The Book of Romans ~ Lesson Two

"Mutual Encouragement"

Romans 1:8-17 (NLT) Let me say first that I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith in him is being talked about all over the world. God knows how often I pray for you. Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God, whom I serve with all my heart by spreading the Good News about his Son.
   One of the things I always pray for is the opportunity, God willing, to come at last to see you. For I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord. When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.
   I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to visit you, but I was prevented until now. I want to work among you and see spiritual fruit, just as I have seen among other Gentiles. For I have a great sense of obligation to people in both the civilized world and the rest of the world, to the educated and uneducated alike. So I am eager to come to you in Rome, too, to preach the Good News.
   For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.”

Paul thanks God through Jesus for this church in Rome. Their faith is not silent. They let people know about Jesus. He lets them know he's got them on his prayer list and is faithful praying for them. It not just a passing remark. Prayer and support is so important. It helps encourage other believers and builds up the church.

Romans 12:11-12 (NLT) Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. 

Our role is to work for the cause of the spreading the Good News of Jesus. That is, that Jesus had made a way, the only way to a complete and reconciled relationship with God. Another element of our role as a Christian is to pray for each other and support efforts that positively affect the world for Christ.

It's interesting to think about what Paul expressed in the phrase, "with all my heart." The Greek word  is "pneuma" and means "breath." In this instance, every breath that flows in and out of Paul is focused on God. The eternal breath that resides in each believer is directed to Him and for Him.

Job 33:3-4 (NLT) I speak with all sincerity; I speak the truth. For the Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.

The life of each person that has lived, is living or will ever live, depends on God's hand. The difference between those who call Him their God is that their spiritual breath is in-tune with His. We breathe in His spirit and exhale through our actions toward others.

Paul goal is to "mutually encourage" those in Rome. What does that mean? Again, let's look at the Greek definition: "symparakaleo" and means, "To call upon, invite, exhort at the same time together, to strengthen." 


I find that I lack in this area and I think that it is a big problem. How are we to live fulfilling Christian lives when we don't give to one another? We need to encourage other believers when they are promoting the Good News and working where God wants them to work. That is not to say we are not to confront one another when we are living our lives against what is good for the spreading of the Good News.

Colossian 2:2-4 (MSG) I want you woven into a tapestry of love, in touch with everything there is to know of God. Then you will have minds confident and at rest, focused on Christ, God's great mystery. All the richest treasures of wisdom and knowledge are embedded in that mystery and nowhere else. And we've been shown the mystery! I'm telling you this because I don't want anyone leading you off on some wild-goose chase, after other so-called mysteries, or "the Secret."

Mutual God-given encouragement leads to truth and not some rabbit trail message. In order to keep our churches strong we must keep our eyes on what the Gospel truly is. Often churches bring in other sources that lead to "self-fulfillment" and "what's-in-it-for-me" philosophies. The Bible warns us about this. We must remain focused on His will, His way.

Paul isn't ashamed of how he has worked hard to clearly present the case for Christ to both Jew and Gentile alike. He doesn't water it down or try and build it up with "feel-good" quips to make it "relevant" to the crowd he's preaching to. "For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, 'It is through faith that a righteous person has life.' ” (verses 16-17).

Let me break it down:
1. Paul's not ashamed of Jesus and the freedom found in Him alone.
2. Paul truly believes that power is in the Gospel.
3. Salvation is for everyone who chooses to believe in Jesus.
4. The Good News is that we can have a "right relationship" with God through faith in Jesus.

These are the things we need to encourage one another with. When one of us is down there is always someone to bridge the gap in prayer, actions and faith. We are not alone. We are all to be active participants in the family of God. Will you make that commitment with me?