Looking
Back - Paul's Ministry
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In Romans 15:14, Paul begins to conclude his letter to the Romans. Read Romans
15:14-22.
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After acknowledging the general goodness and knowledge of the Christians in Rome,
Paul gives reasons for writing "quite boldly on some points" (15:14-15).
First of all, they need to be "reminded" again. (We all do!) Secondly,
it is Paul's special calling. God has "set apart" Paul to boldly proclaim
the good news of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles (15:15-16; cf. 1:1).
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Paul uses "priestly" language to describe his ministry. "Proclaiming
the good news" is his "priestly duty" (15:16). Paul's priestly
duty is different from the Old Testament priests. Paul's "offering"
is the fruit of his labors - the Gentiles who have responded to the gospel. Reflection
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In a sense, all believers are priests (1 Peter 2:9), and have a priestly duty.
What is your priestly duty? Of course, our primary "offering" should
be our lives (see Romans 12:1). *
As Paul reflects on his ministry, he "glories" (or "has found reason
for boasting") (15:17). 1.
Do you think Paul is boasting in his own achievements? (15:17-19a) If not, in
what way is he boasting? How does it relate to what he has "said and done?"
What can we learn from Paul's example?
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Paul defines the general regions of his ministry thus far. In these regions, he
has completed his mission. He says, "It has always been my ambition to preach
the gospel where Christ was not known" (15:20a, NIV). So now Paul plans to
go farther west to preach the gospel there. Reflection
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What is your greatest ambition? How does it compare or relate to Paul's ambition?
Looking
Forward - Paul's Plans
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In verse 23, Paul begins to share his future plans. Read Romans 15:23-33.
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For many years, Paul has wanted to visit the Christians in Rome (15:23; 1:10-11),
but his ministry has not allowed it. But now, he plans to extend his mission into
Spain. So he plans to visit Rome on the way. He also hopes that the church in
Rome will support his mission.
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But first...! Paul interrupts himself with his more immediate plans (15:25). He
plans to go to Jerusalem for a special ministry. Paul plans to deliver "a
contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem" (15:26). (This is
a major detour between Corinth and Rome!) 2.
In what ways is this contribution important? (15:26-27)
Reflection
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Speaking of this contribution elsewhere, Paul said, "Each one must give as
he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves
a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7, ESV). What is your attitude toward
giving? Looking
Forward - Paul's Prayer Request
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Paul urges the believers in Rome to join him in his struggle by praying for him
(15:30). 3.
In what way can we "join other people in their struggles" by praying?
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Paul asks them to pray: 1) that he would be rescued from the unbelievers in Jerusalem;
2) that his service (contribution) would be accepted by the Jewish believers;
and 3) as a result, by God's will, that he would get to Rome and experience joy
and refreshment (15:31-32).
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What happened to Paul? After arriving in Jerusalem, the Jewish unbelievers attempted
to kill him, but the Roman authorities rescued him by taking him into custody
and putting him in prison (Acts 21:26-36; 23:12-23). Eventually Paul got to Rome,
but as a prisoner (28:11-16).
4.
How were Paul's prayers answered? What can we learn about planning and praying?
Reflection/Application
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As Paul looked back, he saw God's work in and through his life. As he looked forward,
he trusted in God's guidance and care. Because of this, Paul had a great sense
of meaning, purpose, peace and joy. Do you need to submit your life to God through
faith in Jesus Christ?
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