Romans 1:8-15: The Test of True Christian Love

by Dale Partridge

The Bible is clear—the evidence of our faith in Christ is seen in our love for others. 1 John 4:19-20 says, “If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.”

In this episode of Real Christianity, pastor Dale Partridge preaches through Romans 1:8-15 where the Apostle continues his salutation to the Roman Christians. In this passage, it becomes evident that Paul both loves and longs to be with other Christians. Is this desire true of you? Do you love and long to be with God’s people?

In this sermon, Paul’s example becomes a helpful measuring rod against our own affections for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Let’s look to Paul’s words and see how we might find wisdom in strengthening our relationships with the brethren.

Listen to Last Week’s Sermon: Romans 1:1-7: Can We Trust the Writings of the Apostles?

Scripture References

Romans 1:8-15

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world. 9 For God, whom I serve in my spirit in the preaching of the gospel of His Son, is my witness as to how unceasingly I make mention of you, 10 always in my prayers making request, if perhaps now at last by the will of God I may succeed in coming to you. 11 For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be [h]established; 12 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine. 13 I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that often I have planned to come to you (and have been prevented so far) so that I may obtain some fruit among you also, even as among the rest of the Gentiles. 14 I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. 15 So, for my part, I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.
1 John 4:19-21-5:2

We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother. Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. By this we know that we love the children of God…
James 3:1

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.
Ephesians 1:16

I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers
Philippians‬ ‭1:3-4

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy
1 Thessalonians 2:8

So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us.
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3:17

Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭4:15-16

For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I urge you, then, be imitators of me.

After watching or listening to this episode, what is your opinion? Do you have any questions or comments? Maybe you have something to add to the discussion? If so, let us know in the comments below.

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