From Romans: Serving with the Spirit in the Gospel, Driven by Thirst for Fellowship
Orientation
Christian service can feel like a burden of external works and religious programs, disconnected from the life and authority of Christ.
- Service often becomes program-driven activity, devoid of spiritual reality.
- It can feel like laboring in the outer court, separate from God's presence.
- This creates a contrast with the genuine service Paul describes.
For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; (Romans 1:9)
— Romans 1:9
Clarification
True service flows from the spirit's engagement in the gospel realm, not from human effort or religious management.
- The human spirit, regenerated and joined to the Lord, is the organ for contacting and enjoying God.
- Faith is the sense by which our spirit apprehends the realities of Christ's finished work.
- Service is not about outer activity but ministering from the Holiest of All—our spirit in fellowship with God.
But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:17)
— 1 Corinthians 6:17
Structure
All authority, grace, and apostleship flow from the enthroned Christ, the Seed of David and Last Adam, to empower service that springs from mutual fellowship.
- Christ's resurrection designated Him Son of God with power, seated at God's right hand.
- From His enthroned authority, grace and apostleship are received, enabling obedience to the faith.
- This produces a ministry driven by thirst for fellowship and mutual comfort in the gospel realm.
And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations for his name: (Romans 1:4-5)
— Romans 1:4-5
Weight-Bearing Prose
The foundation is Christ’s unique position as federal Head. As the Seed of David and Last Adam, He is the rightful heir to all God’s covenants. Through His death and resurrection, He was designated the Son of God with power and enthroned. This is not a title but the source of all authority. From this enthroned Man flows grace and apostleship—sovereignly given, freely available, and backed by resurrection power. This grace enables the obedience of faith.
The gospel is not merely a message but a living realm of truth concerning Christ’s finished work. Believers enter this realm by faith—the spirit’s sense. The human spirit, regenerated and joined to the Divine Spirit, becomes the organ for contacting God, tasting and enjoying Him. Therefore, acceptable service is ‘with my spirit in the gospel of His Son.’ It flows from fellowship, not external works or religious ordinances. Paul’s ministry model contrasts sharply with programmatic works. His driving motive was a thirst for fellowship, a longing to impart spiritual gifts for mutual establishment and comfort through shared faith. This reflects God’s purpose to work Himself into His people through joyous, spirit-led fellowship.
Integration
Your service is not a test of your dedication or a measure of your spiritual maturity. It is a flow from the enthroned Christ to you. The grace and apostleship you have received come from His finished work and absolute authority. You serve from the spirit, the place where you are joined to the Lord, where nothing remains to be done but to enjoy Him. There is no pressure to manufacture spiritual activity. The thirst for fellowship that Paul expressed is Christ’s own thirst for communion with you. Rest in the mutual faith that comforts and establishes. Your position is secure in the ascended Head. The service that matters is the service that springs from simply being in the gospel realm, enjoying Christ, and sharing that enjoyment with others. This is the landing place—fellowship with God, assured by His grace.