| In Romans 1:9-16, Paul shows his heart for God and for mankind through the ministry of the Gospel (note the 3 "I ams" in vs. 14,15,16). You cannot be close to God's heart without loving souls!
Here are 4 elements of Gospel Work:
• The work of the Gospel requires the love of God and sensitivity to people.
• The work of the Gospel requires continual prayer.
• The work of the Gospel requires diligence.
• The work of the Gospel requires boldness.
Look for these 4 elements in the following Scriptures: Psalm 126:5-6; Romans 9:1-3; 10:1; 15:29-32; I Corinthians 9:16-27; II Corinthians 2:14-17; 5:17- 6:10; Ephesians 6:1020; I Thessalonians 2:1-13; II Timothy 2:1-13; I John 3:14-18; 4:5-14; 5:1-3.
Further consideration of Romans 1:9
1. Serving God must be done with our spirit (i.e. our inner-man: not just an outward and intellectual duty). Our spirit must be united with God's Spirit.
See Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Psalm 27:1,4,8,13-14; John 4:23-24; Romans 6:6-18; 8:118,26-27; Galatians 5:13-26; Ephesians 3:14-19; 4:21 – 5:21; II Peter 1:1-11.
2. Serving God (The Father) cannot be done acceptably unless it is in the context of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (His Son). See Romans 1:1-7,14-18; 16:25-27; Ephesians 1:1-23; Philippians 1:1-11; 2:5-11; Colossians 2:1-10; I Peter 2:17-25; I John 2:18-28. |
