¹¹ For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established— ¹² that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.  

¹¹ For I long to see you,

The apostle Paul anticipated the day he would be able to meet the Roman church face-to-face. There is indeed a horizontal aspect to our ministry.

that I may impart to you some spiritual gift,

Paul did not refer here to what we call “spiritual gifts.” A spiritual gift is a special enabling for service sovereignly given by God at salvation. Instead, Paul referred here to his own gift, which he would offer in service to the Romans when he arrived.

so that you may be established—

Paul’s gift would edify or build up the Roman church. His visit to this city had a definite purpose—establishment of believers into strong Christians. The objective of all ministries, whether in music or word, is to build up believers. Maturity in the faith is a maximum application of the principles of Scripture to experience.

¹² that is, that I may be encouraged together with you

The apostle’s statement about establishing believers in Roman was not to imply that he did not need encouragement. There is mutual encouragement by fellowship in the faith. Paul would profit from their faith.

by the mutual faith both of you and me.

There would be a mutual benefit between Paul and the Roman church when he came for a visit. Paul needed fellowship with them and them with him.

PRINCIPLE:

There is reciprocal blessing in Christian fellowship.

APPLICATION:

Believers should not be too proud to acknowledge their need for fellowship with other Christians.