DEVOTIONAL: romans 1:8-12
Paul shows us in Romans 1 that the church in Corinth was known for their faith all around the world. Paul FIRST thanks God for what He has done!
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Romans 1:8-12 NKJV
“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.”
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I was once asked “what do you want to be known for in High School?” Who do you live for? The people in this verse were known for their faith around the world! So good! Note too that they did not have the type of instant “here I am” that we have now.
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Romans 1:8-12 NKJV
“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, making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you.”
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First... we need to pray. If you want more on prayer text me and I’d love to share! Praying for one another is so important!
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Paul is eager to be with the church (the people). we need each other!!
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Those who have accepted Jesus into their hearts as their Savior, salvation from sin have the Spirit of God in them. YOU HAVE THAT! Not something far off but in you. It is in Christ we serve. It is because of the salvation from the world and death that we can serve God. Freedom from the lies that tell you, “you don’t have what it takes.” Lies that make you feel as if you’re worthless and unloved. Remember paul identifies first and foremost a servant of Christ. His identity is in Christ whose the same yesterday today and forever. The Alpha and Omega! In Christ we have all we need! Paul’s identity doesn’t change upon what others say or what he does or goes through. His identity is in the cross. Gods servant. To receive from God as a child and to give it away. No pressure just be with Him and do as He says!
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The enemy is going to do anything he can to try and get you to believe you’re someone you’re not. We need to identity the emotions and bring them to Jesus. “Jesus I feel.... but I know that you say... (verse)..., help my unbelief I surrender.”
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Note this is why scripture is so important to know.
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Romans 1:8-12 NKJV
“For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established— that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.”
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We have things to offer one another because Christ gives us what we have! As the body of Christ we are to unite and encourage one another. We are in a war we must encourage our fellow soldiers. What God gives you in your alone time is a gift. We must come before Him and receive what He has for us everyday. That we may encourage each other in our walks.
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You have the sprit of God in you that means you have something to give others, because a God gave it to you! God gave it to you and wants to do it through you. This takes time. Intentionality. Discipline. Alone time with God. You don’t have to have any qualifications to encourage others. Coming to Jesus with your heart, being HONEST with what is going on and allowing Him to fill you. Having the Holy Spirit. Encourage those around you. Pray for one another. Let’s unite and be the BODY OF CHRIST. Someone’s having a hard time... encourage them. Pray for them with them!☺
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Questions: Do you see yourself in Christ? Who are you in Christ? What does it mean to be a servant of Christ? Ask God what He wants to show you today about your identity in Him!
