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How to Live for Christ in a Culture That Doesn’t

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now, at last, succeed in coming to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. I do not want you to be unaware, brothers,3 that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians,4 both to the wise and to the foolish. So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. Romans 1:8-15 ESV

Always look for the good that God is doing

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. Romans 1:8 ESV

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8 ESV

Surround myself with people who encourage my faith  

For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now, at last, succeed in coming to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. Romans 1:9-12 NLT

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1 ESV

Stay biblically solid but personally flexible

I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. Romans 1:13-14 ESV

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” James 4:13 -15 ESV

Get excited about learning more about God’s good news 

So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. Romans 1:15 ESV

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Take a deep breath and find a comfy seat. Pause for several moments to clear away the distractions, noise, and news from the day. Even in a year like 2020, what is the best thing you can look back on clearly and say that God did in the last year? Does it come naturally for you to see those good things, or do you have to be really intentional to recognize them? What is it that causes that in you? Sometimes, the community around us can best help us see those good things that God is doing, the things we may struggle to see for ourselves. Paul, the apostle who wrote over half of the New Testament, was humble enough to say he needed the Romans just as much as they needed him! Spend some time considering who your “Romans” are. Can you name them? To what extent do you give them access to your life? Are you grateful for them and do they know it? Make some time this week to let them know how thankful you are that God has placed them in your life, and ask if there is any way you can be praying for them or encouraging them this week.

Discussion Questions

  1. What have you been learning about yourself, God or others in your personal Bible reading time? What stood out to you this week?
  2. Read Romans 1:8. What good things is God doing in your life right now, and what is one thing you can do (or have done) to show him your gratitude?
  3. Read Romans 1:9-12. Who, if anyone, do you have in your life that regularly encourages you in your faith, and what can you do to connect with them more regularly?
  4. Read Hebrews 12:1. What clingy weights or secret sins are slowing you down right now, and what can we do to help?
  5. Read James 4:13-15. While the Bible doesn't change, our view on life certainly does. Over the last year, what specific Bible passages or principles have helped you stay grounded as the world has changed around you?
  6. Read Romans 1:15. Who are you excited to tell about Jesus, and what specific things can we pray for or help you with as you prepare?