Jack Hibbs : This Is A Sincere Request From A Friend
Come With Me: A Call to Prayer, Unity, and Gospel Impact
Open your Bible to Romans 15:30–33. Today we come to what I hope will be our final study in chapter 15. I know some of you may be wondering how long chapter 16 will take, but I assure you, we will move through it much more quickly.
Paul writes:
“Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me, that I may be delivered from those who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints; that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you. Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.”
Before we begin, let us remember that we live in a time when truth is often overshadowed by confusion and deception. More than ever, believers need spiritual discernment the ability to recognize what is true and what is false. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would guide His people into all truth, and that promise remains vital today.
As followers of Christ, we should also be people of prayer, interceding not only for ourselves but for others around the world. We pray for those serving in dangerous places, for nations facing turmoil, and for people everywhere who need the hope and salvation found only in Jesus Christ. We live in significant times, and our response must be faith, prayer, and unwavering trust in God.
Paul’s Invitation: Come With Me
As Romans chapter 15 draws to a close, Paul extends a remarkable invitation. Writing from Corinth and preparing to travel to Jerusalem, he tells the believers in Rome that he hopes to visit them soon. Yet before he arrives, he asks them to join him in something greater than a physical journey.
His invitation is simple: Come with me.
Not necessarily in person, but in spirit, in prayer, and in partnership for the gospel.
This invitation transcends time. Though nearly two thousand years have passed since Paul wrote these words, the Spirit of God continues to work through His church around the world. Every believer who has come to faith has been touched by that ongoing mission. Someone shared the gospel with you, just as someone shared it with them.
Throughout history, God has used ordinary believers to carry the message of Christ to others. Whether through a conversation, a Bible study, a mission field, a workplace, or a family relationship, the gospel continues to spread because believers answer God’s call to participate in His work.
And that mission will continue until Christ gathers His church to Himself.
Striving Together in Prayer
Paul says:
Strive together with me in prayers to God for me.
This phrase reveals something beautiful about the Christian life: we are not called to serve alone.
The word strive carries the idea of laboring together, struggling together, and engaging in a common effort. Paul was confident in his calling, yet humble enough to admit that he needed the support and prayers of fellow believers.
True Christian ministry is never a solo endeavor.
Paul understood that spiritual victories are won when God’s people unite in prayer. He was asking believers to stand beside him spiritually as he carried out the mission God had given him.
Prayer is not merely a religious duty. It is an expression of devotion and intimacy with God. The biblical concept behind worship and prayer carries the idea of drawing near to the Lord with affection, reverence, and love. Prayer is communion with God, a continual relationship rather than an occasional conversation.
That is why believers are encouraged to pray continually. God is not distant or unwilling to listen. Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the door into His presence has been opened wide.
He welcomes His children.
One Church, One Spirit
Paul’s message reminds us that believers are united by something far greater than geography.
In Colossians 2:5, Paul writes:
Though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit.
The church of Jesus Christ is spread across the world, yet spiritually it remains one body. Christians may worship in different nations, languages, and cultures, but they share one Savior, one faith, and one Holy Spirit.
This spiritual unity enables believers to encourage, support, and pray for one another regardless of distance.
That is why Paul urges the Romans to pray for him. They were partners in the gospel, united in purpose even though separated physically.
Praying in the Spirit
Paul expands on this theme in Ephesians 6:18 when he urges believers to pray:
Always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.
Praying in the Spirit is not reserved for a select few believers. It is the privilege of every Christian.
It means allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and empower our prayers so that our hearts align with God’s will. Prayer becomes more than routine words it becomes fellowship with God, dependence upon Him, and participation in His purposes.
Paul understood the importance of this spiritual support. He knew that advancing the gospel in an unbelieving world required continual prayer.
His request remains relevant today.
Every believer needs prayer.
Every believer needs encouragement.
Every believer needs the support of the body of Christ.
The Gospel Changes Everything
The gospel is God’s answer to humanity’s deepest needs.
It answers the question of shame because Christ removes our disgrace and gives us a new identity.
It answers the question of sin because Jesus paid the penalty for our transgressions.
It answers the question of guilt because His forgiveness is complete.
It answers the question of death because Christ conquered the grave.
And it answers the question of eternity because salvation through Jesus rescues people from judgment and grants everlasting life.
As Colossians 2 teaches, Christ has forgiven our sins, canceled the debt that stood against us, and triumphed over every spiritual power through His victory at the cross.
Because of that victory, believers do not live in fear. They live in confidence, knowing that Jesus Christ reigns supreme.
Humble Enough to Need Others
Paul’s request for prayer demonstrates another vital truth: humility.
Even the great apostle acknowledged his need for others.
He did not rely solely on his experience, knowledge, or calling. Instead, he invited fellow believers to stand beside him in prayer and spiritual support.
Humility recognizes that we cannot accomplish God’s work in our own strength.
The Christian life is a spiritual battle. Standing for truth will often bring opposition. Following Christ faithfully requires courage, perseverance, and dependence upon God.
But victory does not come through human strength.
It comes through prayer.
It comes through God’s power.
It comes through believers working together under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.