Romans 1:8-12: "Living In the Spirit Part I"
I often like to come up with my own outlines and ideas in my posts, however, MacArthur has come up with a well thought out and exhaustive outline for this text that I would like to keep. I will add my own thoughts to the main points.
The outline goes as follows:
V. 8 A THANKFUL SPIRIT
V. 9-10a A CONCERNED SPIRIT
V. 10b A WILLING AND SUBMISSIVE SPIRIT
V. 11 A LOVING SPIRIT
V. 12 A HUMBLE SPIRIT
V. 13 A FRUITFUL SPIRIT
V. 14 AN OBEDIENT SPIRIT
V. 15 AN EAGER SPIRIT
A Thankful Spirit
Paul begins his letter, as he so often does, with a thankful heart toward God and the recipients of the letter. Understanding that it is only through the work of Christ that he is even able to come before God, he thanks his "God through Jesus Christ". Paul's personal relationship with God through the atoning work of Jesus on the cross, allows him to say "my God". This is a personal and intimate relationship with the God of the universe. More than that he thanks him through his advocate, Jesus Christ. Romans 8:34, "who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us." We then see who his thankfulness is for and why he is thankful for them in the second part of v. 8, "for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world." Paul was so thankful for his fellow believers and their perservering faith despite persecution that was being proclaimed throughout the whole world. Paul was always aware of what was going on and was always the great encourager. Paul knew that persecution was rising against the church and to see their perservering faith gave him great encouragement. Paul was always ministry minded, and nothing brought him more joy and thankfulness, than seeing his disciples carry on the faith. MacArthur writes, "From secular history we learn that in A.D. 49 Emperor Claudius expelled Jews from Rome, thinking they were all followers of Claudius expelled Jews from Rome, thinking they were all followers of someone named Chrestus (a variant spelling of Christ). Apparently the testimony of Jewish Christians had so incited the nonbelieving Jews that the turmoil threatened the peace of the whole city. The believers had, then, a powerful testimony not only in the city, but throughout the whole world. What a commendation!."
A Concerned Spirit
As Christians, it is our duty to be concerned. Someone who is constantly concerned for the spiritual condition of his fellow believers and non-believing friends will consistently be on their knees before God. In reading through Paul's epistle, you will be hard pressed to find a book where he does not mention the fact that he is constantly praying for them. With so many people converted under Paul, it is amazing to know he had prayed for each one of them throughout his lifetime. It is so cliche, and so easy to say to someone, "I will be praying for you". However, we will so often forget about that request, and even worse that person, and make ourselves liars by never praying for them. Paul, on the other hand, wants to make sure that the Romans knew he was indeed praying for them. Paul promises that "God . . .is my witness" in how much he prayed for them. We all need to check our hearts and make sure that 1) we are concerned about those who God has either put in our charge, or has put in our lives; and 2) we then voice that concern through constant prayers for them. What is more amazing is the depth and love with which Paul prayed for these believers. Eph. 3:14-19 says, "I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man; so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fulness of God." What a convicting passage. Do you pray for those around you as much as you should? Do you pray for them with a deep concern as Paul did?
A Willing and Submissive Spirit
I am sure Paul had his own thoughts and ideas on what was best for his ministry, or where the most advantageous place to go next would be. I am also sure that often these thoughts and ideas lined up with what God had for him. However, I am sure there were times Paul had other thoughts and ideas than what God had planned for him. We can be confident, however, with the fact that Paul's ultimate heart and desire was to be submissive to where God wanted him to go. It is a deep rooted belief that God's way is best. If we have this belief in our hearts we will always do what God wants because it will be what's best for us also. However, it is at those times that we doubt God and his plans for us that we do our own thing, and often pay the price for it. I am sure Paul had doubts about returning to Iconium a few days after being nearly stoned to death. But God apparently had that in mind for Paul, and Paul submissively and willingly served God through being obedient. Paul also had people and places he wanted to visit, however, because of imprisonment, and other directions by God, he was unable to go. Paul was eager to see the Romans and had desired to come visit them. However, he knew God might have something else for him, and he always kept himself open for that possibility. We can see Paul's wonderful attitude about this in his statement, "if perhaps now at last by the will of God I may succeed in coming to you". Paul knew that he would only be able to visit if the Lord allowed him to. It was this willing and submissive spirit that we should have in ministry. May we speak as boldly as Isaiah, "Here am I. Send me" (Isa. 6:8).
