FAITH: Comes by Hearing the Word of God
Romans 9:1–2: I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart.
FAITH: Comes by Studying the Word of God
Paul wrote this he was accused of being an enemy of his own people. We are told in Acts 23:12, “And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.” Now Paul uses an expression that is a favorite with him: “I tell the truth, I do not lie.” That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. It is impossible for us to appreciate adequately the anguish of this great apostle for his own nation. His patience in the presence of their persistent persecution is an indication of it. He knew how they felt toward Christ and toward Christianity, for he once felt that way himself. He had been a Pharisee, a leader; he longed for them to come to Christ as he had. 1
FAITH: Comes by Obeying the Word of God
For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:8
How great is your love for another? Do you truly love those who are spiritually lost? Do you have a great sorrow and a continual grief in your heart for those who have ignored Christ? Are you willing to lay your life down for another?
FAITH: Comes by Experiencing the Transforming Work of God
A “love one another love” is a love we receive from Jesus to love others.
FAITH: Comes by Praying with the Word of God
Rivers of water run down from my eyes, Because men do not keep Your law. Psalm 119:136
Dear Father, teach me to have more of You and less of me…in Jesus Name.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Epistles (Romans 9-16) (electronic ed., Vol. 43, p. 23). Nashville.
