is revealed unto (resulting in) faith. One way of putting it is to say that the righteousness of God is revealed from saving faith which results in a daily living faith.

By way of firmly reinforcing what he means (that the righteousness that God gives us results in daily living faith), Paul then says, “as it has been written, ‘The just shall live by faith.’” This is a quote taken from Habakkuk 2:4. Both the Septuagint translation of this passage in Habakkuk and the original Hebrew carry the meaning, “the righteous person shall live by his confidence in God.”

 

Application

This gospel message that we are to proclaim to the world contains the most powerful truth ever declared. Belief in this truth results in God’s righteousness being applied to us, and it results in us having the faith to serve with humility and to continue on with confidence.  Through this confident faith in God, we can face anything that happens to us in this life knowing that God truly loves us and will care for us.

Does your life of faith reveal the righteousness of God?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 1:16 – Powerful Message

Posted on by Will

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation to everyone believing, both to Jew first and also to Greek.

Truth to Learn

There is eternal life giving power in the gospel message.

 

Behind the Words

The word “ashamed” is from the Greek epaischunomai, which is made up of epi, meaning “upon” and aischunō, meaning “to be ashamed.” Hence, it means “to feel shame upon oneself.”

“Greek” is translated from hellēn, the word used to describe anyone from the Grecian peninsula. However, in the first century it was used in a generic sense of anyone who spoke the Greek language. And Jews of the first century, like Paul, referred to anyone who was not a Jew as a Greek (Gentile). This is the sense in which Paul uses the term in this verse.

 

Meaning Explained

Paul has been talking quite personally to the Roman Christians about his desire to see them and to give them a gift of great spiritual value. He has just told them that he is under debt to God to preach the gospel to all people. He now makes a subtle, albeit significant, turn in his message from one of introduction and consolation to one of open proclamation. Paul is just starting his sermon. Let’s listen carefully!

He says he was not bringing shame on himself by preaching the good news of Jesus. But why should anyone consider him to have been ashamed? Think about this: the Jews had cast Paul off, regarding him as an apostate. And by the wise among the Gentiles he had been persecuted, despised and driven from place to place, and regarded as the filth of the world. He had every reason to feel personally shamed. Nonetheless, he was not ashamed of the gospel.

Why was Paul so confident in his stand on the gospel? Because as he says here, “it is the power of God to salvation to everyone believing.” The power in the gospel, the good news that Jesus Christ died to pay the price for your sins and mine, is the power of God Himself. God, who demands absolute righteousness from each of us, cannot accept us into His presence if our righteousness is any less than perfect. Since none of us is righteous in and of ourselves (Romans 3:10), we are condemned to eternal separation from God. Belief in the gospel, however, results in God crediting us with the righteousness of Christ. Hence, the gospel IS the power of God resulting in salvation to everyone who believes! Praise God!

Paul then goes on to say that this salvation was offered to the Jews first and then to the rest of the world, whom Paul refers to as Greeks. If you carefully read the book of Acts you will see that Peter and the other apostles focused their preaching entirely on the Jews, and Paul’s early ministry was to Jews. In whatever city he entered, Paul went first into the synagogues to deliver the gospel message to the Jews there. But because the Jews rejected His message, Paul then turned to the Gentiles.

 

Application

The power of God is packaged in a very simple message. We are all sinners; therefore, our righteousness falls short of God’s standard. Our sin and lack of righteousness earns us death (both physical and spiritual). But Jesus’ death pays our penalty, and we receive His righteousness when we accept His payment. Then, through God’s power we receive eternal life!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 1:15 – Listening and Ready

Posted on by Will

So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.

Truth to Learn

Paul was ready to risk his life to obey God’s call in his life.

 

Behind the Words

The expression “I am ready” is translated from prothumos, which is a compound word made up of pro, meaning “before or forward” and thumos, which refers to “a temperament, passion, or mindset.” This word means “predisposed, willing, or ready” to do what is expected.

“Preach the gospel” is from the Greek word euangelidzō. This is another compound word which is made up of eu, meaning “good or well” and angellō, meaning “to announce, proclaim, or tell.” Hence, euangelidzō refers to “proclaiming or telling the good news” that Christ has paid our sin debt for us by His death on the cross.

