The Wrath & Righteousness Of God Revealed

Wow – wouldn’t that be cool if someone could say that about the faith in this church – in your life? What would people say about you if asked to describe the kind of person you are? How would someone describe our church? Just something to think about. I pray that people would view us as a place that is safe, nurturing, and loving – yet truthful and bold in proclaiming the gospel and our love for Jesus.

It’s interesting too because Paul wrote this letter while in Corinth. The Corinthian Christians, as you may know, had many problems – I wonder if Paul was rejoicing that this church had strong faith.

9 God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you 10 in 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.

Paul had not been to Rome yet, but that didn’t stop him from praying. We too should pray for other churches, other ministries, missionaries, and others who are separated by geography, but not by the Spirit.

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.

Paul’s desire to come to Rome, the capital of the empire, was not to get a tour of the sights – but to see the believers and give something to them. But he also says that he and they will be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. Did you know that no matter how mature a person is in the Lord, even if you are a baby Christian you can encourage them with your faith.

The more mature person might have a wonderful insight into the fellowship of suffering that he or she can impart, or the comfort they have received in trials – but the young believer can share their new found joy at reading John 3:16 and it can have just as much impact on the more mature believer.

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.

This is neat – notice Paul planned "many times" to come to them but was prevented. Now we might assume that the Apostle Paul has a direct line to heaven – he just clicks his little cell phone walkie talkie and God tells him the next step. This wasn’t so. Paul planned and the Lord changed his plans.

Proverbs 16:9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

It is good to plan, to pray, to consider what you’d like to do – but if it doesn’t happen, don’t berate yourself saying "Oh, I didn’t hear God right." No – plan, and then let God determine the steps. Paul got to Rome – not when he planned, or how he planned – and God will do through you what He wills, it just may not happen the way we planned it, and that’s okay.

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.