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Romans 1:9-12
The Apostle Paul gives us a great example of a leader in today’s passage of Romans 1:9-12. He has shown us an example in Romans 1:8 that we should give thanks for one another in Christ. And now, in Romans 1:9-12 gives the practice that he preaches; he first professes God as his witness to hold him strongly to his word (Romans 1:9) and professes his service to God in “his spirit”, “in” the gospel of Christ Jesus, the Son of Almighty God. As Paul concludes verst 9, he lets those in the Roman church know that he “always” prays for them and asks of God to provide a way in which he may visit them and share in the encouragement that they can give to one another, as Paul states in Romans 1:11c-12, “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.”
This is an example of the practical application of our thanks and encouragement for one another in Christ.
This is such a great example for us to follow as Paul does not simply tell the church at Rome to do something, he participates in the action in which he is calling others to also follow. We should, as the Apostle Paul shows us, lift one another up in our prayers and give words that will encourage one another in Christ Jesus. We are called by God to work as a body, together, in Christ Jesus to live in support of our body that the body, as a whole, may be supported and strengthened. If you hurt your arm, you would naturally take care of it to heal it back to a right state; so it should be with one another in the church.
Dear LORD,
So much of Your word is filled with practical application as You give us commands, examples, and promises in which we are to implement into our lives as we strive to live as You lead us through Your word which gives us the knowledge of our Savior Jesus and leads us to Him, that we would repent from living in the sinful nature and begin seeking Your will for our lives each day. In this, is looking after the needs of one another in our obedience and humility to You. You have created us to care for one another and build one another up in Christ Jesus; please let it be so that we would implement the lessons we learn from Your word into our lives and bring glory to You. In Jesus name I pray, amen.