Romans 1:8-13
Observe:
Paul starts out in a pretty typical manner: speaking a blessing of grace to them (v. 7), then praising the Christians in Rome - specifically because their faith has been reported all over the world - and finally assuring them of his constant prayer - specifically that Paul would be able to visit them. Paul must have had a very active prayer life as evidenced by all the prayers that he offers on behalf of all the people he writes letters to.
It seems like the Roman Christians may have been wondering if Paul was neglecting them but Paul assures them that is not the case - he prays for them constantly (as God is his witness) and he has tried many times to visit but was prevented by God (through circumstances) from doing so. Finally, Paul seems very confident that when he visits Rome, God will cause many people to come to faith through Paul's work.
I notice that Paul is very careful to connect God and Christ right from the beginning of the chapter (v. 1, 7, 8, 9). Sometimes the connection is almost awkward (like in v 8 and 9). I wonder why he does this?
Interpret:
This is a pretty typical opening for Paul's letters. The main argument or message of this section is that Paul is encouraged by the faith of the Romans - their faith has been reported all over the world which may indicate that the Roman Christians were facing persecution but standing strong in the face of it - and he longs to come and visit them.
Apply:
I need to be better at praying for the people God has placed in my life and ministry. I need to be better at encouraging them and challenging them in specific areas. I am inspired by Paul's deep, personal and specific concern for the people he knew. He always has a different prayer and a specific word of encouragement for each church.
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Blevos is the name we came up with for web-logging-devotions. It all started with a discussion about the role of community and the role of "private" devotions. It was decided this was a great mix.
1 comment:
the way paul starts out was kinda confusing for me, i probably read it 10 imes and i am still unsure why he connected God and Jesus, like you mentioned. i think part of it is that he is praising God and Jesus, and possibly a reminder that we cannot get to God without going through Jesus. Paul is almost congradulating them for their solid faith and how it is being recognized all over. Paul has been faithfully praying for the romans and once again shows that God is in control by saying its "Gods will". i like how paul longs to visit them, not to just have fun and create memories but to enrich their spiritual lives and that they would do the same to him. i would like to include God in my friendships more and more. i havent read many of Pauls letters but out of the ones ive read it seems like he uses God to get him self out of sticky situations haha almost like a scapegoat. and words it so that the people who may have been accusing him feel bad for accusing him for what ever reasons. its kinda funny
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