Every Christian Should Be Prayerful

God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times.(Romans 1:9-10)

Apostle Paul's primary ministry was that of preaching the Gospel. But he had also a ministry of prayer. He made prayer a priority and the Roman believers were never taken off his prayer list. Paul was a man of prayer. His praying wasn't selfish; it was always on behalf of others.

What a lesson for us! Our praying should not be selfish in nature. We should engage more on intercessory prayer. We should have a prayer burden for others.

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Gal. 6:2)

We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. (Romans 15:1)

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. (Eph. 6:18)

God would have us involved in a prayer ministry and touch the lives of others!

How would you describe your prayer life? Who is the main topic of your prayer life, you or others? This is an area where we can all improve!

Every Christian Should Be Committed

God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you. (Rom. 1:9)

Paul told the Romans that he was totally committed to the Lord.

Every word he uttered, every thing he wrote, everywhere he went, Paul was a living witness to total surrender.

This explained the reason behind Paul's great success.

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When nothing else matters in our lives but what matters to the Lord, His work will get done!

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This is an area where we can always find room to work.

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We worship God by serving Him!

There is no greater form of worship that can be rendered unto the Lord than pure, heart felt service and devotion to the Lord.

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Have we committed our lives to the Lord?

We should have!

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Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Rom. 12:1-2)

Every Christian Should Be Thankful

Romans 1:8

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As Paul began writing to the Roman believers about his motives, he told them that he was thankful for them.

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Paul did not found this church. It had been founded by another.

Many men would have been jealous of the blessings that the Roman believers were enjoying. These people were the talk of the entire world! Everywhere Paul traveled, the people were talking about those Roman believers!

But, instead of being jealous, Paul was thankful! Paul could praise the Lord whether it was part of his ministry or not!

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God wants His children to be a thankful people. In fact, a thankful spirit is the Lord's will for every single one of us!

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thes. 5:18)

We would all do well to learn to be more thankful for the Lord's blessings in our lives!

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Many Christians are not very thankful.

How does one go about cultivating a thankful spirit? The answer lies in placing Jesus Christ at the center of all you do!

If you make Him your sufficiency, then you will always be satisfied. If it takes material and physical blessings to make you thankful, then you are likely to be depressed and defeated. The secret lies in being satisfied with Jesus!

"I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." (Phil. 4:10-13)

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Every Christian and every church should have the same testimony that these Roman Christians had!

These people were known everywhere for their solid faith and lifestyles.

The same should be true of every Church and every Christian!

Whether we are at home, on the job, at the market, or anywhere, there should be that testimony that marks us as belonging to the Lord Jesus Christ!

What Every Christian Should Be

(Rom. 1:8-15

In Rom. 1: 1-7, Paul introduced himself to the believers in Rome.

He told them about himself, the messenger.

He also told them about his message, the Gospel of grace.

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Now, Paul turned the spotlight upon himself in a very real way.

He shared with them the motives behind the letter he was sending.

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In Rom. 1:8-15, Paul revealed 9 traits of genuine Christian character.

Paul revealed to the believers in Rome what every Christian should be.

God Ministers To His People

And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be His holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
(Rom. 1: 6-7)

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Paul turned his attention to the people he was writing to.

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He told them 3 great things they needed to take note.

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They Were Called To Be Saved

Paul reminded them that they shared together the greatest blessing of all: They had all received the sovereign call of God to be saved.

They had been called to belong to Jesus Christ.

Their sins had been taken away.

They had been claimed by God.

They had been declared righteous by God.

They had been brought near to God.

They had received salvation, the greatest gift of all from God Himself.

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They Were Called To Be Sons

They were loved by God.

They had a special place in the heart of God that no other people on the earth could share.

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They Were Called To Be Saints

They were called to be God's holy people.

They were called to live lives that were separated and sold out for the Lord.

They were to be different from the people who lived all around them.

They were to be light and salt in a dark world.

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Paul concluded his introductory remarks by bestowing a blessing upon the Romans Christian.

It was a prayer that they might be the partakers of peace and grace.

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God loves His people.

He ministers to their every need.

And we are to be His holy people.