Romans 1:8-15

Romans 1:8-15

Paul’s Vision for the Romans

Rom 1:8  First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

Rom 1:9  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;

Rom 1:10  Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.

Rom 1:11  For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;

Rom 1:12  That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

Rom 1:13  Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.

Rom 1:14  I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.

Rom 1:15  So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.

1. Primarily Paul is Thankful for All of the Romans – vs. 8*
1. The Reason Paul is thankful for them is because of the renown of their faith. They had brought much glory to God because of their faithful service.

                                                               i.      1 Peter 2:5 

2. Paul Prays Continually for the Roman Church – vs. 9*
1. Prayer is a passion for Paul and he knows that the Gospel does not advance but on our knees. It is important to be in prayer for the needs of our church and to pray for those that are hurting.

                                                               i.      Pray confidently

1.      1 John 5:14-15 

                                                             ii.      Pray when you are fearful

1.      Philippians 4:6-7 

                                                            iii.      Pray to change things for the better

1.      James 5:16 

                                                           iv.      Pray for other believers

1.      Ephesians 6:18 

                                                             v.      Pray for forgiveness of sin

1.      1 John 1:9 

                                                           vi.      Pray to give thanks

1.      1 Thessalonians 5:17-18

                                                          vii.      Pray with proper motives

1.      James 4:3 

3. Paul’s Prayer is that He Could See the Romans Face to Face, Because He Knows that is the Most Effective Way to Reach People – vs.10*
1. In a day and age when we can increasingly talk to people more and more who are not near us; we need to take time to minister to those that live closest to us.

                                                               i.      1 Peter 5:14  

4. Paul Longs to Impart Some Spiritual Gift to the Romans – vs. 11*
1. The reason for the spiritual gift is to establish them firmly in the faith. To root the church in good doctrine that will build unity.

                                                               i.      2 Timothy 1:6-8 

5. Spiritual Gift Would Be That Paul and the Romans Would Be Encouraged Together Through Fellowship Around the Word  – vs. 12*
1. 3 John 1:3-4 
6. Paul is Coming Because He Wants to See the Romans Knowledgeable and Fruitful in their Faith – vs. 13*
1. Unfortunately a wrong understanding of the gospel paralyzes God’s people and deprives them of the fruit that God longs to produce through them. The reason for the book of Romans is to correct the false understanding of the true and glorious gospel.

                                                               i.      Hosea 4:6 

                                                             ii.      John 15:16 

7. Paul is Burdened to not Leave those that are Lost in Ignorance Behind  – vs. 14*
1. Acts 26:14-18 
8. Paul Wants to Preach the Gospel in Rome – vs. 15*
1. Paul is looking beyond the scope of the ministry in Rome. He knows that Rome is an important cross roads of culture and he knows it could be used mightily for the advancement of the gospel. This is why he is driven to see a church firmly established there.

                                                               i.      2 Corinthians 10:15-16