Is Your Faithfulness to God Only Surface-Deep?
Thinking about Romans 1:9.
For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, (Romans 1:9)
Paul emphasized to the Christians in Corinth that he served God with his spirit in the gospel of God’s Son, Jesus Christ.
Paul’s service was not surface-deep - he wasn’t doing it for money or fame. He wasn’t serving Jesus to promote himself. His service to God came from the very core of his being.
Here is the secret to Paul’s success and continued faithfulness, even in the face of impending dangers. Paul’s commitment was not merely outward, but with his very spirit. - Wacaster, Studies in Romans, 23
I’m reminded of Jesus’ answer when He was questioned about the greatest commandment.
You shall love the LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 22:37-40)
Paul has already discussed that he has been separated to the gospel of God and has been given a new life by the gospel. He had devoted himself entirely to serving God in the gospel of Christ.
Paul’s complete devotion to God was connected to what Jesus Christ had done for him.
There is a direct connection between faithfulness to God and a deep appreciation of what Jesus has done for us.
Those who realize the significance of the gospel of God’s Son and what has been done for them by Jesus Christ will devote themselves entirely to God.
If your faith is only “surface-deep," then let me encourage you to take a closer look into the gospel of Jesus Christ. By examining all that Jesus has done for you, your faith will grow to greater depths, and you will be more devoted in your service to God.