Romans 1
"For God is my witness, whom I [Paul] serve (λατρεύω, pres.) with my spirit (πνεῦμα) in the gospel of his Son (ἐν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ τοῦ υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ), that without ceasing I make mention of you [believers in Rome] always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s desire I may now at last succeed in coming to you." - Romans 1:9-10
Before Paul begins to discuss theology, he wants the Roman believers to know how much he thinks about and prays for them. He really wants to see them! He serves God with his spirit, the innermost part of himself, in the gospel of God's Son. How do we do that, too?
To serve God with our spirit in the gospel of God's Son. Think about that. The Greek word λατρεύω can be defined as "serving in a worshipful way." The sphere and/or object of Paul's service is the gospel of God's Son. Paul was a busy man, going hither and thither. But in that busyness, he was continually serving God with his inner spirit in spreading the good news of Jesus. His drive to spread the gospel came from internal worship.
Father, show us how to serve you with our spirits in and for the gospel of your Son. May we be deep, seasoned, prayerful people aligned to your interests, and not shallow, superficial people. May we worship and serve you on the inside. In Jesus' name, amen.
- Jeff Coleman