 

Meaning Explained

Paul continues on with the idea that was started in the previous verse. He is compelled to preach the Gospel to the Greeks and the barbarians, and now he is saying that he is also ready to preach the good news to the people in Rome. Paul was completely submitted to God and committed to whatever God wanted him to do! Keep in mind that this was written during the reign of Nero who hated Christians. Yet Paul was willing to risk his life to proclaim the gospel message.

In yesterday’s verse I asked you if you knew what God has called you to do and whether or not you feel compelled to do it. I’m sure that some of you responded with the question, “How do I know what God has called me to do?” That’s a question that many Christians wrestle with today.

The only way to know what God has called you to do (or what God is calling you to do) is to be in constant communication with Him. Now, I can already hear some of you saying, “But I pray to Him constantly!” and I’m sure some of you do. But you will notice that I said “communicate with” not “talk to.” Communication requires a two way conversation. Sometimes we Christians get so busy talking to God that He can’t get a word in edgewise and even if He did, we wouldn’t hear it because we are so busy talking.

“OK,” you say, “what do I need to do to hear God’s message for me?” The first thing you need to do is to be quiet. Then you need to listen. Note that “listen” is an active verb not a passive verb. Listening is something that we do intentionally and it takes effort. We need to listen to God speaking to us when we hear a sermon. We need to listen to God when we read and study our Bible. We need to listen to God when we are praying. Sometimes, the best way to listen to God is to get away from all the distractions of life and just listen. It could be in a quiet, out of the way place outside somewhere, or it could be while you are sitting in the bathtub or standing in the shower preparing for the day ahead.

 

Application

Remember the story of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42)? Martha was so busy she didn’t have time to listen to the Lord. Mary, on the other hand, sat at His feet and listened.

Are you busy, or are you listening?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 1:14 – Indebted to God

Posted on by Will

I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise.

Truth to Learn

Paul was compelled to preach to the Gentiles because of what he owed to God.

 

Behind the Words

“Debtor” is from opheiletēs, meaning “one who owes a debt or a favor.”

The Greek word that is translated “barbarians” in today’s verse is barbarois which literally is “barbar ones” or “those who say barbar.”

The word translated “wise” is Sophos. The meaning of this word in the New Testament is someone who is godly wise as opposed to worldly wise. It denotes  a fear of God and an understanding of His ways. Secondarily, it refers to the possession of a certain practical ability in applying learning and truth.

“Unwise” is from anoētos, which is made up of the privative a, meaning “not” and noeō, referring to “things of the mind,” that is, comprehension. This, anoētos refers to someone who is lacking intelligence.

 

Meaning Explained

This is an interesting verse from the apostle Paul.  On the surface it appears that Paul is saying that he owes a debt to a number of people, but I don’t think that’s what he means. Paul was called by God specifically to be the apostle to the Gentiles (nations), that is, to non-Jews. We see this later in Romans:

For I speak to you, the Gentiles; inasmuch as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, (Romans 11:13)

In fact, Paul did not have an option as to whether or not he was to preach the gospel. He was compelled to do so by God. He owed it to God because of what God had done for him (salvation) and because he was called by God to do it.

For if I proclaim the gospel, it is no glory to me, for necessity is laid upon me; and woe is to me if I do not proclaim the gospel! (1 Corinthians 9:16)

That’s why Paul calls himself a debtor. He felt like he owed a great debt to God, and it was only by being obedient to God’s call that he could pay off that debt. He expresses that debt in terms of people because it was to people that he was compelled to preach.

In today’s verse Paul says that he is “debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians,” but what does he mean? We have to remember that when Rome conquered any land, those who were conquered were permitted to retain their local language, but they were also required to use the common language of the Empire. This common language was Greek. Hence, anyone who spoke Greek was considered civilized. Anyone who did not speak Greek sounded like someone uttering, “bar, bar, bar …” Thus, they were called barbarians.

Paul then expresses these two classes of people in another manner as further explanation, “to wise and unwise.” A literal translation of this phrase would be “to the wise and the unintelligent.” I think he makes this distinction so that it is clear that he is not talking about a political difference, but a social difference. He wants to show that he is not bound or prohibited to preach to people based on social class, because the gospel is to all people regardless of social class.

