Boasting in the Lord

I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. (Romans 15:17-19)

In these verses, Paul displayed how proud of the Roman Christians he was. He explained they were full of goodness, filled with knowledge, and capable of checking one another and helping each other grow.

He explained that he wrote to them with boldness, not because he doubted their abilities, but because of the grace bestowed upon him by God. Now, we need to understand that grace is not a license for people to sin, but instead an empowerment from the Holy Spirit for a person to fulfill their specific role in the body of Christ.

Paul explained that his mission was to be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. His calling was to bring the gospel to those who had not yet heard it and introduce the Good News to those who were unfamiliar with its life-transforming message. We can tell by how he wrote that Paul didn't take this task lightly. He understood the weight of the responsibility that comes with it.

Each of us has a part to play in the body of Christ and God has given you grace to fulfill your ministry with power and purpose. Never underestimate the power of God's grace.

Like Paul, we should do what God has called us to do with humility and boldness. Humility acknowledges that our abilities and strengths are gifts from God, and boldness comes from the knowledge that we are empowered by His grace.

Practical Application

When you are celebrated or honored, make sure that you redirect the glory to Jesus Christ. By doing so, we keep our focus on the source of our strength and the true reason for our boasting–the Lord.

1 Corinthians 3:6; 2 Corinthians 3:1

Embracing Your Assignment

And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. (Romans 15:14-16)

In these verses, Paul displayed how proud of the Roman Christians he was. He explained they were full of goodness, filled with knowledge, and capable of checking one another and helping each other grow.

He explained that he wrote to them with boldness, not because he doubted their abilities, but because of the grace bestowed upon him by God. Now, we need to understand that grace is not a license for people to sin, but instead an empowerment from the Holy Spirit for a person to fulfill their specific role in the body of Christ.

Paul explained that his mission was to be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. His calling was to bring the gospel to those who had not yet heard it and introduce the Good News to those who were unfamiliar with its life-transforming message. We can tell by how he wrote that Paul didn't take this task lightly. He understood the weight of the responsibility that comes with it.

Each of us has a part to play in the body of Christ and God has given you grace to fulfill your ministry with power and purpose. Never underestimate the power of God's grace.

Like Paul, we should do what God has called us to do with humility and boldness. Humility acknowledges that our abilities and strengths are gifts from God, and boldness comes from the knowledge that we are empowered by His grace.

Practical Application

What is your role within the body of Christ? How has God uniquely equipped you? Are you walking in the grace that empowers your ministry? Embrace your calling with humility and boldness. There are no minor roles in the body of Christ. Everyone is empowered to make a difference.

Romans 12:3; Romans 1:5

Empowered with Hope

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. (Romans 15:13)

Romans 15:13 introduces us to a powerful title of God. He is the God of hope. It signifies that hope originates from God. When we truly have faith in Him, we believe and change our attitude from doubt toward hope.

Paul prayed that the God of hope would fill us, His children, with two precious gifts: joy and peace. These gifts are not random but are directly connected to our behavior and attitude. When we believe in God's promises, trust in His divine plan, and have faith in His goodness, joy and peace naturally flow into our hearts. You are not living sad, bad, mad, and discouraged.

However, Paul didn’t stop there. He said that when we have the attitude of peace and joy, we would abound in hope. This means more than just having a glimmer of hope; it means having an abundance of it. It’s hope that overflows from our hearts and spills over into the lives of those around us.

Hope is having a positive outlook about every situation. When we hope, we decide to not just believe, but to allow our belief to change our attitude.

But some may say, “That sounds good for others, but you don’t know how bad my situation is. I don’t think there’s any way I can naturally have hope.” I’ve got good news for you! Hope doesn’t come from you. Paul said that hope comes through the power of the Holy Spirit.

When we invite the Holy Spirit into our situations and ask Him to guide us, He not only fills us with hope, but also empowers us to share that hope with others. We become vessels of hope in a world often filled with depression and despair.

Practical Application

If you're feeling angry, worried, or hopeless, pray in the Holy Ghost right away. He will fill you with hope. Allow the hope He gives to change your attitude and your outlook.

Romans 12:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:17