The secret of heart to heart ministry

Romans 1:8–17
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

Real ministry shows compassion that flows from one heart to another. It is true that the deepest theology ever written flows from Paul’s pen, but his writings changed the world because they first touched the human heart. This passage shows the secret of his heart-to-heart ministry:

1.     A grateful heart (v. 8). “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all …”

2.  A praying heart (vv. 9-10). “Without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers.”

3.  A longing heart (vv. 11-13). “For I long to see you …”

4.  An indebted heart (v. 14). “I am a debtor …”

5. An eager heart (v. 15). “I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.”

 Paul was not ashamed of the Gospel because he knew that it came from God (v. 16). He was taking to sinful Rome the one message that had the power to change men’s lives. He had seen this Gospel work in other wicked cities, such as Corinth and Ephesus, and he knew that it would also work in Rome. The world does not need better education, more social reform, or new ideas in religion. It needs the gospel that can make drunken men sober, crooked men straight, and sensual women pure.  

Application

Only two things will last forever - the Word of God and people. What am I doing this week that will last forever? I want to have more compassion for people today than I had yesterday.