Paul felt a strong constraint on himself to do what God had called him to do. He felt a deep seated conviction that he was called to preach. He also clearly believed that all who are saved are called to serve. Paul goes into much more detail about this notion in Romans chapter eight.

 

Application

What has God called you to do for Him? Do you know? Do you feel compelled to obey Him the way Paul does?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 1:13 – Focused Zeal

Posted on by Will

But I do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, that I often planned to come to you (but was held back until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other nations.

Truth to Learn

Paul had intended to visit Rome several times, but it wasn’t yet part of God’s plan for Paul.

 

Behind the Words

The word “ignorant” is translated from agnoeō, which is made up of the privative a, meaning “not” and noeō, meaning “to perceive” or “to understand.” Therefore, we can see that agnoeō means “ignorant or unaware.”

“Planned” is from the Greek word protithēmi, composed of pro, meaning “before, in time or location” and tithēmi, meaning “to place.” It means “to place before, in the mind.” In other words, it means “to give thought to ahead of time, to intend, or to plan ahead of time.”

The words “held back” are from the Greek verb kōluō, meaning “to hinder, weaken, prevent, or restrain.”

 

Meaning Explained

I really enjoy the tenderness that Paul shows toward other believers. He could easily have started off this verse with, “You, brothers and sisters, are ignorant of the fact that I have often intended to come visit you …” but in such matters he is much kinder. He says, “I do not want you to be ignorant.” The implication is very clear, they were ignorant, and he didn’t want that to be the case.

Paul had wanted to visit Rome for some time, and apparently had made plans to do so on numerous other occasions, but he was prevented from doing so. We don’t know specifically what hindered Paul. It is likely that it simply wasn’t God’s timing.

His reason for wanting to be with the Roman Christians, as we said earlier, was to share a spiritual gift, probably a message of strengthening and encouragement. He elaborates a little more on his reason for wanting to come in today’s verse, “that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among other nations.” Paul was not looking to share a plate of dried figs with them, that’s not the type of fruit that he is talking about. He’s talking about the fruit that comes about as a result of the Spirit of God working in people’s hearts.

You will notice that Paul’s objective is to do that which will ultimately bring praise to God, not what will ultimately bring praise to Paul. This Paul is dramatically different from Saul of Tarsus, who persecuted Christians for personal gain and because of personal zeal. He is still a zealot, but now that zeal is focused on the work of God rather than on the work of Paul.

 

Application

Are you a zealot today? Is there something that you are so totally committed to that you place it above all else in your life? If so, what is it? Is it your children? Is it your business? Is it your husband or your wife? Is it your health? Is it your retirement? These are all good things to be zealous about, but they are all the wrong things if you’re not first zealous about serving God, and doing so His way.

It’s good to be committed to a cause but don’t let that commitment take you in a direction other than where God wants you to go!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 1:12 – Encouragement Needed!

Posted on by Will

that is, that I may be comforted together with you, through the faith in one another, both yours and mine.

Truth to Learn

The Apostle Paul needed comforting at times as we all do.

 

Behind the Words

“That is” is translated from the Greek touto de estin. Literally, this would be translated as “and this is.” This phrase implies not just an explanatory repetition of the previous phrase but a delicate characterization of why Paul wants to share a spiritual gift with them.

The words “comforted together” are a translation of the Greek word sumparaklethenai, which is made up of sun,  meaning “together” and a form of parekaleo, which is a verb meaning “to call alongside as a counselor, an encourager,  or a comforter.”

 

Meaning Explained

This verse explains why Paul wanted to visit Rome and the Christians there and why he wanted to share with them a gift of spiritual truths. He wanted to see them more firmly established in their faith, and he wanted to jointly be comforted with them. It is clear from the grammatical construction that Paul was not chastising them for needing more spiritual gifts. He knew that these people were living in the midst of a pagan society that was so focused on national expansion and the riches that it brought that they were in need of the truth of God’s word. In the middle of this type of sensual and indulgent living, the Roman Christians had shown themselves to be of remarkable faith in pursuing their Savior, but it was not easy any more than it is easy to be a Christian in today’s western society. They needed some encouraging and comforting as did Paul.

