Romans, Part 43
Romans 15:14-22
Introduction
- Last week Paul showed us the importance of living for others
-- Understanding that division is never the way to success; and we must avoid it
- Discussed the purpose of our lives is that we would learn to give praise and honor
-- That we would strive to be more like Christ every day; focused on Him alone
- However, this is not something that we just decide to do; b/c we cannot do it
- It is a matter of surrender; a matter of leaving the indulgences behind
- When Christ calls us into a life for Him, there ought to be a change in obedience
- This evening, we look at “Paul’s Encouragements”, and the how to apply them
- Stand and read Romans 15:14-22 / Pray
Point 1 Conviction – (14-16)
- As Paul writes, his conviction is laid out there for all to see; without hesitation
-- (v14) says, “I myself am convinced …” – can we say the same thing?
- Are we totally convinced about the power and authority of Jesus?
- Are we convinced about the power we have in our lives because of Jesus?
- Paul admits boldness on “some points”; I’d say he was mean sometimes too …
- But as a minister of Christ to the Gentiles; he was eager to proclaim always
- Paul preached boldly in some places because it had never been heard
- This conviction that Paul was under was to ensure that everyone heard the Gospel
- It is not a matter of preference; but a matter of obedience for Paul
- It is because of what Jesus has done in his life that motivates him to this
- It brings him to a place of sheer obedience much like it should in our lives
- Question: What is the one thing that you need to show more obedience on?
- For Paul, he lays it right out there without fear or embarrassment; to share Jesus
-- He desires to ensure that the Gospel is heard and proclaimed at all costs
- APP: But why? Why would any man desire to give his life to the cause of Jesus?
- It’s not because of his salvation at stake (that is already assured; see v16a)
-- EX: Cannot be a minister of Christ unless Christ dwells within you
- It is because of his desire that WE would come to know Jesus!
- (v16b) Because of the Gospel being heard, WE might be acceptable to God
- Because of the preaching of the good news; WE might hear and be changed
- Because of the message that goes forth; Jesus would be glorified and praised
- Where does he reveal his true mission?
- Rom 1:5 says, “… through him and for his name’s sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith.”
- Where does the strength come from?
- Rom 1:16 says, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes; first for the Jew and then for the Gentile.”
- What is the result?
- TRANS: Paul’s life is being lived to glorify the Savior, and no one else
Point 2 – Glorifying God (17-22)
- Therefore (because, transition – explains why he said what he just said) …
-- He gives all glory to God because of what Christ has done; not himself
- He boldly proclaims that he won’t even speak on things that aren’t God-related
- Imagine for a moment the impact of that statement in our lives
-- To not speak anything that is not Godly; to not speak anything that’s not of Jesus
-- We’ve heard this before … Phil 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if ANYTHING is excellent and praiseworthy- think about such things.”
- Imagine that we would so focus our minds on the things of Christ and not here
- Consider how different life would be if we focused on Jesus always …
-- Imagine no more worry, sorrow, or regret, or negativity wearing us down
- It has always been Paul’s ambition to preach the Gospel, anywhere/anytime
- Paul’s desire is that Jesus would be made known where no one knows about him
- Let us remember, Paul often wanted to be around those who loved him
-- Honestly, who doesn’t want to be around those who care about you?
-- There is a level of comfort there; but God wants to move us from that (exp)
- TRANS: Shane Bishop has often quoted, “Sometimes Jesus loves on you … and sometimes Jesus shoves on you.”
- Question: Where are you right now in your loving and shoving ratio?
Conclusion
- Ready to be shoved a little right from this same letter?
-- (Note: I left this alone the first time we covered it to save for this lesson)
-- Rom 1:13 says, “I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that (APP) I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.”
- Wasn’t Paul writing this letter to the church members in Rome?
- Is he implying that church members need harvesting? (Think about it …)
- This is Paul’s joy – to preach Jesus for revelation to all!
-- Check your status and your heart church; it’s a subtle warning to you and me
- Paul has been hindered from coming because there were other opportunities
- Just as we have today; there are opportunities to preach and to reveal Jesus
- Sunday we’ll set up the conclusion talking about how “Friendship Matters”
- Pray
