Speak Truth Into One Another's Lives
Romans: Unashamed - Building the Church through the Gospel • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Transcript
Introduction
"Folks, picture this: You and some friends are out hiking in the woods. The sun's going down and, before you know it, you've all lost your sense of direction. But hey, you remember you've got a compass in your pocket. Now you've got a decision to make: Do you keep that compass to yourself, or call everyone over and say, 'Hey, I've got a way to find the trail back?'
That's pretty much what Paul is telling us in Romans 15:14. We've been given something way more valuable than a compass — we've got the wisdom of God. And Paul's making it clear: that wisdom isn't just for us. We've got the smarts and the responsibility to help each other out, just like you'd lead your friends back to the trail."
Main Idea: As a Christian, We Can And Should Instruct One Another In the Ways of God
Interrogative:
Transition: But I am not qualified! I don’t have the proper training! I feel like a novice in the ways of Christ. And here God says that I can and should instruct other in the most holy faith handed down by the saints? How can this be? And, not to mention, I can’t bear the thought of doing this wrong!
Yet, God says, through the Apostle Paul, that believers in Jesus Christ are competent to instruct one another.
Let’s take a look at what Paul says to see if we can fully understand and apply this powerful and profound verse.
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.
Christian - You are Full of Goodness!
Romans 15:14 (ESV)
14 I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness...
Explanation - Explain what you mean
What an amazing statement from the Apostle. What an encouraging thing to hear from their teacher and mentor.
“I myself am satisfied about you...”
The verb here indicates a continual satisfaction.
Just a side note - be an encourager like the Apostle Paul. Speak the truth to your fellow believers but speak it in love.
How can Paul consistently do this? Because he had the correct perspective about himself.
15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.
Paul understood from whence he came. He knew that he was a persecutor of the church and in fact imprisoned and killed followers of Christ. He knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that he deserved NOTHING from God but eternal torment. So the fact that he was called to be an apostle must have astonished him on a daily basis.
Remembering what you deserve apart from Christ and never forgetting what you have been delivered from will help keep you centered in humility.
"The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope." - Tim Keller
This is where Paul lived in his thinking and we must as well.
What is Paul continuously satisfied about regarding his brothers and sister in Christ at Rome?
That they are full of goodness! What an interesting statement!
Full of Goodness
This doesn't mean they're innately good; rather, the goodness within them comes from the Holy Spirit.
Why do I say this? This text, in particular, doesn’t mention the Holy Spirit, so what does He have to do with goodness?
Well, take a look at...
1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—
We are, prior to salvation, spiritually dead an incapable of response. We are a spiritual corpse.
There needs to be a work done by the Holy Spirit to revive, resuscitate, and regenerate us!
11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,
The Spirit of God makes you a child of God. This in not anything you can do on your own, you and I are dependent on Him to make all things new.
The good Spirit is within us transforming us into Christlikeness
20 You gave your good Spirit to instruct them and did not withhold your manna from their mouth and gave them water for their thirst.
And when the Spirit of God indwells the believer, what is the practical result?
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Why are we able to love?
19 We love because he first loved us.
The Spirit is at work, transforming us into the likeness of Christ.
If you're a Christian, this same transformative power resides in you. And therefore you are full of goodness.
Argumentation - You are not good. God is good. If God dwells in you, His goodness comes through you.
Illustration - “This is a grand mark of a Christian, not merely a life of morality, a life of integrity, a life of holiness, but a life of all these in connection with Christ. They follow him, not holiness, nor morality, nor integrity, apart from Christ, but they follow their Lord. A good life is good in any man. We cannot speak evil of virtue, even when we find it in the ordinary moralist; but this is not the complete mark of Christ’s sheep. The virtues of Christ’s sheep are in connection with himself. The Christian is holy, and all that, but that is because he follows his perfect Master, and keeps close to him. This is one of the peculiar and unfailing marks of the child of God.” - C.H. Spurgeon
Application - You, follower of Christ, are full of goodness!
What should this look like in the life of a believer?
1. Be Intentionally Generous:
1. Be Intentionally Generous:
Being "full of goodness" involves more than just avoiding harm to others; it means actively seeking ways to bless them. This could mean giving your time to listen, offering words of encouragement, or providing material support to those in need. Generosity is a hallmark of God's character, and by emulating this, you embody the goodness described in Romans 15:14.
