8First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. 9God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you 10in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God's will the way may be opened for me to come to you.
11I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— 12that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith. 13I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles. 14I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. 15That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are at Rome. (NIV)
Main Points and Discussion Questions
1. God is the giver of faith and the fruit that results from it. (v.8)
cf. Eph 2:8-10; Acts 4:1-13
2. Constant prayer for the church was characteristic of Paul’s ministry. (vv.9-10)
Discussion question 2A: In the passages below, what is Paul praying for?
Eph 1:15-19; 3:14-19
Col 1:9-12
Php 1:9-11
1 Th 3: 9-10
2 Th 1:11-12
Discussion question 2B: What can we learn from Paul as we seek to pray for fellow believers in God-honouring way?
3. The LORD blesses Paul through the service Paul gives to others. (v.11-12)
cf. Heb 10:24-25; Luke 6:38; 2 Co 8:13-14; Heb 6:10
Discussion question 3: Give an example of what the LORD has provided for you because of a service you have done for others, in His strength.
4. Paul is devoted to ministering to people of every kind within the Gentile group.
(v.13-14)
cf. Acts 10:34-35
Romans 12:16
James 2:1-4
Discussion question 4: Why is it important that when we are ministering to people, we do not limit ourselves in service to those who are like us?
5. The gospel is for believers too. (v. 15)
cf. 1 Co 2:1-2
Gal 6:14
Discussion Question 5: What is the gospel? Even if we have already put our trust in it, why do we still continually need to hear it?
Next week: Romans 1:16-17. Please read this passage as well as the following:
1 Cor 1: 18-31
2 Ti 1:5-13
Eph 1:11-14
Rom 10:11-13
1 Th 5:8-9
Tit 2:11-14
Isa 5:7; 64:6-7
2 Cor 5:21
