After his initial introduction, Paul tells the Roman Christians that he thanks God, "through Jesus Christ", for all of them. His phrasing is a reminder of our absolute need for Christ in order to relate to God in any way. Paul knew that his sin so totally separated him from God that only Christ's payment for his sins allowed him to even THANK God for anything.
We might stop and think, "Wait a minute. I'm not even good enough to thank God, or to praise God? Who does he think he is?" But if this enters our thought process, it's a symptom of a worldview that makes too little of God and too much of us.
The reason Paul was thankful for the Roman church was because their faith was being talked about throughout the civilized world. Whether because of their intense devotion to God or because Rome was the hub of the empire (or maybe both), the church in Rome was being noticed in a way that was drawing attention to God. (v.8)
Stop and consider for a moment what kind of "voice" you have. You may not be the center of media attention, as the Roman church was in its own way. But you might have a friend that values your opinion. You might have a blog or be a frequent poster on one or more forums. Is your "voice" one that represents and draws attention to God and his character?
When Paul says that he serves God in his spirit, the modern equivalent would be to say "with my whole heart" or "from the bottom of my heart".
Paul occasionally called on God as his ultimate witness to his thoughts, since only God knows our hearts. But it should be noted that this was different from oath formulas like those mentioned in Matthew 5:33-37.
Paul constantly brought up the Roman Christians in his prayers, requesting that it be God's will for him to visit them.(v.10)
Although it can be hard to understand, sometimes it's God's will to wait on things that we are convinced are in his best interest. We can devise plans that are free of selfish motive and are aimed at bringing attention and honor to God. And God still effectively says "wait" or sometimes even "no".
Paul saw potential benefit to both the Romans and himself when contemplating a visit. He wanted to equip and provide them with spiritual support while also being encouraged by his time with them. This is the meat of what Christian community is about. Even Paul knew he wasn't meant to play the lone ranger Christian and that he could be greatly benefited by investing time in other believers. (v.11-12)
Paul made it clear that he was not neglecting the Roman Christians, but that he wanted to come to Rome, despite being prevented by other factors. He wanted to "obtain some fruit" among them and the rest of the non-Jews in the world. In other words, he wanted to help cultivate their faith and see it grow.(v.13)
It may be that some other ministry obligation slowed his visit to Rome, since Paul (after mentioning "the rest of the Gentiles") says that he is under obligation to both Greeks and barbarians(Greeks thought of all non-Greeks as "barbarians", and so Paul here uses their terminology), wise and foolish. (v.14)
The Gospel (God's "rescue plan") is not just for an elite group or for a specific culture. Despite making absolutely exclusive truth claims (which truth does by nature), the Gospel is extremely inclusive. All are invited to take part in forgiveness that is absolutely free!
So Paul was just as excited to present the truth clearly to the Christians who were in Rome.(v.15)
Next Week- The basic nature of the Gospel and the state of the world.
Coffee House Question- When in your life has God said "wait" or even "no" when you had intentions you were convinced were in the best interest of God's plan?
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