Paul's Heartfelt Message in Romans 15: A Life of Service and Unity, August 6, 2023

Introduction

Illustration

**I. Introduction**

- Introduction to the renowned radio journalist Paul Harvey and his “Rest of the Story” segments.

- Introduction to Dr. Evan O’Neil Kane and his unique perspective on medicine.

**II. The Controversial Medical Opinion**

- Dr. Kane's concerns about the use of general anesthesia in major surgeries.

- The potential risks and complications of general anesthesia, especially for patients with heart issues or allergies.

- Kane's belief in the viability of local anesthesia for major operations.

**III. The Bold Experiment**

- The challenge: Finding a patient willing to undergo major surgery with only local anesthesia.

- Dr. Kane's extensive experience with appendectomies, allowing him to focus solely on the anesthesia aspect.

- The revelation: Dr. Kane himself becomes the volunteer for the groundbreaking procedure.

**IV. The Procedure in Detail**

- Prepping the patient and administering only local anesthesia.

- Dr. Kane's meticulous process of performing the appendectomy on himself.

- The successful outcome: A quick recovery and release from the hospital.

**V. The Impact and Legacy of Dr. Kane's Experiment**

- The transformation of surgical procedures since Dr. Kane's experiment in 1921.

- Recognition of Dr. Kane's courage and dedication to his theory, proving its validity by testing it on himself first.

**VI. The Parallel with Leadership**

- The principle: Great leaders lead by example, asking followers only what they themselves are willing to do.

- Drawing parallels between Dr. Kane's self-experimentation and the leadership of Apostle Paul.

- Apostle Paul's dedication to the gospel and his willingness to risk his life for his beliefs.

He asked people to follow his example as he followed Christ

1 Corinthians 4:16 ESV

16 I urge you, then, be imitators of me.

1 Corinthians 11:1 ESV

1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

**VII. Four Pillars of Paul's Leadership**

- Paul as a builder of the church.

- Paul as a servant of the church.

- Paul as a shepherd of the church.

- Paul as an apostle of the church.

- Talk about the significance of Romans 15 in understanding Paul's mission and heart.

- Scripture Reference: Romans 15:1-4

Romans 15:1–4 ESV

1 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Paul’s Encouragement of the Church

Romans 15:14–18 ESV

14 I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another. 15 But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17 In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God. 18 For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience—by word and deed,

Paul's Missionary Vision

- The geographical and spiritual journey from Jerusalem to Illyricum.

- The importance of spreading the gospel to new territories.

- Scripture Reference: Romans 15:19-21

Romans 15:19–21 ESV

19 by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ; 20 and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation, 21 but as it is written, “Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand.”

**Object Lesson**: Use a map to visually trace Paul's journeys, emphasizing the regions mentioned in Romans 15.

In essence, this is what our team is doing in Hungary now. They are sharing the Gospel to those who don’t know it.

The Unity of Jewish and Gentile Believers

- The spiritual blessings of the Jews and the material response of the Gentiles.

- The interconnectedness of the early Christian communities.

This is part of the reason we support organizations and missionaries as a church and as individuals.

- Scripture Reference: Romans 15:25-27

Romans 15:25–27 ESV

25 At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. 27 For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings.

Paul's Desire to Visit Rome and Beyond

- His long-term goal to reach Spain and the role of the Roman church in this mission.

- The challenges and redirections in Paul's plans.

- Scripture Reference: Romans 15:22-24

Romans 15:22–24 ESV

22 This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you. 23 But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, 24 I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while.

The Power and Necessity of Prayer

- Paul's request for prayers for his journey and mission.

- The importance of collective prayer and support in the Christian community.

- Scripture Reference: Romans 15:30-32

Romans 15:30–32 ESV

30 I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, 31 that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company.

If you read Acts you see that Paul went through crazy hardships on the way to Rome and God delivered him through them all.

In part it is through the power of prayer.

Pray for the missions team.

The Joy and Peace of Serving Christ

- Paul's unwavering joy and peace amidst challenges and uncertainties.

- The role of Christ's presence and the Holy Spirit in guiding and comforting believers.

- Scripture Reference: Romans 15:13

Romans 15:13 ESV

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Romans 15:33 ESV

33 May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

**Object Lesson**: Use a compass to represent God's guidance. No matter how lost we feel, the compass (God's Word and Spirit) always points us in the right direction.

Conclusion

- Reflecting on the lessons from Romans 15 and the call to unity, service, and reliance on God.

- Scripture Reference: Romans 15:5-7

Romans 15:5–7 ESV

5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

**Benediction**: "The God of peace be with you all. Amen." (Romans 15:33

Romans 15:33 ESV

33 May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.