How to Apply: Start by setting aside a portion of your time, energy, or resources specifically for the benefit of others. It could be as simple as a regular volunteer slot at a local charity, setting aside a portion of your income for charitable giving, or even just the commitment to offer a listening ear to someone in need every week.
2. Cultivate Moral Integrity:
2. Cultivate Moral Integrity:
Being "full of goodness" means maintaining a high moral standard in all aspects of life. This includes not only your actions but also your thoughts and words. When integrity is a core part of who you are, your life becomes a testimony to the goodness of God.
How to Apply: Make a list of areas in your life where you struggle to maintain moral integrity, whether it's honesty, purity, or some other virtue. Seek accountability, whether it's from a trusted friend or a spiritual advisor. Continually educate yourself through the scriptures and prayer to develop a strong moral compass
3. Embrace Humility:
3. Embrace Humility:
The essence of being "full of goodness" also lies in recognizing that any goodness within us is a reflection of God's goodness. This awareness should lead to humility. Humility allows you to serve others, admit when you're wrong, and place others' needs above your own.
How to Apply: Practice humility by regularly acknowledging your own shortcomings and limitations, both to yourself and to others. Resist the urge to take credit for your accomplishments without giving glory to God. Actively look for opportunities to serve others in lowly or unrecognized capacities.
Review - As a Christian, We Can And Should Instruct One Another In the Ways of God
Christian - You are Full of Goodness!
2. Christian - You are Full of Knowledge!
Romans 15:14 (ESV)
14 I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge...
Explanation
Wow, another blockbuster statement!
How can Paul say that his fellow believers in the church at Rome be FULL of KNOWLEDGE? Does this mean they are omniscient?
Of course it doesn’t - Only God is omniscient or all-knowing.
But, it does mean that these people, these members of the church at Rome, knew their bible. And they knew the God of the Bible.
Again we must appeal to the ministry of the Holy Spirit because He is the one that not only penned the 66 book of the Bible, but He is also the one that helps you understand the 66 books of the Bible.
27 But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.
If God resides in you, you have a powerful teacher to help you understand the Word of God.
Did you have this experience when you came to know Jesus in a saving way?
Before I was a genuine follower of Jesus, I would read the Scriptures and there was no appreciation for what they said. There was no comprehension of what they said, either.
There were times that I tried to get into the Word, but it just fell flat. My brain was like teflon, nothing stuck!
But after my conversion when the Spirit of God came to dwell within me, the Word of God came alive to me. I couldn’t get enough. It made sense to me.
I later found out that this experience I had is called the doctrine of illumination.
The Spirit of God “turns the light on” and helps me to understand what the Word of God says and means.
Now, to be clear, if you have no hunger for the bible during the week, you are very likely not a Christian and you need to repent and follow Christ, the living Word of God.
1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
These Roman Christians, both Jew and Gentile had a robust understanding of “full scope of Christian truth.” BKC.
This is quite a statement from the Apostle - and high praise. They had all goodness and all knowledge.
Now my brothers and sisters, I have to ask you this question. How well do you know your Bible? How well do you know theology? How well do you know Biblical Christianity?
In a day and age in our country, where Biblical illiteracy is at an all time high, we must know the Word of God! Do you?
“A recent LifeWay study found that only 32 percent of Americans who “attend a Protestant church regularly say they read the Bible personally every day.” Evangelical Protestants faired a little better (36 percent), but not much. As Albert Mohler put it, “The scandal of biblical illiteracy [is] our problem.” https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/bible-literacy-crisis/
Argumentation - I touched on this last week, we spend time with those things that we love. Do you love the Bible? Do you love your Faith? If so, how much time do you dedicate to the Bible and your Faith?
“Peter Leithart recently observed how skillfully many Christian teachers “from the patristic age to the Reformation” were able to “range across the whole Bible without any of the props and crutches we rely on . . . because they had stored it in the palace of memory.” That sort of mastery doesn’t happen without deep and sustained reading.” - https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/bible-literacy-crisis/
Why is it so important for you to know the Word of God?
for this very simple reason. It straighten our perpetually crooked thinking!
“The Word of God I think of as a straight edge, which shows up our own crookedness. We can’t really tell how crooked our thinking is until we line it up with the straight edge of Scripture.” -Elisabeth Elliot
Top Ten Indicators of Knowledge in Christianity and the Bible:
Top Ten Indicators of Knowledge in Christianity and the Bible:
Biblical Literacy: A familiarity with the Bible, including its major themes, characters, and teachings, is a fundamental indicator.
