- Paul’s Letter to the Romans
- Paul’s Letter to the Romans Part 2
- 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…