Romans 1:1, 5, 9, 12, 13b
1This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News. 5 Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name. 9 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. 12 When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. 13 … I want to work among you and see spiritual fruit, just as I have seen among other Gentiles.
The people God sends have their eye on the synergy created by God, others, and themselves.
They want to see the impact of a Godly community.
What Does Building That Community Take?
Personal Investment
Paul had invested the time and effort in himself to know who he was and that led him to know what he was to do.
A clear identity and a chosen path are imperative for a meaningful existence.
All the trials, failures, misunderstandings, and learning to know your identity are worth it.
They focus your life into an effective force.
Humility Before God
Our first temptation is to neglect ourselves.
After that, it’s to give the self too much credit. To rely on it too much.
We’re tempted to let ourselves get out of our lane.
Don’t fall for this trap. It’s as dangerous as the first temptation.
It usually begins subtly with a calendar so full that one cannot pray or meditate on God’s Word.
That easily grows into a life of worry and more activity.
Then God’s work is confused with the self’s work.
At this point, the self has been allowed to rise to the status of being able to do God’s job—even an obligation to do God’s job.
Unfortunately, we often act to redeem our existence…
But isn’t that God’s job?
Affection for Others
A Godly community is not complete without love for others.
Affection shown by our deeds and wishes for one another.
Affection shown by our respect and gratitude for what everyone brings to the community.
Love God. Love yourself. Love others.
Bam!
That’s the Kingdom of God.
As one sent by God, represent that kingdom to the world.
Love God. Love yourself. Love others.
Who could you thank for loving you today?
How could you express your love to the ones God has sent you this week?
Pastor Joshua
Have anything you’d like to add?
Leave a comment below!
Thank you for loving me and helping me stay in my lane.
My pleasure, Bill!