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WEEK ONE
Day Two
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Know: Romans 1: 8-12
Note: Read slowly, carefully marking keywords.
Jesus Christ, faith, impart to you some spiritual gift, encouraged together
Observation:
What is Paul’s desire?
How did Paul pray for this church?
What: How can you demonstrate humility and a teachable spirit in your relationships, both by learning from others and by encouraging them in their unique strengths? In what ways can you reflect Christ's love by valuing and honoring all people, especially those who may feel overlooked or undervalued in my daily interactions?
“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, 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.” Romans 1:8-13
As I get older, one of my favorite things is learning from people of various age groups. I am almost fifty, but I have not learned everything there is to know. At least once a week, I talk with one of my kids about spiritual matters. Sometimes, I adjust their ideas, which are influenced by the many sources they encounter. More often, however, I find myself learning something new from them. They share profound thoughts that I find interesting and thought-provoking. For instance, my daughter once shared a perspective on acceptance that gave me a new outlook. It was a profound moment of learning for me.
I have very different people in my life, each with unique ways of doing things. One friend greets every worker in a store by name and thanks them. Another friend jokes with just about every fast-food employee. Although I don't naturally behave this way, I have become more intentional about my interactions in public because of what I've learned by observing them.
I once heard a preacher criticize how Christians treat restaurant workers. He noted that many servers' disillusionment with God stems from their perception of his followers' rudeness. Sundays are the least favorite days for servers because people leaving church neglect to tip or mistreat them.
In James chapter 2, it is written: "How could we say that we have faith in Him and yet favor one group of people above another? Suppose an influential man comes into your worship meeting wearing gold rings and expensive clothing while a homeless man in shabby clothes also enters. If you show special attention to the rich man in expensive clothes and say, 'Here's a seat of honor for you right up front!' but then tell the poor beggar dressed in rags, 'You can stand over here,' or 'Sit over there on the floor in the back,' you've demonstrated gross prejudice among yourselves and used evil standards of judgment! Listen carefully, my dear brothers and sisters: hasn't God chosen the poor in the world's eyes to be those rich in faith? And won't they be the heirs of the kingdom realm He promised to those who love Him? Yet you insult and shun the poor in your efforts to impress the rich! Isn't it the wealthy who exploit you and drag you into court? Aren't they the very ones who blaspheme the beautiful name of the One you now belong to? Your calling is to fulfill the royal law of love as given in this Scripture: 'You must love and value your neighbor as you love and value yourself!'"
Here, James corrects a mindset that believes one type of person is better than another. In contrast, Paul, in the passage we read today, did not hold such an attitude towards the Christians he addressed. Though an apostle, he showed utmost humility towards his readers. He wished to impart the whole truth of the Gospel but also desired to learn from them.
I recently read about a preacher named T.L. Osborn, an evangelist and missionary to various nations. After completing a massive crusade in Africa, his host escorted him to his flight home. One leader told him that the difference between him and other evangelists and missionaries was that people recognized their greatness when they came and returned home. "When you come, you cause us to realize how great we are."
The most influential person in your life is not the one who boasts about their greatness, but the one who believes in you, honors and values you. Similarly, as a leader, your influence is not gained by providing endless lists of corrections or criticizing every move. It is earned by expressing your belief in others and showing them Christ. For those who are pastors and teachers, take note of Paul’s humility carefully. When you visit a person, or are asked to speak in another place, prepare by praying for them.
For those who consider themselves less learned, did you know that you have the same Christ as those who have been of the faith much longer? You have a voice and something to say, because Christ is in you. Learn with humility, but don’t be afraid to share the things God is speaking to you.