"Reason for Writing"

Paul’s Testimony

Paul is sharing his personal motivation for ministering to the Romans.

Why would he do that? Remember that he did not start this church and he has not yet visited this church.

But, he still want to give to them, he most definitely has something to offer them, and they should most definitely take advantage of what he has to offer them.

This testimony of why he is writing them and planning to visit them should motivate them to receive what he has for them.

Why did Paul write to them? (vv. 14-16)

To encourage them (vv. 14-15a).

“Satisfied” - convinced

“Brothers” - equal, spiritual siblings

“Goodness” - generosity, kindness

“All knowledge” - in tune with his teaching

“Instruct” - admonish, warn - for correct thinking and living

“Boldly” - he didn’t feel the need to hold back

“Reminder” - his teaching was not brand new but maybe forgotten.

To encourage is to compliment and to compel.

Believers should be regularly involved in admonition.

To fulfill his ministry (vv. 15b-16).

Graciously and uniquely given to him by God.

Like an OT priest offering sacrifices in service to God.

This was Paul’s perspective in ministering.

This could be their perspective in receiving.

They needed Paul’s ministry. We need Paul’s ministry.

Why was Paul proud? (vv. 17-19)

Because of his work for God (v. 17).

“Proud” - reason for boasting.

Why is this boasting okay? Who is he boasting about?

Paul is giving full credit to the Holy Trinity (summarized in v. 16, expanded in vv. 18-19).

Paul performed miracles, such as healings, and casting out demons, and resurrection for the dead, and probably others - all to confirm his word ministry (Hebrews 2:3–4 “how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.”).

“Illyricum” - Roman province, east of the Adriatic Sea, north of Greece, extent of Paul’s influence to date.

All of this was the accomplishment of Christ (v. 18) by the power of the Holy Spirit in Paul (v. 19).

This is why the Romans needed Paul’s ministry. It was ordained and empowered by God.

What was Paul’s ambition? (vv. 20-21)

To evangelize and to expand.

Paul see his ministry as a fulfillment of the scriptures, such as Isaiah 52:15, which predicts the proclamation of Messiah (Servant of the Lord) to those who have not yet heard of Him.

This is why the Romans should be proud recipients of Paul’s ministry.

Notice that he doesn’t ask them to come along or to go somewhere else.

He’s already told them what he wants them to do.

Romans 12:1–2

Romans 12:9–21

Romans 13:1

Romans 13:8

Romans 13:13–14

Romans 14:19

Romans 15:2

Romans 15:7

If they believe all of this, then they should believe and follow the rest of what he has said.

Paul’s Ministry to Us

Instead of identifying with Paul, let’s identify with the Romans.

We can think of ourselves as recipients of this ministry.

We can continue to embrace this ministry through the Word.

Benediction: Romans 16:25–27 “Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.”

Scripture Reading: 2 Peter 1:1–15