Established

Romans 1:11

Today we are moving on to verse eleven of Romans one. We saw in the last verse that Paul desired to go see the Romans but had not yet gone because God had other plans. In today’s verse we will see what Paul had hoped to bring them.

Verse eleven says, “For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established.” Paul wanted to bring the Romans a gift. But not just a gift, a spiritual gift. One that would “establish” them.

What does Paul mean by established? The Greek word for established here is στηρίζω (stérizó) which means to “to set fast.” “To strengthen” would be another way of saying this. Paul wanted to bring the Romans a spiritual gift so that they would be strengthened (established) in their faith.

But what is the spiritual gift that Paul wanted to bring them? I believe it is himself. It is not that he believes that he is anything special. We have already seen his humility and willingness to be a bondservant of God (1:1). And is not that he believes that the Romans are weak and need a spiritual leader to turn things around for them. We have already seen that he praises the Romans for their faithfulness (1:8). Paul recognizes that they needed to be strengthened by fellowshipping with one another.

Think about how you feel when a missionary visits and gives an update or shares a burden. The pictures and videos that are often shown are of those very people they are trying to reach. They share about the struggles they may be facing and how we can specifically pray, but they also tell us about the men and women who get saved. Some of the faces we see on the screen are of those who were lost and who received the gospel because God used that missionary to go to them and bring them the gospel. We may never meet them while we are on earth, but we will get to glorify God together with them in heaven one day.

That is just one example of how our faith can be strengthened by another. We are not worshipping the missionary. We are not worshipping those who have been saved. We are worshipping God together. We are strengthened by the report because we see how God is working all over the world.

The same thing is true whether it is just one believer you are fellowshipping with or an entire church. When you spend time with another believer who is striving to be holy and obedient it strengthens your faith. You both understand the struggle, you both know that the devil is opposing every obedient decision you make, and you are encouraged when you see another obeying despite the world being against them.

This is what Paul wants to gift the Romans. It not himself, it is his shared faith. He knows about the struggle, he knows about the opposition, and he wants to strengthen the Romans. He wants to give them a push, some energy, to keep going. He understands the value of fellowship.

Many believers (particularly in America) underestimate the value of fellowship. One of the beautiful things about a church is being in and amongst believers who all share the same goal as you. Of course, there are always those who show up to check church off the list. The devil always tries to get into the church and ruin it from the inside out. But don’t focus on those people. Focus on the genuine believers, the ones who want to obey. Be strengthened by them as you try to strengthen them. God is delighted when He sees His children strengthen one another.

Follow Us on Social Media!