Romans 15:14-33 – Paul Ministers to Gentiles

Romans 15:14-16 – Paul’s Reason for Writing

Paul is convinced that the Christians in Rome are full of goodness, knowledge, and are competent to minister to one another.  He has written boldly to them because God has appointed him to be a priest to the Gentiles so they might become an offering acceptable to God sanctified by the Holy Spirit. (Rom. 15:14-16)

Paul writes to them to encourage them.  He has always been an encourager.  He is writing to them because they are morally good people and have basic biblical understanding.  When Paul says they are full of goodness and knowledge, he doesn’t mean they are sinless or qualified as seminary graduates.  He means they have good will toward God and others.  He means that they are ready to be used effectively by God.  He wrote to them to remind them of God’s truths. 

Sometimes we become comfortable and get busy with our lives that we need to be reminded from time to time to what Jesus has done for us on the cross.  We need to be reminded of the fundamentals of our faith.  We need to be reminded what our responsibilities are as Christians. 

How will you encourage someone today?

Paul was aware of his purpose – to take the gospel to all the Gentiles.  Paul calls himself a priest.  All believers are members of a kingdom of priests and have the duty and privilege to share the gospel with everyone. 

Are you aware of your calling?

It’s the believer’s responsibility to care for one another by meeting needs one might have.  It might be providing food, shelter, and even spiritual help.  Usually it’s the pastor or elders who get involved when someone is drifting away, but it’s every believer’s responsibility to try to restore him.  You are your brother’s keeper.  If you’re a believer, you’re in the ministry.  However, to minister effectively you must apply biblical truth in your own walk with Jesus.

Principle:  If you are a believer, you are in the ministry.

What is keeping you from viewing yourself as a minister of Christ?

Romans 15:17-22 – Paul’s Reasons for His Absence

Paul goes on to say that he considers it a great honor to be used by God in bringing the Gentiles into God’s kingdom.  The Holy Spirit gave Paul the power to do signs and miracles showing he was a genuine apostle.  (Rom. 15:17-19) 

The Bible tells us that Paul did signs and miracles.  Examples of some of Paul’s miracles are found in Acts 14:8-10 and Acts 19:11-12.  Should we expect sign and wonders today?  God is the Almighty Creator and He can do miracles anytime He wants.  He has no limits so we shouldn’t limit Him.  We should believe that He is able.  We may not see the big miracles as we do in the Bible, but we can see miracles daily.  They may not be as obvious as we would like, but they are happening all around us.

Paul wanted to preach the gospel where the gospel was unknown so he wouldn’t be building on someone else’s foundation.  He didn’t want to continue work others had started.  He based his philosophy on Isaiah 52:15.  He saw his ministry as part of fulfilling the Old Testament prediction about the Gentiles coming to understand the good news of Christ.  (Rom. 15:20-21) 

In Rom. 1:13 Paul said he wanted to visit Rome many times, but wasn’t able and at that time he didn’t explain the reasons.  Now he explains it.  Paul didn’t want to interrupt anyone else’s work.  He wanted to lay a good foundation like a builder who lays a foundation for a building.  He wanted to preach to those who had never heard the gospel. 

What is keeping you from telling someone about the gospel?

Where is God asking you to serve?

As Christians we should always affirm the ministries of others while using our gifts as we serve.  We should also give God the glory offering our ministry as an act of worship.  We should be more like Paul and not hesitate to be bold in challenging others reminding them what they already know.

Principle:  Christians should affirm the ministries of others while using their gifts to serve.

Romans 23-29 – Paul’s Plan

Again Paul in hindered from visiting Rome because of his calling.  He must go somewhere the gospel has not yet been proclaimed.  His sights are on Spain and his plans are to stop by Rome on his way, but first he has to go to Jerusalem.  Macedonia and Achaia took up a contribution for the poor believers there in Jerusalem.  They were happy to do it and it was also their duty.  The Gentiles shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, so they owed it to them to share their material blessings.  (Rom. 23-29)

Paul was convinced it was not God’s will to visit Rome until he had completed his mission of dropping off the collected contributions to those in Jerusalem.  He didn’t let his desire to go to Rome keep him from his calling.

Are you convinced of your calling?

Do you let your desires interfere with your calling?

Principle:  Submit to God’s will and not your own desires.

I see two lessons here.  One of obeying God’s calling instead of our own desires.  The other is sharing with those who are in need.  The poor may need food, clothing, money, housing or they may need you time to show they are important and not forgotten.  We are to share our blessings with others to relieve their poverty.

How are you sharing with the poor?

Romans 30-33 – Paul’s Request

Paul urges the Christians in Rome to pray for him.  He wants prayer that he be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea and that his service in Jerusalem be acceptable.  Then by God’s will he can come to Rome with joy and be refreshed with them. (Rom. 30-33)

Paul may have already been warned about the dangers ahead in Jerusalem, but that didn’t stop him from doing God’s will.  Paul prayed for the Christians in Rome and now he is asking them to return the favor.  By praying they are actually participating with him in his ministry.  We may not be able to be missionaries and go to a far off country, but we can still join in the ministry of others by praying and supporting them financially.

Paul knew that prayer was warfare and powerful.  We need to remember this.  Prayers are not just words, but words of power.  Pray for our churches, our pastors, out teachers, and our missionaries.  Pray that your lost family members will accept Jesus.  When you pray, pray with the right motivation and pray for God’s will to be realized.

Who or what will you pray for today?

Principle:  Prayer is powerful.

Next time we will study Romans 16.  Have a blessed day and thanks for visiting my site.  Hope to see you here again.  --  I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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