A Loving Spirit
Paul's love for his brethren oozes from every word he writes to them. This can clearly be seen in v. 11 as he mentions, "I long to see you". Paul had a longing to see the believers at Rome. We see even more of his love and character when we see the purpose of him longing to see them. He wants to see them "in order that I may impart some spiritual gift to you". Paul was selfless. He often thought only of others with no regard for himself. His whole Christian life was spent in sacrifice for others. This embodies love. Paul proved his love for others by his actions. Thessalonians 2:7-9 is a clear testament to Paul's love as he writes, " We proved to be gentle among you as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. Having thus a fond affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us. For you recall, brethren, our labor and hardship, how working night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God." Paul never wanted anything from the brethren, except to see them growing in the faith. When he came it was all about giving to them. In this circumstance Paul desired to "impart some spiritual gift". MacArthur writes, "The gift Paul wanted to impart was spiritual not only in the sense of being in the spiritual realm but in the sense that it had its source in the Holy Spirit. Because he was writing to believers, Paul was not speaking about the free gift of salvation through Christ about which he speaks in 5:15-16. Nor could he have been speaking about the gifts he discusses in chapter 12, because those gifts are bestowed directly by the Spirit Himself, not through a human instrument. He must therefore have been using the term 'spiritual gift' in it broadest sense, referring to any kind of divinely-empowered spiritual benefit he could bring to the Roman Christians by preaching, teaching exhorting, comforting, praying, guiding, and disciplining." May we constantly be driven by love to sacrifice for those we are called to minister to and expect nothing in return.
A Humble Spirit
Although Paul approached each service opportunity as a way to sacrifice and expect nothing in return, he was humble enough to know that he could also learn and be edified by the brethren. Paul tells the Roman Jews that he is also looking forward to the visit in which he, "may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other's faith, both yours and mine." Although Paul often knew much more than those he discipled, and he was granted more powerful speaking, and the gift of miracles, he never looked at himself above those he taught. In fact, he always looked at them as equal brothers and sisters in the Lord. Commenting on this passage John Calvin said, "Note how modestly he expresses what he feels by not refusing to seek strengthening from inexperienced beginners. He means what he says, too, for there is none so void of gifts in the Church of Christ who cannot in some measure contribute to our spiritual progress. Ill will and pride, however, prevent our deriving such benefit from one another." May we all put on humility and not taint the service we render to others. May we always remember that anything we have received is from God, and apart from him we have and are nothing.
The outline goes as follows:
V. 8 A THANKFUL SPIRIT
V. 9-10a A CONCERNED SPIRIT
V. 10b A WILLING AND SUBMISSIVE SPIRIT
V. 11 A LOVING SPIRIT
V. 12 A HUMBLE SPIRIT
V. 13 A FRUITFUL SPIRIT
V. 14 AN OBEDIENT SPIRIT
V. 15 AN EAGER SPIRIT
A Thankful Spirit
Paul begins his letter, as he so often does, with a thankful heart toward God and the recipients of the letter. Understanding that it is only through the work of Christ that he is even able to come before God, he thanks his "God through Jesus Christ". Paul's personal relationship with God through the atoning work of Jesus on the cross, allows him to say "my God". This is a personal and intimate relationship with the God of the universe. More than that he thanks him through his advocate, Jesus Christ. Romans 8:34, "who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us." We then see who his thankfulness is for and why he is thankful for them in the second part of v. 8, "for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world." Paul was so thankful for his fellow believers and their perservering faith despite persecution that was being proclaimed throughout the whole world. Paul was always aware of what was going on and was always the great encourager. Paul knew that persecution was rising against the church and to see their perservering faith gave him great encouragement. Paul was always ministry minded, and nothing brought him more joy and thankfulness, than seeing his disciples carry on the faith. MacArthur writes, "From secular history we learn that in A.D. 49 Emperor Claudius expelled Jews from Rome, thinking they were all followers of Claudius expelled Jews from Rome, thinking they were all followers of someone named Chrestus (a variant spelling of Christ). Apparently the testimony of Jewish Christians had so incited the nonbelieving Jews that the turmoil threatened the peace of the whole city. The believers had, then, a powerful testimony not only in the city, but throughout the whole world. What a commendation!."
