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).

One of the most striking thoughts from Romans chapter 1 is the Apostle Paul’s revelation on serving through the Spirit as read in our opening scripture. It emphasises the consciousness of the spiritual in our Christian service.

Paul didn’t say he served God with his mind or body, but with his spirit. This is so important because Christianity is a spiritual walk, a spiritual ministry, and our service must be offered through the Spirit to be acceptable to God. Paul wasn’t speaking metaphorically; rather, he was showing us how to carry out our divine assignments.

Serving God with your spirit is about serving from the inward man, engaging spiritual truths, and ministering from a place of depth in the Holy Spirit. This is not head knowledge or mechanical duty; it’s priestly service from the inner man. Then, in the latter part of the opening scripture, he says, “…without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers” (Romans 1:9). This was also from his spirit. He was making intercession with the intensity of one who is fully conscious of spiritual realities.

He didn’t stop there; in verse 12, he adds, “…that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.” Recall that he had expressed his desire to see the saints in Rome in verse 11, saying, “For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established.” The impartation wasn’t one-sided; it required their mutual faith.

He was coming to strengthen them, but they were also going to be a source of encouragement to him by their own faith and response. This is the beauty of fellowship with the Spirit, when we serve God with our spirits, we give and receive of His grace and knowledge. Hallelujah!

Prayer / Confession

Dear Father, thank you for the privilege of serving you with my spirit in the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. I’m conscious of the operations of the Spirit in my life, His wisdom, guidance and grace, to impart others with the blessings of the Gospel. I walk in the power of your Spirit today, producing fruits and works of righteousness, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further study

Romans 1:9-12 NKJV; Romans 12:11; Philippians 3:3

1-year bible reading plan

Hebrews 3; Jeremiah 38-40

2-year bible reading plan

John 9:18-27; 1 Chronicles 3