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Jesus Nudges Us Forward Into the World
Romans 1:8-17
Mari Ikeda
A. To believe in Jesus means to live in various relationships with others
1. Helping each other course correct (8-12)
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.
2. We can’t keep from sharing with others (13-15, I Corinthians 9:16)
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.
(1 Corinthians 9:16) For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!
B. Our driving force
1. The conviction that Jesus died for all people (16)
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.
a. The cross as “salvation”
b. An invitation to a new life
2. The conviction that salvation is by the grace of God (17)
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.
a. The “righteousness of God”
b. The blessing of “faith”
Summary
Our faith in Jesus pushes us into relationships with other people. We grow as we overcome problems together, grounded in the knowledge that Jesus will never forsake any of us. In each of the relationships we have been given, let us continue to share our experience of knowing Jesus and how we live by faith as we rely on him and are renewed time and time again. We do not have the power to change our lives or anyone else’s, but Jesus can give all of us a life full of joy and hope no matter what our circumstances.
For Discussion
- What exactly does it mean to be “mutually encouraged by each other’s faith”?
- How can we “preach the gospel” or “testify about Jesus” besides just explaining Jesus to others with words? Are there times when you can’t help but share Jesus with others?