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Presented, February 11, 2007 pm

PAUL’S DESIRE TO THEM

Romans 15:22-33

                Tonight we continue our study of the book of Romans.  We are now addressing Paul’s final thoughts to these brethren.  In typical fashion he recognizes them intimately and personally.  While these lessons consist of simple greetings, there are still many lessons to be gleaned from them.  Tonight we notice the rest of chapter 15.  In our next lesson, I hope to finish the book.

Introduction:

I.                     Paul’s plans to visit them -22-24

a.        Our text this evening begins by saying, “For this reason…”  This precludes us taking a brief step back to the context.  In the verse prior to this, (18-21) Paul notes that he had tried to preach in places where the gospel had not been revealed before.  It is evident that as Paul writes this letter, the gospel HAD been preached in Rome.  Nevertheless, Paul sees great benefit in visiting them.  The text also seems to indicate he was soliciting support as he continued on his journey beyond Rome (to Spain).

b.       Hindrances (22).  The text also shows that Paul had made efforts to come to Rome before (see also Romans 1:13).  However, he had been prevented from going there.  These detours did NOT mean that Paul had quit doing his work of preaching, but rather he simply needed to change his plans.  It is possible that these changes were divinely ordered (cf. Acts 16:9-10) OR they were a product of Satan (cf. 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8).  But regardless, you can be assured Paul was NOT making excuses.  

c.        Good intentions (23-24). Paul has an organized life in which he is looking forward.  He is now making specific plans to see them.

d.       He also seeks their support (24).  Vs. 24 expresses his hope that when he visits them they might be able to share with him as he goes further in his journeys toward Spain.  Paul sought to include others in his work.  Why? Philippians 4:17 speaks of “the fruit that abounds to your account.”

e.        Lessons for us: It is good to make plans.  The Christian life ought to be well thought out.  We need to be looking forward.  However, our plans ought not to be so rigid or full that there is no room for flexibility when needed.   Sometimes we face unplanned distractions and battles on our way to achieving our goals – even the noble ones.  That is why we need to say, “If the Lord wills…” James 4:15.
Another lesson: When someone else makes plans that involve you: Just because things don’t go the way you want them to, doesn’t always mean someone was not being honest or they don’t care.  Often times things come up – and we need to be considerate enough to “think no evil” (1 Corinthians 13:5).  Yes there are times, when motives for change are less than noble, but such will become evident over time – as a pattern develops. 

II.                   Paul’s Trip to Jerusalem – 25-28

a.        Paul has priorities.  Before he can accomplish another task that he wants to do, he has a job to finish first.   This continues to stress the value of organization. 

b.       He is on a benevolent mission.  Let it never be said that churches cannot be involved in benevolence.  HOWEVER, there are standards to keep in mind.  In this text alone we find the following:
Vs. 25 – notes that it is for the saints in Jerusalem.  NOT mentioned is Jerusalem as a sponsoring church.
Brethren (individual congregations) contributed directly to the work, sending their gift through Paul (a messenger).  Numerous other passages show this pattern – such as 1 Corinthians 16:3, 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, Acts 11:27-30, etc.

c.        It was a matter of sharing.  It is interesting to note the example Paul gives AND the reason.  Since the Jewish brethren had taught them the gospel (through Paul, etc.) and brought upon them spiritual blessings, it was only fitting that the Gentiles in turn give something physical to their Jewish brethren in need.   Consider this in the context of the entire letter – you are NOT Jews and Gentiles – you are BRETHREN!

III.                 To Rome in the fullness of the Gospel of Christ – 28-29

a.        Now Paul indicates where and when Rome is specifically in his plans (Little did he know HOW he would arrive in Rome – Acts 21-28).

b.       His goal in Rome – “I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.”  There is much to be said about this statement. 

                                                   i.      It showed his confidence in the gospel of Christ – Romans 1:16

                                                  ii.      It showed its completion.  The word “fullness” means to make something full.  Paul would be coming with the WHOLE or complete Gospel.  As he writes, the word of God had already been revealed. 
Consider Jude 3 which speaks of the gospel being “once for all delivered to the saints.”
Consider Galatians 1:8-9 which warns about changing what had already been preached.

                                                iii.      It would bring blessings – Romans 1:16 refers to it as “the power of God unto salvation.”  It could produce faith – Romans 1:17.

                                                iv.      It would bring the unity Paul had been writing about.  He speaks of “the gospel of Christ.”  Christ brought unity – Galatians 3:28, Ephesians 1:3 speaks of every spiritual blessing being found “in Christ.”

IV.                Pray for us – 30-33

a.        Paul realized the power of prayer.  He desired the prayers of brethren continually (2 Corinthians 1:11, 1 Thessalonians 5:25, 2 Thessalonians 3:1, etc.)

b.       He requested that they “strive together” with him in prayer.  The word means to struggle.  Thayer describes the word as “to offer intense prayers with one” (#4865, complete lexicon).  Paul is speaking of fervent prayers – not just simple utterances. 

c.        But in turn, he prayed for them as well (Romans 1:9, Ephesians 1:16, Colossians 1:9, etc.).  That is what real prayer is about – interceding on behalf of one another (James 5:16). 
HOW much do we pray for one another?  How hard do we pray for those with needs?

d.       What Paul prayed for:  A summary of what he would face

                                                   i.      Delivered from Judea by those who don’t believe – strength to deal with our enemies

                                                  ii.      That his service would be acceptable to the saints in Jerusalem – opportunities to do good works for others, especially our brethren (Galatians 6:10)

                                                iii.      That he could come to them in Rome with peace – safe journeys.

                                                iv.      And be refreshed with them – for godly relationships with one another.

                       IN these we find some things we can pray for, “according to His will”

He concludes this chapter with his own blessing, “Now the God of peace be with you all.  Amen.” (33)  Thus we see some lessons we can glean from this part of the book of Romans.  Like Paul let us make godly plans in a godly way and do all that we can to fulfill them.  And don’t forget to pray about it – Romans 8:31, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”