This may come as a surprise to some of you, but the Apostle Paul needed to be comforted and encouraged. Sure, he was a giant of the faith (though apparently short in stature). Sure, he could perform miracles. Sure, he had an understanding of spiritual truths with a clarity that few men of the time had and that few have had since, but the apostle also had a sin nature like you and I do. He will even explain some of his inner struggles with that sin nature later in this letter. He needed to be with other Christians, and he needed to be comforted.

As Christians, we all need comforting at times. God knows this and has sent us a special comforter, the Holy Spirit. Jesus even referred to Him as our parakaletos, our comforter:

And I will ask the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may be with you forever, (John 14:16)

But the Comforter, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things and shall remind you of all things that I have said to you. (John 14:26)

 

Application

The next time you are inspired by a sermon or a word of encouragement from someone you look up to spiritually, remember that they need encouragement and comforting too. But they may be so busy encouraging and comforting others that they don’t recognize that need in themselves. This week why not encourage and comfort someone who has blessed you.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 1:11 – A Firm Standing

Posted on by Will

For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established—

Truth to Learn

Paul was filled with a desire to teach God’s truths to others.

 

Behind the Words

“Long” is from the Greek verb epipotheō, which is made up of epi, used as an intensifier, and potheō, meaning “to yearn.” Thus this word means “to desire strongly.”

The word translated “impart” is the Greek word metadō. This is a compound word made up of meta, which implies association, often translated as “with” and a form of didōmi, meaning “to give.” Hence Paul is saying that he wanted to give something to them and share it with them at the same time.

“Gift” is from the Greek word charisma, which is the noun form of the verb charidzomai, meaning “to show favor.” Hence, charisma refers to a gift of grace. That is, a gift which was not earned and is not deserved.

The word translated “established” is the Greek word stērichthēnai, the passive form of steridzo, meaning “to stand fast” or “to fix firmly in place.” The passive form means that Paul wanted this to be done to the Roman Christians. That is, he wanted them to be firmly fixed in place (spiritually) as a result of the gift that he wanted to give to them.

 

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse Paul confessed that he longed to see the Christians in Rome. He now explains why; he wanted to share something with them. In the Christian church we often talk about “sharing” an experience with someone else. That is, we want to tell it to them in a way in which they will share in the joy or sorrow of the experience. This is precisely what Paul is talking about. He wants to give the Roman Christians something that can be shared among them.

Paul then tells them that what he wants to share with them is a “spiritual gift.” Some have claimed this means that Paul wanted to impart a “miraculous gift of the spirit,” which supposedly the apostles had the power to give to others. However, this interpretation is unnatural and forced as there is no place in the scriptures where this expression denotes the power of working miracles. In fact, the explanation of this gift is given in the next verse, “that I may be comforted together with you through the faith of one another, both yours and mine.” Paul simply wanted to share more truths of the Gospel and the glories of a life in Christ with the Christians in Rome. He wanted to encourabe them by teaching them about a life of faith, and he wanted to be encouraged by their own accounts of faithful living.

His purpose in wanting to do this is, “so that you may be established.” That is, Paul wanted the Christians in Rome to have a firm doctrinal footing. He knew that faith in Christ and the surrendered life are essential for Christians. He also knew that learning the truth of God’s word would result in these Christians becoming firmly grounded in their faith, able to withstand any storm of life.

 

Application

Is that where your faith is today? Do you feel firmly fixed in your faith and in your daily walk with God, or does God often feel far away? If so… who do you think moved?

It is possible to feel firmly fixed in your faith, but it requires regular, careful reading and study of the Bible. It also requires a consistent commitment to live your life God’s way, instead of your own way.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 1:10 – Focused on Serving

Posted on by Will

making request if, by any means, now at length I shall be blessed by the will of God to come to you.

Truth to Learn

Paul’s singular focus in life was serving God.

 

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “making request” is deomai. This appears to be a middle voice (subject acting upon himself) of the word deō, meaning “to bind.” In that sense, therefore, it indicates a person being personally bound up. It is interpreted by most Greek scholars to imply a lack for oneself and, therefore, is often translated as “to make a request for one’s own needs.” Therefore, the translation “making request” makes a lot of sense.

