Paul’s Letters to the Romans Part 3

“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the

affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the

Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another,

envying one another” (Galatians 5:24-26).

Part 3

“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that

your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world” (Romans 1:8).

Paul praises the Church for their positive deeds and is thankful.

This should be practiced more among all of us. We should be

thankful for God’s blessings upon us as well as the blessings he

bestows upon others. In so doing, a pure soul draws God toward

the loving spirit of those that are appreciative. Being thankful

should not only be done when we are rich, in good health, or when

thriving but should be practiced when the reverse is true also.

As an example, we see Job stop the mouth of the devil and

gain a crown. When Job saw good days, it wasn’t because of his

wealth that he was thankful, but through his great love for God.

He wasn’t thankful for earthly gain but for faith and boldness of

speech in the truth. He wasn’t thankful “to God,” but “to my God,”

showing possession just as God does with His own, calling himself

the God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob.

Paul states, “that your faith is spoken of throughout the

whole world”. Was it truly spread to the whole world? Yes, the

whole, according to him (at least at that time period). History tells

us that the Roman Church was under a spotlight. Their every move

was watched by all nations and peoples. Why, you might ask?

Because their preaching was so bold and powerful. Think about

it, in a short time period, from the mouths of publicans and

05/12/2019 2 | P a g e fishermen, the gospel message took hold in all cities and their

fame was spread abroad. “Your faith,” he says “is spoken of

throughout the whole world. Your faith,” not your verbal debates,

nor your questionings, nor your deductive reasoning. “It is spoken

of,” he says, “in all the world.” He did not say, it is manifested,

but, is spoken of, as if all men had that topic on their mouths.

“For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the

gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you

always in my prayers” (v. 9). What is Paul saying? And why is he

calling God to be his witness in the matter? He had to declare his

feelings toward them. Since he had never seen them, as of yet, he

called no man to witness, but Him Who entered in their hearts.

Paul was proclaiming, “I love you,” as a token he prayed

continually for them, wished to be present with them, and he

offers himself to the most trustworthy witness. If you bear

someone in your prayers, and have them there continually, think

what great affection and friendship that implies. But when he

says, “Whom I serve with my spirit in the Gospel of His Son,” he

shows us at once the grace of God, and also his own humble-

mindedness; the grace of God because God entrusted to Paul

such a great a matter; but his own humility, because he does not

credit it to his own zeal, but to the assistance of the Spirit. The

addition of “the Gospel,” shows the kind of ministry he was

involved in. There are many and diverse modes of service. Paul

was serving in the preaching of the Gospel and for this reason was

he was appointed. Paul is sharing what he was entrusted with to

the Romans. He who has this put into his hands, must continually

To be continued…

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