POSITIVE IMPACT
Romans 1: 8-13
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. 9 God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you 10 in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you.
11 I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— 12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. 13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters,[a] that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.
You can be an impact player as Paul was. HOW?
1. BE WHO WE ARE
vs. 8 -- your faith is reported all over the world.
"When you're shouting so loudly, I can't hear what you say," said Emerson. Live it.
2. BY AFFIRMATION
vs. 8 -- I THANK GOD for you.
Be an encourager. Praise and thank people, and thank God.
3. BY PRAYER
(v 9-10) Am i disciplined in my prayer life? Do we KNOW about prayer but don't pray? Who is "in trouble' in your world: are you praying for them?
It's easier to criticize than to pray.
4. BY GIVING
v. 11-13 -- Paul is mostly interested in the TEAM.
Oswald Chambers says it is "a spiritual honor and duty to spend life for the sake of others, not self." Paul says God has given him/us new life, so He has obligated us to take Jesus/The Gospel to everyone.
-30-
