Romans 1:8-12

Little did Paul know that his prayer to come see them would be answered some three or four years after he wrote this letter—just not in the way he probably imagined. He would eventually arrive in Rome, but as a prisoner.

This body of believers in Rome was apparently making an impact, for Paul said that their faith was being talked about all over the world. Specific examples of their faith are not mentioned, but the fact that they were standing strong in the midst of such a pagan center truly spoke to their faith. It is a good reminder that light shines brightest in the darkness.

We shouldn’t fear the darkness, for darkness can never overpower light. We just need to make sure we are filled with His light.

Paul’s heart was to impart some kind of spiritual gift that would help strengthen them and make them more effective in their walks with the Lord. Ephesians 4:11–12 tells us that apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are themselves gifts Christ has given to the Church for the equipping of His people. There is something to be received through the gifts God places in others.

Conversely, when we refuse someone whom God has sent simply because they don't fit our expectations, we may also miss what God intended to bring through them. Jesus experienced this in His own hometown. Because of their unbelief, they failed to recognize who was standing right in front of them, and Scripture tells us that He did not do many miracles there.

Belief is oh so important. Hebrews 11:6 tells us that anyone who comes to God must believe that He exists and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Faith positions us to receive what God, in His grace, desires to give.

What spiritual gifts might we be lacking or need to grow in?

I remember being in a church service one time when we were instructed to go to someone in the congregation who had a spiritual gifting that we needed and ask that person to pray for us. As an incredibly shy person, I so admired Annie, who was a greeter in the church and never seemed to meet a stranger. She was outgoing, talked to everyone, and made everyone feel welcome. She was just so friendly.

I wanted to be more like that, so I asked her to pray for me. I didn’t change overnight, but I must say that over time I became much more comfortable meeting new people.

Each of us has gifts endowed by our Father that are meant to serve the body of Christ. The more we discover God, the more we begin to understand our part in His Kingdom and how we can use what He has placed within us to serve one another.

And perhaps that is part of what Paul was getting at. He wanted to come to Rome to strengthen them, but in the very next verse he acknowledged that they would encourage one another by their faith. Paul had something to give, but he also recognized that he had something to receive.

As Jesus Himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

How are we using what God has placed within us to serve and strengthen those around us?