Concern and Care

Paul had a deep concern for the Christians at Rome, a result of his consecration to God. He urged them to cooperate and pray for him. United prayer is a powerful force; prayer strengthens God’s servants; it changes situations; it changes people; it brings miracles. We need more Christians who are concerned for God’s work and His servants.

Romans 15:22–33 “22 In fact, my visit to you has been delayed so long because I have been preaching in these places. 23 But now I have finished my work in these regions, and after all these long years of waiting, I am eager to visit you. 24 I am planning to go to Spain, and when I do, I will stop off in Rome. And after I have enjoyed your fellowship for a little while, you can provide for my journey. 25 But before I come, I must go to Jerusalem to take a gift to the believers there. 26 For you see, the believers in Macedonia and Achaia have eagerly taken up an offering for the poor among the believers in Jerusalem. 27 They were glad to do this because they feel they owe a real debt to them. Since the Gentiles received the spiritual blessings of the Good News from the believers in Jerusalem, they feel the least they can do in return is to help them financially. 28 As soon as I have delivered this money and completed this good deed of theirs, I will come to see you on my way to Spain. 29 And I am sure that when I come, Christ will richly bless our time together. 30 Dear brothers and sisters, I urge you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to join in my struggle by praying to God for me. Do this because of your love for me, given to you by the Holy Spirit. 31 Pray that I will be rescued from those in Judea who refuse to obey God. Pray also that the believers there will be willing to accept the donation I am taking to Jerusalem. 32 Then, by the will of God, I will be able to come to you with a joyful heart, and we will be an encouragement to each other. 33 And now may God, who gives us his peace, be with you all. Amen.”

A. Is our concern for those who do not know Jesus the same as Paul’s Concern?

Romans 15:22 “22 In fact, my visit to you has been delayed so long because I have been preaching in these places.

1. Preaching. Paul was so busy preaching God’s Word that he had no time to visit the Roman Christians. Paul said to the Corinthians, “Woe is unto me if I preach not the gospel” This was Paul’s one desire.

2. So Paul has a Plan. Paul plans now to visit these Roman Christians.

Romans 15:23–24 “23 But now I have finished my work in these regions, and after all these long years of waiting, I am eager to visit you. 24 I am planning to go to Spain, and when I do, I will stop off in Rome. And after I have enjoyed your fellowship for a little while, you can provide for my journey.

1 Thessalonians 3:10–11 “10 Night and day we pray earnestly for you, asking God to let us see you again to fill the gaps in your faith. 11 May God our Father and our Lord Jesus bring us to you very soon.”

Acts 27–28 tells of this journey. He longed to be with these people. Paul enjoyed Christian fellowship and loved the church.

3. We should have the same concern that Paul for people in severe Poverty. We read in verses 25–26. “But now I am going to Jerusalem to hand the Christians the gift of money. The churches in the countries of Macedonia and Greece have decided to give money to help some of the poor Christians in Jerusalem”—NLT.

B. Paul preached sharing, giving, praying—vv. 27–29

1. Sharing—Romans 15:27 “27 They were glad to do this because they feel they owe a real debt to them. Since the Gentiles received the spiritual blessings of the Good News from the believers in Jerusalem, they feel the least they can do in return is to help them financially.” “They wanted to do it. They should help them in this way because they owe so much to the Christians in Jerusalem. The Jews shared the Good News with the people who are not Jews. For this reason, they should share what they can with the Jews”—NLT. They were willing to share.

1 John 3:17 “17 If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?

2. Service—v. 28.Romans 15:28 “28 As soon as I have delivered this money and completed this good deed of theirs, I will come to see you on my way to Spain.”

After Paul delivered the money to Jerusalem, he would return. Paul gave his life, time and service in helping others. He taught them to accept Christ and how to live the Christian life.

2 Timothy 2:15 “15 Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.”

3. Paul was certain, sure, positive.

Romans 15:29 “29 And I am sure that when I come, Christ will richly bless our time together.”—v. 29. Paul was sure God would bless him as he came to Rome. He had faith for the present and future—

Hebrews 11:6 “6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”

C. Paul addresses his ministry like you and I are instructed to with Cooperation—vv. 30–33

1. Prayers, He requests their prayers.

Romans 15:30 “30 Dear brothers and sisters, I urge you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to join in my struggle by praying to God for me. Do this because of your love for me, given to you by the Holy Spirit. We should pray for one another.

James 5:16 “16 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”

2. Protection—v. 31. Paul seeks prayer for protection and acceptable service.

Romans 15:31 “31 Pray that I will be rescued from those in Judea who refuse to obey God. Pray also that the believers there will be willing to accept the donation I am taking to Jerusalem.”

3. Paul is praying for a successful journey, in which there will be joy and happiness.

Romans 15:32 “32 Then, by the will of God, I will be able to come to you with a joyful heart, and we will be an encouragement to each other.”

We read in the book of Psalm: Prayer for God’s will and protection would take Paul to Rome.

Psalm 143:10 “10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.”

Do we, you and I have this same heart for caring and concern that Paul had for those both the unsaved and for those who he has led to Jesus? Well, we should have.

4. And lastly, paul prays for Peace—v. 33. Paul prayed that the God of peace would be with his people.

Philippians 4:7 “7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

Romans 15:33 “33 And now may God, who gives us his peace, be with you all. Amen.”

Invite Wesley and Ellen to music.

As a Christian, are you concerned? Do you care for the things that Paul cared for? Does your concern cause you to act? Does your consecration cause you to leave all and follow the Lord? As we draw near to Christ, we will share in His compassion for others.

Lets now all stand and turn to page _________ in your hymnals and sing “ “