ROMANS 1:13 SOME FRUIT The apostle Paul had learned the value of fruit-bearing. Perhaps someone had told him of the teaching the Lord gave on that subject that we can read in John 15. Our area of service is among people. We serve God when serving people. Paul knew he would be able to sow some seed of the Word of God among those believers at Rome that would strengthen them in the faith. For some reason he was not able to go there personally, but the Spirit of God used that hindrance to produce this remarkable treatise on the Gospel. From that hindrance has come widespread blessing through many generations.
We may not always be able to accomplish what we had hoped. However, God is able to produce a harvest among His people that may not be recognized at the moment, but will produce lasting fruit as a result of the effort we put forth to use the gift God has given. Spiritual growth takes time to become evident. The benefits to the brothers and sisters in Christ will be seen in new converts as well as those who have experienced many of the blessings of the Christian life already. The assembly at Rome was probably composed of mostly Gentile believers. Others were bringing fruit as a result of Paul's ministry and no doubt the Gentiles at Rome would do the same.
During the course of our service for God, we may not only minister to those we know and are associated with, but may reach way beyond us to others we don't even know. It is incumbent on us to keep motivated to use what God has given to us. We have the privilege to produce fruit for God's glory in the lives of others.
"Where did you learn that?" we may ask someone. "From a man who taught us when to our assembly he had come To minister to us, that in the faith we may grow - And he passed on to us what to him someone showed Was the truth of God to be practiced today; And he told us that this he had heard another say. His teaching was timely and suitable for our need. So, to what he taught us we have given good heed."
As I heard that person pass on this information, I was reminded of a time in a certain situation, It was necessary to pass on truth to that very man, So he could tell other brothers and sisters in the best way he can Things that were taught him, though I didn't know at the time That he had understood the value of the light that would shine To many other people wherever he would go And through passing on those truths, others would grow.
To me it was an encouragement to not hesitate To teach God's truth knowing that it can make An impact on people in many other places That can bring spiritual blessings and maybe put a smile on faces Of those who were wondering what they should do,
And what the consequences of their choices would be when they were through. So, it moves me to continue to God's Word to be faithful, Knowing that through the teaching help others to be fruitful.
"Father God, who knows the blessings Thy Word can bring to those in difficult times, would it please Thee to add a special power and blessing to those who declare Thy Word in many places this day. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."