Romans, Part 43 Series

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.”