 

Meaning Explained

Today’s verse is a continuation of yesterday’s verse. You really need to read the last phrase of verse 9 along with verse 10, thus:

that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, making request if, by any means, now at length I shall be blessed by the will of God to come to you.

 As we mentioned in our study of the previous verse, Paul is a real prayer warrior. We don’t know if Paul regularly prayed at a particular time of the day (every morning or every evening) of if he simply prayed all day long. Certainly, he had to take some time to study the Old Testament scriptures, the writings of other Apostles, and he had to take time to prepare the marvelous messages that he preached. It is entirely possible, however, that whenever he was not specifically engaged in some other spiritual activity, Paul was praying, and he always prayed for the Roman Christians.

One of his constant prayers regarding the Christians in Rome was,

making request if, by any means, now at length I shall be blessed by the will of God to come to you.

Paul had never been to Rome, therefore he asked God to fulfill that lacking which he felt. He really wanted to see and meet the Christians in Rome, possibly because of the reputation they had regarding their faith. More likely, as he says in the next verse, it was because he had further teaching that he wanted to impart to them. Personally, I would love to go to Rome, to see all the historical places, but that’s not what was on Paul’s heart. His heart was for the believers in Rome. Once again, I am humbled by his singleness of purpose. Paul was so sold out to God that serving Him was all he cared about.

As we learn in the book of Acts, God answered Paul’s prayer, and he finally got to see Rome approximately three years after writing this letter. However, it surely wasn’t in the manner that Paul expected, for he arrived in chains. In spite of the ignominy of Paul’s condition, however, many Roman Christians came out and walked the last day or two of the trip with Paul as they welcomed him with honor into their city.

 

Application

Is your devotion to God and your desire to serve Him so strong that you can think of nothing else? Or is your desire for everything else so strong that you seldom think about serving Him?

That’s something that we all need to pray about … without ceasing!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 1:9 – Unceasing Prayer

Posted on by Will

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 in my prayers,

Truth to Learn

Paul was a prayer warrior and prayed for others constantly.

 

Behind the Words

The word “witness” is translated from the Greek word martus from which we get our English word “martyr.” The Greek word means “one who has information or knowledge of something, and therefore, one who can give information, bring to light, or confirm something.”

“Serve” is the translation of latreuō, the basic meaning of which is “to minister.” Hence, Paul’s service is really a ministry performed for God.

The word “in” is a translation from en, which is a preposition which denotes position and, by implication, instrumentality. Therefore, the most natural translation would be “in.” Paul is saying that he serves God in his spirit; in other words, he is claiming that this is a spiritual service over and above a physical service.

“Without ceasing” is from adialeiptos, which means “continually or without omission.”

 

Meaning Explained

This verse tells us that Paul prayed constantly for the Roman believers. He starts out by saying, “For God is my witness.” Paul is making a very strong appeal that the following statement is, indeed, true. He calls on the witness of Him who has knowledge of all things, God himself. Obviously the readers of this letter can’t check out the facts of his statement by asking God, but that’s not the point. The point is that Paul does not swear, since the Lord Jesus himself taught that swearing is wrong (see Matthew 5:33-37); rather, he appeals to a reliable witness.

Paul then states that he serves God in his spirit. He is saying that his service to God is not just on the surface but is with the very essence of his being, his spirit. Paul then explains that his service is in the gospel of Jesus Christ whom he describes as God’s Son.

Finally, he tells the Roman Christians that he prays for them constantly. Paul was known for being a prayer warrior. He prayed a lot and a lot of his prayers were for churches, both those which he helped start and those he had never visited (like the Roman church). Evidence of Paul’s prayer life is also found in Ephesians 1:15-16; Philippians 1:3-4; Colossians 1:3-4; and 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3.

 

Application

How does your prayer life stack-up against Paul’s? If you’re like me, you feel woefully inadequate compared to him. Paul apparently had a daily routine that included considerable time in prayer, and it wasn’t because he had nothing else to do. With everything we pack into our days, it seems silly that we can’t even find 15 minutes each day to pray for ourselves and for others.

Why don’t we do something about that?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved