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Presented, January 7, 2007 pm

CONFIDENT CONCERNING YOU

Romans 15:14-21

As we continue our study of the book of Romans we now come the beginning of Paul’s concluding remarks. They consist of the rest of this chapter and chapter 16. Even though it is concluding remarks, there is still substance and many lessons to glean from these verses. Tonight we note verses 14-21. In these verses we find the disposition of Paul as well as his motives for writing this letter.

I. Paul’s Confidence (14)

a. What is confidence? The word used here means to be convinced, believe (G3982 - WS Dictionary). To be assured. KJV says, persuaded.

b. Paul’s confidence – an attitude we find in him frequently – Phil. 1:7, 2 Timothy 1:5, Hebrews 6:9; and in John -1 John 2:21, etc.
He had confidence in the gospel itself (Rom. 1:16). As we shall see, Paul is not bragging about his own abilities or greatness, but what God, through His word is able to accomplish. (Heb. 4:12, 2 Timothy 2:9 – the word of God is not chained)
He wanted to believe that his message was not in vain. Paul is not writing empty words or simply because he had to. He was hoping for them to have impact upon brethren he loved.
Paul saw the good in those who were in the church in Rome (in spite of all the problems).

c.        He noted their strengths –
Their goodness – they were FULL of goodness. Thayer describes the word as, “uprightness of heart and life” (G19). Many scholars associate the word with a benevolent attitude toward brethren. In this verse, obviously Paul has spiritual needs in mind that they could fulfill with one another. Another interesting description of this word is given by Lenski who say it conveys, “that one is prompted by what is good and aims at what is good, spiritually beneficial.” It is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22).
Knowledge – we have noted that this is actually a challenging book to study. It is one that is easy to misuse if we are not careful. Many of the passages require an understanding of other passages and events, specifically in the Old Testament. But Paul has confidence that they know what they need to know.   He is writing something he believes they CAN understand (cf. Ephesians 5:17).
Abilities – they are capable of doing what needs to be done. Specifically mentioned here is able to admonish one another.   The word means, “to admonish, warn, exhort.” (G3560 -Thayer). There were problems that these brethren had to address – as we have noted, to address these problems required that ALL involved possess a proper attitude toward God, His word and one another. Paul says they ARE capable of working through their differences and problems.
NOTE: This is genuine praise, not mere flattery. But at the same time it shows a positive approach which is often more effective than bombarding one only with what is wrong.

d. In dealing with our brethren do we have this confidence? ON the other hand, do we act in such a way that our brethren CAN have this type of confidence in us?

II. Paul’s Motives (15-19).

a. Why did he write as he did?

i. He was a preacher of the gospel. Vs. 15 notes that Paul has written these things because of the grace of God. Some of what Paul has said (in this entire letter) might seem harsh as he rebukes the attitudes of both Jews and Gentiles who seemed to be against one another. Some of it was a reminder of what they ought to have already known and understood.
Sometimes preachers, teachers and elders have to say things that are tough and unpleasant. Sometimes they have to rebuke those who are not acting as they ought to. Timothy was told to reprove, rebuke and exhort as he preached (2 Tim. 4:2-3). All brethren are at times to warn and exhort the unruly (1 Thessalonians 5:14). The problem is that some find great pleasure in such things.
But Paul did NOT. His motives were pure and with love. He wanted the unity God wanted.
1 Timothy 1:5 – the purpose of warning is “love from a pure heart.”
That attitude is explained in 2 Corinthians 7:8-9 where Paul wrote things for a godly reason. Sometimes godly reasons cause sorrow, but if it leads to repentance – then may God be glorified.
In writing Romans as Paul did, that was his only desire.

ii. So why did he do it? Because of the grace of God.
If anyone understood the grace of God it was Paul – 1 Corinthians 15:10, 1 Timothy 1:12-16

iii. His ministry to the Gentiles.
Because Gentiles deserved the same hope as those who were Jews who believed in Jesus Christ. He needed to defend the WHOLE truth of God’s word – and that included the Gentiles. Consider Ephesians 3:3-7 where Paul notes “the mystery” which included Gentiles.
In another letter in which Paul defends the gospel apart from the law he said, we are ALL ONE in Christ (Galatians 3:27-28).
Go back to Romans 1:16-17, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ…to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”
15:16 notes that Paul’s preaching to the Gentiles was his offering to God. I am reminded of Romans 12:1-2 where we are called upon to be a living sacrifice.

b. What made this sacrifice acceptable? As Paul preached the Gentiles were sanctified by the Holy Spirit, just as those saved on Pentecost were (Acts 2:38, etc.). In other words, SOULS WERE BEING SAVED!

c. His Humility (17-19). Paul was not on an ego trip as he preached. When he speaks here of glorying (boasting – NASU) he rejoices because of what His accomplishments have meant for God. It just so happened that his efforts were directed toward the Gentiles (as God commanded him). And everything that had been utilized to teach the Jews at first were also used to teach the Gentiles.
Vs. 18-19 speak of mighty signs and wonders wrought through Paul as he preached. This proved that God was with him. In Acts 15 where Paul was trying to clear up this matter, he appealed to the mighty works God had accomplished as he and Barnabas went to the Gentiles (Ac. 15:12, 4). This was one of the arguments used to prove that the Gentiles were to be accepted.
NOTE: IF anyone had cause for pride and arrogance it was Paul. He could have easily bragged about what had happened though his efforts and who he was, but he didn’t!
Paul was humble and he taught humility – Romans 12:16, Philippians 2:3-7, Colossians 3:12, etc.
We MUST remember humility in dealing with others (Proverbs 16:18). And when that becomes a challenge is when we see great success in our efforts.

III. Paul’s Field (20-21)

a. Where others had not preached. He quoted (once again) from the Old Testament – Isaiah 52:15. His goal was to do his own work and answer to God for that and that alone. There had been plenty of apostles and others who had gone to the Jews, Paul was concerned about the rest (as well as the Jews).

b. There is a lesson in this for us: We ought to be concerned about the lost everywhere.
We ought to be concerned about ALL who are lost – realizing that I may the BEST and ONLY opportunity someone will have to hear the truth. I need to be concerned and act appropriately toward them.
AND this ought to prompt us to consider supporting godly and qualified men who are willing to take the gospel to parts of the world where it is lacking. (And sometimes that may not be too far away!)

c. Paul’s fruit was evident wherever he went. Not only did those whom he led to Christ love and appreciate him, but God was pleased with his efforts.
On one occasion, he was being supported by the church at Philippi as he preached in Thessalonica (Phil. 4:15-16). Note vs. 17 which says, “Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account.” ALL who took part in preaching the gospel were recognized by God.

Thus we can see the attitude and motives behind Paul’s letter to the Romans. May we in our dealings with one another always strive to maintain a godly attitude, just like Paul. And may our motives be pure, even as we face the unpleasant tasks of life and true service to God.