Scripture to Read: Romans 1:11
In Romans 1:11, God had Paul share his longing to see the believers in Rome. Paul had already shared how he had been encouraged by their faith and was continually giving thanks to God for them. As God continued to use Paul to encourage the believers in Rome, we read that Paul wanted to provide them with something. In Romans 1:11, we read, …that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established. The spiritual gift spoken of here in Romans 1:11 was a spiritual gift that helps the believers be “established.” So, it’s a gift that encourages, teaches, and leads believers to a deeper intimacy with our Lord. Now, we know that faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). So, we can also understand that the “establishment” must mean the hearing and understanding of God’s Word. God used Paul to encourage the believers in Colossae, in Colossians 2:7, to be built up in Christ and established in their faith, just as they were instructed. Also, God used Paul to teach Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:2, The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Since being “established” involves the preaching/teaching of God’s Word, we can know that Paul desired the believers in Rome to have the same gifts that he prayed in Ephesians 1:17, that God…may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.
Challenge & Application
· Who has the Lord brought into your life to encourage you in your walk with Jesus?
· Who can you be serving in the church for the purpose of seeing them strengthened in the Lord?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!