Romans 15:14-33 Paul & Rome: Personal Matters (part 2)

 Part 2

In Paul’s personal remarks to the Roman church, he includes elements of his theology and philosophy of ministry.

·        Paul’s ministry was received by God’s grace vs. 15

·        Paul’s ministry was centered in the gospel vs. 16, 19

·        Paul’s ministry was done for God’s glory vs. 17-18

·        Paul’s ministry was done through God’s power alone vs. 19

·        Paul’s ministry was according to God’s plan vs. 20-25, 32

·        Paul’s ministry included providing assistance for believers in need vs. 26

·        Paul’s ministry included foreign missions and church planting vs. 20, 28

·        Paul’s ministry was supported by the prayers of believers vs. 30-32

I. Paul shares his heart towards the believers in the church at Rome. vs. 14-29

A. The church at Rome has spiritually mature disciples of Jesus. vs. 14

1. They are full of goodness displayed in good works, generosity, and kindness.

2. They have a mature knowledge of the gospel and the Bible.

3. They are competent to instruct, counsel, and admonish one another.

B. Paul was bold because of the believers’ maturity and because of his office. vs. 15

1. Paul reminded them of spiritual truths they already knew.

2. Paul was direct because of their spiritual maturity.

C. Paul, as the Apostle to the Gentiles, was working for God. vs. 16-17

1. He was a servant of Christ (leitourgos, public servant).

2. He was like a priest offering the spiritual sacrifice of new converts to God (idiom, figurative).

3. The Holy Spirit was doing the work of sanctification in them, making them individually and corporately pleasing to God.

D. Paul’s missionary strategy was to go and preach where there was no established church to start new ones. vs. 18-21

1. The pagans were responding positively to the gospel through their commitments and changed lifestyles.

2. This can only be explained as the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit.

3. As an Apostle and Scripture writer, Paul performed signs and wonders early in his ministry and often by his own decision.

4. Paul preached the gospel of the Messiah from Israel to the Balkan Peninsula, Croatia, Bosnia, Yugoslavia, and Albania.

5. Paul brought the light where it was darkest. He planted churches that would plant other churches and further spread the gospel.

6. The Old Testament prophesied about God’s plan of missions. Isa 52:15

7. It prophesied the worldwide rule of the Suffering Servant (Messiah).

E. Paul could not visit Rome because of the gospel opportunities. vs. 22-23

1. He did not follow his emotions but God’s will.

2. He entered the open doors before him in the region where he was.

3. He longed to fellowship with the Roman believers.

4. But he followed biblical wisdom rather than emotions.

F. Paul’s plan was to visit Rome on his way to Spain. vs. 24

1. Paul was organized and made wise plans.

2. Paul was willing for God to redirect his plans.

3. Paul was faithful and kept his word to bring the Gentile churches financial gifts to the starving believers in Jerusalem because of persecution.

4. Paul was planning to engage in missions and church planting immediately after the gift was delivered.

5. Paul only let mature congregations help him financially (Rome).

G. Paul was providing for the ethical and accountable transfer of funds. vs. 25-26, 28

H. The Gentile Christians should appreciate the Jewish roots of their faith. vs. 27

1. The promises and covenants came to the Jews.

2. The Scriptures were preserved by the Jews.

3. The entire Bible was written by Jewish male Prophets and Apostles. (If the one possible exception, Luke, had a Jewish mother, like Timothy, he would also be Jewish).

I. Paul’s reunion with old friends and first meeting of those in the church at Rome will be a mutual blessing to all who love Jesus the Messiah. vs. 29

II. Paul shares prayer requests and adds a benedictory prayer for the believers at Rome. vs. 30-33

A. Prayer is work, and intercessory prayer is for other people. vs. 30

1. Prayer for Paul’s deliverance from the evil people in Judea.

2. Prayer for Paul’s service to the believers in Jerusalem.

3. Paul’s trip to visit the Roman church and to rest in Rome.

4. Paul’s surrender to God’s will in all these matters.

5. Paul’s request acknowledges the tri-unity of God, the trinity.

6. Paul was arrested in Jerusalem (Acts 24:27, 28:11-31) and was given a free trip to Rome, but he arrived in chains.

B. Paul’s benedictory prayer for the Roman Christians. vs. 33

1. For God’s peace, shalom (wholeness, fullness) for them.

2. For God’s presence to be with them in joy.

3. Amen (I believe that statement; it is true, so be it).