2-Unleashing the Gospel | Romans 1:8-17

The letter to the church at Rome reveals that Paul not only had the passion of 
a prophet, the intellect of a scholar, and determination of an apostle; but 
also the heart of a shepherd.

Paul Prays For The Believers
A. He gives thanks to God for them
Thanks = Eucharisteo = "To be grateful, or to express gratitude"

It seems that in every letter Paul was expressing his thankfulness for the 
positive, redeeming qualities of the fellowship. Even when he was 
writing primarily to correct the church, he always managed to find 
something in those churches for which he could be thankful.
Years later, when Paul was a prisoner of Rome, he was still thankful! 
While there he wrote four Epistles (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 
and Philemon). In each of these letter he gives thanks for the believers 
to whom he writes. 

Eph 1:16 "I have not stopped giving thanks for you."
Phil 1:3-5 "I thank my God every time I remember you."
Col 1:3-6 "We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
when we pray for you."
Philemon 1:4-5 "I always thank my God as I remember you in my 
prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your 
love for all the saints."

Paul's thankfulness did not rise and fall based on his circumstances, 
but on his confidence in the sovereignty and love of God.

1Thes 5:18 "… give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will 
for you in Christ Jesus."

 

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Blessings,
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