January 5, 2018
Where Seldom Is Heard a Discouraging Word
Romans 1:1–12
Lindsay Sellers
Central Truth
We have all experienced the lows and loneliness of trials in our lives. At those times, we know how valuable a hug or a word of affirmation can be as we face those challenges. God directs us to encourage those in our lives through our words, prayer, and actions.
Romans 1:1–12
Greeting
1 Paul, a servant 1 1:1 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning his Son, who was descended from David 2 1:3 Or who came from the offspring of David according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, 6 including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,
7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Longing to Go to Rome
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you 10 always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God's will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— 12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine.
Dive Deeper | Romans 1:1–12
Paul had not met the Roman church before he wrote this letter, but he had heard of the challenges they faced, and he wanted to encourage them. Paul’s greeting highlights three things we can do to encourage one another daily: 1) recognize and celebrate when reliance on Christ gives others the strength to overcome troubles; 2) offer prayer and help for others when they face trials; and 3) use our gifts to be a blessing to others.
Can you think of folks who have been an encouragement to you over the years? Do you remember how it felt to be uplifted through their words? When I moved to Dallas seven years ago, I left my church and community back in Michigan. I did not find a new church community right away and soon focused on my career aspirations and goals instead of Christ.
As my career consumed me, God began putting Christians in my life. He knew I would need them. After a couple years of pursuing my image, God’s purpose for those Christians in my life became clear when I began to experience severe anxiety and panic attacks. Those friends were by my side offering help as I faced my fear of failure. They prayed for me and helped me connect with others at church. They urged me to seek recovery from the sin and idols in my life. Even after my recovery through Christ, they remind me of how I have been blessed through my story, spiritual gifts, interests, passions, and resources, and how I can be a blessing to others.
Often, we are too focused on ourselves and fail to see opportunities when friends or strangers could use a word of support or a hug. Most of us hear or feel very little encouragement in our lives, whether we are at work, home, or church. The Bible directs us to encourage one another daily, and yet we usually pass by opportunities. Words of appreciation, gratitude, and affirmation cost us nothing, but are often priceless to those who hear them. Who do you know that needs the priceless gift of encouragement today?
This month's memory verse
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
– Romans 3:23
Discussion Questions
1. How do those in your church or community of believers demonstrate faith and obedience to Christ well? Do you see people using their gifts to love and support those around them? Reach out to one or two people today and share how you have seen them faithfully obeying God and sharing their gifts with others. Make it a goal to do that once a week this year.
2. Are there people in your life who could use affirmation while they face challenges? Take time today to pray for and offer help to them as they face these obstacles.
3. Do you know what your spiritual gifts are? How about your passions, natural abilities, or resources (time, finances, influence)? How can you use these blessings to assist and encourage those in your life? Identify one or two ways you can use your blessings to bless others and ask others to hold you accountable to consistently use them this year.
4. Reflect on a time when you were encouraged by others during a challenging time. How did they support you? What ways or tactics did they use?