Unceasing Anguish for the Lost in Romans 9

Romans 9 reveals the profound anguish Paul experienced for those who do not know Christ, particularly the lost Israelites. This passage highlights a deep spiritual love that compels persistent prayer, unceasing concern, and heartfelt sorrow for the salvation of others. Paul’s burden was not merely emotional but rooted in a genuine desire for his people’s redemption, demonstrating that true love for the lost must be both passionate and enduring.

Believers are called to embody this same kind of love—one that mirrors Paul’s unrelenting concern. Loving others as brothers and sisters in Christ means cultivating a sincere and continuous care for their spiritual well-being. This love motivates believers to pray fervently and to maintain a persistent burden for those who remain separated from Christ ([03:01]).

The reality of suffering among believers worldwide, such as those facing persecution in India and China, further illustrates the depth of this love. Genuine concern involves not only empathy but also a willingness to stand with and support those who endure hardship for their faith. The steadfastness and sacrifice of persecuted Christians reflect the same burden Paul carried for his people’s salvation ([15:09], [16:04]).

This love also compels action. The call to be “fishers of men” is rooted in the same unceasing concern that drove Paul to reach out to the lost. Sharing the gospel passionately and making disciples are direct expressions of loving others as Christ loved us, with a focus on their eternal destiny ([25:24]).

Believers are encouraged to adopt Paul’s heart—marked by unceasing anguish for the lost and motivated by genuine love. This involves a continual prayer for faith and a desire to experience God’s power, enabling believers to see the lost with compassion and to respond accordingly ([38:07]).

Ultimately, the heart of Paul in Romans 9 serves as a model for all believers. Genuine love for the lost requires persistent prayer, sacrificial concern, and a passionate desire to see others come to Christ. This love is active, heartfelt, and unceasing, reflecting the burden Paul exemplified for his fellow Israelites.

This article was written by an AI tool for churches, based on a sermon from Crazy Love, one of 60 churches in Boulder, CO