September 23, 2012
Evening Service

Chapter 15 so far has really challenged us to take the perspective of always looking out for our neighbor.  We are not only to love them, but also seek to help them see Jesus in us.  I loved the video this morning.  It painted a picture of a church that anyone can belong to and feel a part of.  That is our goal here.  The Bride welcomes all and receives them as Christ received us, just as we are.

The examples of Paul and Jesus’ lives are ones of self sacrifice putting others before themselves and living life for a single purpose; to bring glory to God.   We closed with the words of D. L. Moody, “Why not me?”  There is no greater challenge and no greater reward than living a life as a “Living sacrifice.”

 

Rom 15:22-29 For this cause I also have been greatly hindered from coming to you.  (23)  But now, having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you,  (24)  whenever I may go into Spain, I will come to you. For in traveling through I hope to see you, and to be set forward there by you, if first I may be filled of you in part.  (25)  But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints.  (26)  For it has pleased those of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints in Jerusalem.  (27)  Truly it has pleased them, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in fleshly things.  (28)  Therefore when I have completed this, and have sealed this fruit to them, I will come by you into Spain.  (29)  And I am sure that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.

·         Paul’s plan was to preach the gospel in Spain after a stop in Jerusalem and going by way of Rome.  Spain was the western edge of civilization and was well known for many of their great thinkers and teachers.  I’m sure his intent was to win them to the faith and then watch what God would do through them.

·         He was going to Jerusalem first to deliver the love offering for the poor he spoke of in the Corinthian letters.  The offering was of great importance to Paul in that it would help to unify the Jews, who would receive the gift, and the Gentiles who gave it.

·         It was at Jerusalem that Paul was imprisoned and eventually he was sent to Rome for trial that would end with his martyrdom.

·         He, like Jesus, had set his sights on returning to Jerusalem despite the dangers he knew he would face.  A courage and resolve given to them both by the Holy Spirit.

 

Rom 15:30-33 But I beg you, brothers, for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ and for the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in your prayers to God for me,  (31)  that I may be delivered from those disbelieving in Judea, and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted by the saints;  (32)  so that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed with you.  (33)  Now may the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

·         Paul coveted the prayers of his Roman brothers to help him to fulfill his plans.

o   He asked for delivered from the dangers of the unbelievers in Judea.

o   He wanted the offering he brought to be accepted in good grace.

o   He prayed that his visit to Rome might be a joyful one.

o   Finally he sought a refreshing from his time with them

Prayer for others is something we should never take lightly.  We have the wonderful privilege to take our brothers who are in need right before the altar of God and ask His watch be upon them.  Our distance makes no matter as God is with them just as He is with us.

 

Read Chapter 16: 1-5

o   Paul writes a letter of commendation for Phoebe to be helped in any way that is needed.

o   Priscilla and Aquila were long time coworkers of Paul in the ministry and in tent making.  They were the ones who took Apollos aside and instructed him of Jesus’ ministry because he was preaching the message of John the Baptist only.

 

Romans 16:6-16

o   Here is a wonderful list of those who aided Paul in some way impacting his ministry.

 

Romans 16:17-20

o   Paul admonishes the church to be on guard always for who are disrupting to the church causing offences and divisions.  That spirit is not one of a transformed life, but one that seeks its own rewards.

o   He praises their obedience and warns them to be on guard against the evil one. 

o   He reassures them that the God of peace would prevail and crush Satan shortly.

 

Romans 16:21-24

o   Many of these names are familiar including Timothy; Paul’s son in the faith and Tertius who penned this letter for Paul.

 

Romans 16:25-27

o   Paul’s doxology of this letter brings glory to God who has revealed the mystery of His Son and the gospel message to all nations.

 

It is very interesting to think how each of these mentioned played parts in Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles.  We also are playing a part in that ministry.  It is an ongoing story that is added to daily.  It could be called “The acts of the followers of Jesus attending the Bride of Christ Fellowship in Mitchell Indiana.”

 

 How many lives have been changed for the glory of God and how many more will be?

 

It is very exciting to imagine what God has planned for us in the future!