A Concerned Spirit
As Christians, it is our duty to be concerned. Someone who is constantly concerned for the spiritual condition of his fellow believers and non-believing friends will consistently be on their knees before God. In reading through Paul's epistle, you will be hard pressed to find a book where he does not mention the fact that he is constantly praying for them. With so many people converted under Paul, it is amazing to know he had prayed for each one of them throughout his lifetime. It is so cliche, and so easy to say to someone, "I will be praying for you". However, we will so often forget about that request, and even worse that person, and make ourselves liars by never praying for them. Paul, on the other hand, wants to make sure that the Romans knew he was indeed praying for them. Paul promises that "God . . .is my witness" in how much he prayed for them. We all need to check our hearts and make sure that 1) we are concerned about those who God has either put in our charge, or has put in our lives; and 2) we then voice that concern through constant prayers for them. What is more amazing is the depth and love with which Paul prayed for these believers. Eph. 3:14-19 says, "I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man; so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fulness of God." What a convicting passage. Do you pray for those around you as much as you should? Do you pray for them with a deep concern as Paul did?
A Willing and Submissive Spirit
I am sure Paul had his own thoughts and ideas on what was best for his ministry, or where the most advantageous place to go next would be. I am also sure that often these thoughts and ideas lined up with what God had for him. However, I am sure there were times Paul had other thoughts and ideas than what God had planned for him. We can be confident, however, with the fact that Paul's ultimate heart and desire was to be submissive to where God wanted him to go. It is a deep rooted belief that God's way is best. If we have this belief in our hearts we will always do what God wants because it will be what's best for us also. However, it is at those times that we doubt God and his plans for us that we do our own thing, and often pay the price for it. I am sure Paul had doubts about returning to Iconium a few days after being nearly stoned to death. But God apparently had that in mind for Paul, and Paul submissively and willingly served God through being obedient. Paul also had people and places he wanted to visit, however, because of imprisonment, and other directions by God, he was unable to go. Paul was eager to see the Romans and had desired to come visit them. However, he knew God might have something else for him, and he always kept himself open for that possibility. We can see Paul's wonderful attitude about this in his statement, "if perhaps now at last by the will of God I may succeed in coming to you". Paul knew that he would only be able to visit if the Lord allowed him to. It was this willing and submissive spirit that we should have in ministry. May we speak as boldly as Isaiah, "Here am I. Send me" (Isa. 6:8).
A Loving Spirit
Paul's love for his brethren oozes from every word he writes to them. This can clearly be seen in v. 11 as he mentions, "I long to see you". Paul had a longing to see the believers at Rome. We see even more of his love and character when we see the purpose of him longing to see them. He wants to see them "in order that I may impart some spiritual gift to you". Paul was selfless. He often thought only of others with no regard for himself. His whole Christian life was spent in sacrifice for others. This embodies love. Paul proved his love for others by his actions. Thessalonians 2:7-9 is a clear testament to Paul's love as he writes, " We proved to be gentle among you as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. Having thus a fond affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us. For you recall, brethren, our labor and hardship, how working night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God." Paul never wanted anything from the brethren, except to see them growing in the faith. When he came it was all about giving to them. In this circumstance Paul desired to "impart some spiritual gift". MacArthur writes, "The gift Paul wanted to impart was spiritual not only in the sense of being in the spiritual realm but in the sense that it had its source in the Holy Spirit. Because he was writing to believers, Paul was not speaking about the free gift of salvation through Christ about which he speaks in 5:15-16. Nor could he have been speaking about the gifts he discusses in chapter 12, because those gifts are bestowed directly by the Spirit Himself, not through a human instrument. He must therefore have been using the term 'spiritual gift' in it broadest sense, referring to any kind of divinely-empowered spiritual benefit he could bring to the Roman Christians by preaching, teaching exhorting, comforting, praying, guiding, and disciplining." May we constantly be driven by love to sacrifice for those we are called to minister to and expect nothing in return.
A Humble Spirit
Although Paul approached each service opportunity as a way to sacrifice and expect nothing in return, he was humble enough to know that he could also learn and be edified by the brethren. Paul tells the Roman Jews that he is also looking forward to the visit in which he, "may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other's faith, both yours and mine." Although Paul often knew much more than those he discipled, and he was granted more powerful speaking, and the gift of miracles, he never looked at himself above those he taught. In fact, he always looked at them as equal brothers and sisters in the Lord. Commenting on this passage John Calvin said, "Note how modestly he expresses what he feels by not refusing to seek strengthening from inexperienced beginners. He means what he says, too, for there is none so void of gifts in the Church of Christ who cannot in some measure contribute to our spiritual progress. Ill will and pride, however, prevent our deriving such benefit from one another." May we all put on humility and not taint the service we render to others. May we always remember that anything we have received is from God, and apart from him we have and are nothing.
posted by amesfam | 10:07 AM
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