Eager to Preach

 DEVOTION

THE LETTER TO THE ROMANS

EAGER TO PREACH

Rom 1:11-15

11 I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— 12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith. 13 I 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. 14 I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. 15 That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are at Rome.

NIV

It is clear that Paul had a heart for those in the Church of Rome. In this letter, we are going to see the heart and character of Paul as this is more of a testimonial as well as a theological thesis. As we pondered on this encouraging and strengthening each other, we should look at the heart of Paul as he desires to visit these believers in Rome. It is clear there is something special about these believers in Rome as their faith was known all over the world. Is it any wonder Paul wants to go there and meet them in person? However, what is interesting is that even though their faith is known all over the world, it is Paul’s desire that he might have a harvest among them. How can he expect a harvest in such a church that is filled with so much faith? In fact, he was looking forward to having the same kind of harvest that he had among all the places he had already visited. It would seem that having faith is one thing, but there is more to understand to live this Christian life. Because we have read this letter many times, we know it contains many essential theological points. We would think the original recipients were in need of learning more about their walk with the Lord. It would also be right for us to see this letter, as it has been preserved and included in this New Testament, this sacred canon. This would make us think that is a good reason for us to not just read this letter but take to heart many of the statements that Paul makes. First, we know that faith is important, for without faith it is impossible to please God. However, on the other side, we have always been told and quoted what James said about faith without works being dead. Many believe this to mean that if we believe in Jesus Christ we must do as many good deeds as we are able, otherwise, our faith in Jesus is less than worthless, it is dead. How can our faith be dead even if we do not do all those good deeds? Paul encouraged them and gave a great testimony regarding their faith, and yet they know little or nothing at all about faith being dead because they may not have been doing enough good deeds. That is the whole point of exploring what James said. If the only way our faith is meaningful is due to our works, then how much or how many works does it take to make our faith worthwhile? We can see the trouble with this on so many levels, yet Paul is telling the church in Rome that it is his desire to visit so he can have a harvest among them. Perhaps the meaning is that Paul wants to preach the fullness of the gospel to this church as well as to preach to sinners and have more conversions to faith in Jesus Christ, and thus strengthen the church, but also to preach the fullness of the gospel to the church, to enhance their faith. We think that faith is the core issue, and the fullness of the gospel is meant to enhance our faith rather than faith being the subject of deeds, which would put deeds as the core issue that is driven by faith. It would be right to think it is just the reverse, in that any deeds or works enhance our faith, instead of thinking acts are a result of faith. Enough of our digression.  Paul knew of their faith, and now he wants them to know the fullness of their faith through the fullness of the gospel, which is the good news about Jesus and how we live in the kingdom of God through faith. We should be so eager to preach the fullness of the gospel to those who have faith and to those who have yet come to faith in Jesus.