Becoming a Heathly Church

Open: Reaching a certain stage / point in life when you realize you need to be healthier (may be a result of your latest visit with your doctor!) There are some aspects of our health that we can influence: we can walk (be more physically active); we can make healthier food choices; we can try to get (not always possible) a good night’s sleep

Transition: Churches have health conditions as well as people. Some are more healthier than others. If Smyrna just finished a health assessment, what do you think our report card would show?

As Paul brings his letter to a close, he writes some inspired thoughts concerning the health of the Church at Rome. As we look at this section of the letter, may God use His Word to bring us to greater health.

READ the TEXT: Romans 15:14-21

Develop a solid foundation in the Word (v. 14)

Explanation: Paul is commending the members for their spiritual maturity. Remember, this letter is being written to members - not to a group of pastors. Paul recognizes that these believers are familiar with the fundamentals of their faith. Even though Paul had never been to Rome, he was aware of their reputation in this area. He knew the members were exercising their ability to teach each other the elements of the Faith.

Argument: One sign of a healthy church is when the members are knowledgeable of the content of the Faith. Christianity is propositional truth. The Word is unique in that it is written revelation that is inspired from the Living God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Our understanding of who Jesus is and what is involved in following Him comes to us through the written word.

Our mandate was given to us by Jesus and it hasn’t changed. At the point of His Ascension, He commanded His followers to go and “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:19)

Application: The spirit of the age is focused more on the emotional than the intellectual. Today’s culture values how you feel way more than what you think. Emotions are given to us by God and our feelings have purpose and place. In the economy of God, however, our feelings do not receive a superior place over our thought processes. The path to being transformed is through the renewing of our minds, (Rom 12:2), not our emotions.

This leads into the second point:

Open to instruction that will lead to sanctification (vv. 15-16)

Explanation: Paul follows the pat on the back with words of challenge. He reminds them that in his letter he had to be bold and deal with some issues of which they were not aware. As an Apostle commissioned by Jesus, Paul had been given authority to instruct the Churches in matters of teaching. He had the God-given authority to correct wrong thinking and to give a fuller understanding of some of the Gospel mysteries which God was revealing to His people. He is presuming upon them to receive this letter as part of Scripture through the illuminating power of the Holy Spirit.

Argument: He is unapologetic as he makes this statement. He is not asking them to forgive him if some of them had their feelings hurt. He is writing to them with the full expectation that they will receive his letter as a Word from God and will obey the teachings he is setting forth. In a word, the Church at Rome was teachable

Application: Are you teachable? Do you have a spirit of humility which will lead you to yield to the Word? By its very nature as the God-breathed revelation from God, the Word is authoritative over the life of a believer. What is your reaction to the Word when you are reminded that part of your life is not in line with with the Word?

Pastors are not apostles and they do not have the authority that Christ gave to the 12 and Paul. A pastor’s authority comes from the call of God on His life AND as he faithfully proclaims, “thus saith the LORD!”

Depend upon the power of Christ for ministry (vv. 17-20)

Explanation: Paul is relating to the believers at Rome that God is using him to bring Gentiles into the kingdom. He is telling them that the Spirit of Jesus is transforming lives throughout the Roman Empire!

Argument: Paul is encouraging the believers with a missionary update. He is telling them that the Good News of the Gospel is being received by many others and that the Kingdom is growing! What an encouragement for the Roman believers to know they are linked to these actions because they too are part of this family of faith!

It is important for us to note that Paul is not bragging about his personal accomplishments. He is not saying, “I have planted X number of churches in Antioch, X number of churches in Syria, I have led 20 Church growth seminars last year, and I am currently writing a good portion of what later generations will call the NT.”

Paul does not put the emphasis on himself. Paul is bragging on Jesus! Look at his language:

Paul affirms that he is an apostle solely by the grace given to him by God (v. 16)

Paul is proud of his accomplishments in Christ (v. 17)

Paul is giving credit for the results to the power of the Holy Spirit (v. 19)

Application: Jesus affirmed this type of relationship between Himself and His disciples in John 15. Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

Beware the tendency to look at that truth in only one direction: that of not being able to accomplish anything for the Kingdom. It is true that we cannot do anything of Eternal values apart from Christ, but what Jesus is also sharing is that when we are connected to Him and living dependently upon Him, He is able to do much through us!

Develop a passion for Evangelism (vv. 20-21)

Explanation: Paul ends this paragraph of his letter by sharing his personal ministry goals with the Church at Rome. He tells them that his heart’s desire is to continue to proclaim the Gospel of Christ. He wants to share the Good News about Jesus with people groups who had not yet heard the truth of the Risen Christ. His desire was to see even more believers enter the Kingdom! This brilliant teacher and systematic theologian was passionate about sharing Jesus with others!

Argument: Paul was called of God to be an apostle. Remember, this is how he started this letter to the Romans: “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God.” (Rom 1:1) He understood that the issues were Eternal and his time frame was limited, so he was engaged in Evangelism. Paul was not ashamed of the Gospel (Rom 1:16-17) so he made it his business to share it with others.

Application: You and I are not apostles - that office ended when Jesus’ twelve original disciples, plus Paul died. We are, however, called to be disciples - followers of the Risen Christ. As such, we are called & commissioned to proclaim the Gospel to others. This is not just for vocational preachers and missionaries - this is for all of us who claim to follow Jesus.