Courage from the Message
Romans 1:8-17
📖 Scripture
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world.
9 God, whom I serve in my spirit 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.
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 and sisters, 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 in Rome.
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”
📝 Scripture Summary
Paul thanks God for the Romans and prays for them continually. He wants to visit them and strengthen them in their shared faith. Paul is eager to preach the gospel, which is the power of God that brings salvation. The gospel reveals the righteousness of God, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last.
💡 Memory Verse
For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”
– Romans 1:17
🔎 Reflection
Faith All over the World (1:8–13)
Paul knows that Rome is an influential city, and although he has not yet had a chance to minister there, he thanks God because the faith of the Romans is being reported all over the world! Paul writes his letter to share more about God and to let the Romans know that he prays often for them. Whether we are in influential cities or remote towns, let us share the gospel freely and confidently, knowing that the Spirit is at work sparking faith in unexpected places and in unexpected ways. And let us not hesitate to encourage believers—even those we have not met—because we recognize that they are our brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world.
Think about places in the world where the gospel is spreading rapidly. Ask God how you can best pray for these areas and how you can encourage the Christians there.
Unashamed of the Gospel (1:14–17)
In the prominent city of Rome where power, wealth, and social class are valued, the very small minority of Christians could easily have felt ashamed of being followers of Jesus. However, Paul boldly proclaims that he is not ashamed of the gospel. He is eager to preach the gospel to all, regardless of ethnic background or level of understanding, because it holds God’s power to save and reveals the righteousness He offers to those who believe. There may be times when we are tempted to hide the fact that we are Christians out of fear of criticism or judgment. Instead, may we be like Paul, unashamedly proclaiming Christ and excited to see the power of God bringing salvation to everyone who believes in Him.
Remember times you have been hesitant to share the gospel. Confess your fears to God and ask for greater boldness and zeal like Paul’s.
🌟 Today’s Inspiration
“When we acknowledge God before others, it shouldn’t be for the sake of being seen but for the sake of the kingdom.” – Miranda Carls
🙏 Prayer
Heavenly Father, You are still at work in this world to make Your gospel spread rapidly. Guide me in doing my part to support my brothers and sisters all around the world, and fill me with Your zeal so that I may boldly proclaim the gospel wherever I go. In Jesus’ name, amen.
✍️ Essay
Representing Christ
During the first week of my graduate studies, I met many new people, and I found myself having a series of awkward interactions after sharing my subject of study. One young lady happily introduced herself:
“Hi, I’m Alice from China. I’m doing my PhD in Chemistry.”
“Hi, I’m Ahreum from the US. I’m doing my PhD in Theology.”
“Theology?! What’s that?”
“It’s the study of God.”
“Oh. This university has that?”
I laughed a bit and nodded.
I would not say that I was ashamed of studying theology, but I found myself increasingly hesitant to talk about my subject because of the range of judgment that came with doing so. Many would assume that I was very conservative and even bigoted and intolerant. Others would see me as naïve for spending several years of study on a spiritual subject rather than a seemingly practical one such as the sciences. Some would question why I would choose to study such a subject. A few would make negative assumptions and then walk away, not wanting to continue the conversation or form any association with me.
Despite some negative interactions, I was ultimately proud to study theology because I knew it was certainly not an easy subject and not a decision I came to lightly. Some of those who judged me harshly discovered over time that I was actually a “normal” person and not an intolerant and overly conservative one. With the Holy Sprit’s guidance, I was able to represent Christ through my character and words.
Written by Ahreum Kim