Sep. 03, 2023

“DOING THE RIGHT THING”

“PAUL’S MINISTRY TO THE JEWS”

ROMANS 15:25-33

Paul considered himself a “debtor” to the whole world.

Romans 1:14 “I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise.”

So Paul now uses the generous example of the churches in Macedonia and Achaia (present day Greece) to inspire the church in Rome. 

Romans 15:25-26 “But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. 26For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem.” 

Paul wanted to go to Jerusalem to take a small gift to the poor saints there, and he wanted to take it with his own hands. Why?

Acts 7:57-60

Now Paul wanted to make up for what he had done by taking a gift to them:

“… a certain contribution” vs.26- the Greek word which is translated “contribution” is koinonia, meaning “a fellowship.”

*Christians have fellowship with God, with Christ, and with one another when they give!

Acts 24:17 “Now after many years I came to bring alms and offerings to my nation.”

*This Offering Is Voluntary

Romans 15:27 “It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things.”

Paul makes it clear that it was a freewill offering:

2 Corinthians 9:7 “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”

The Gentiles had received the Gospel from Israel. Jesus said:

John 4:22 “You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews.”

*The Gift Comes From The Heart

Romans 15:28 “Therefore, when I have performed this and have sealed to them this fruit, I shall go by way of you to Spain.”

Proverbs 4:23 “Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.”

This gift Paul wanted to give was on his heart, notice the zeal he had in taking it to Jerusalem.

“…and have sealed to them this fruit…” vs.28

“Fruits”- the natural result of their walk with God:

John 15:1-8

Before you give to any ministry: 1. What is it doing. 2. Is it getting out the Word of God in a way that is effectual in hearts and in lives?

2 Corinthians 8:1-5- describes the miracle of grace that occurred in the churches of Macedonia.

*God’s Will

Romans 15:29 “But I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.”

*The Power of Prayer

Romans 15:30 “Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me.”

This is one of the most solemn, earnest, and serious appeals of Paul for prayer that we find in the Bible. 

Paul realized that everything that was to come to him had to come through Jesus Christ. 

Hebrews 4:14-16

 “…and through the love of the Spirit…”- Paul means that love is the fruit of the Spirit which joins all believers together. We need to pray for each other.

Ephesians 6:18 “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.”

“that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me.”vs.30

 the Greek word for “strive” is tremendous, we get our English word agonize from it. Paul is saying, agonize with me.

Colossians 4:12 “Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.”

Acts 20:22-24

Romans 15:31 “That I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints.”

Paul prayer request was twofold:

Romans 15:32 “That I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you.”

Romans 15:33 “Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.”

“The God of peace” shows that Paul experienced peace in prison, in chains, in storm, and in shipwreck.

*The Essential Ingredient Of Sustained Hope Is Enthusiasm