Theological Understanding: Grasping core Christian doctrines, such as the Trinity, the nature of Christ, salvation by grace through faith, etc.
Ethical Consistency: Applying biblical principles in making ethical choices and advising others in ethical dilemmas.
Wise Counsel: The ability to provide sound, biblically-based advice to others in their times of need.
Effective Discipleship: Taking an active role in guiding newer believers or less mature Christians toward spiritual maturity.
Prayer Life: A deep, committed prayer life that demonstrates reliance on God for wisdom and understanding.
Evangelistic Zeal: Being well-versed in explaining the Gospel clearly and effectively to non-believers.
Servant Leadership: Exemplifying Christ-like leadership that is more focused on serving others than wielding authority.
Spiritual Discernment: The ability to distinguish between sound doctrine and false teaching.
Holistic Application: Living out Christian principles in all areas of life, showing that the knowledge is not just "head knowledge" but is applied practically.
Ways to Improve:
Ways to Improve:
Regular Bible Study: Consistency is key. Make it a habit to study the Bible regularly, not just read it.
Engage in Theological Reading: Books, articles, and academic journals can deepen your understanding of complex theological issues.
Church Involvement: Regular fellowship with other believers provides the opportunity for mutual edification and correction.
Seek Mentorship: Look for someone more spiritually mature who can guide you in your journey and provide wisdom from their own experiences.
Teaching and Sharing: One of the best ways to cement your understanding of biblical principles is to teach them to others, either formally or informally.
Spiritual Disciplines: Practices like fasting, scripture memory, bible reading and prayer can deepen your relationship with God and improve your understanding of His word.
Accountability: Have someone you trust hold you accountable for your spiritual growth and ethical choices.
Ministry Involvement: The practical application of your knowledge through service will bring new insights and deepen your understanding of biblical principles.
By consistently striving to improve in these areas, one can grow not just in intellectual understanding of Christianity and the Bible, but in practical, applied wisdom that affects every area of life.
Review - As a Christian, We Can And Should Instruct One Another In the Ways of God
Christian - You are Full of Goodness!
Christian - You are Full of Knowledge!
3. Christian - You are Able to Instruct One Another!
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.
Do you see and appreciate what Paul is saying to the congregation at Rome?
You are full of Goodness.
You are full of Knowledge.
Therefore you are able or competent to instruct one another.
This is really quite astonishing. Paul considered these people mature and able to speak into one another’s lives.
The Bible Knowledge Commentary 15:14–16
Paul did not have a low opinion of the Roman Christians; on the contrary he considered them spiritually informed and spiritually mature.
Now, wait a minute, I thought only the trained, professional clergy are qualified to do this?
“Pastor, this person offended me, do something about it.”
“Pastor, this person is unruly in the church sick um!
“Pastor, this person needs admonishment, go get them!”
No! Certainly the pastor can, but if Ephesians 4:11 ff is in play here, we should all be active in speaking into one another's lives.
11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.
The word instruct is nouthetein
This word can and is interpreted as instruct, counsel, or admonish.
The MacArthur Study Bible Chapter 15
To encourage, warn, or advise—a comprehensive term for preaching (1 Cor. 14:3) and personal counseling (see note on 12:1). Every believer is responsible to encourage and strengthen other believers with God’s Word and is divinely equipped to do so (2 Tim. 3:16).
16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
“All Scripture, whether examined exegetically in particular texts or categorically within the full scope of the Bible, is spiritually profitable to accomplish at least four divine purposes:
For establishing ‘teaching’ or doctrine, that is, God’s inspired self-disclosure about himself, his created world, and his redemptive plan to save and sanctify sinners.
For confrontation or ‘reproof’ of sin, whether in the form of false teaching or disobedient living.
For ‘correction’ of error in thinking and behaving so that the repentant one can be restored to the place of pleasing God.
For ‘instruction’ so that believers can be habitually trained to practice the righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ - sinning less and obeying more.” - Biblical Doctrine (MacArthur/Mayhue)
And to be clear, according to the Apostle Paul, this is not simply to be reserved for the clergy. That would mean they alone are doing the “work of the ministry.” It is the job of the pastor to train you to do the “work of the ministry” of which is speaking into one another’s live.
We have to be willing to wield the sword of truth in the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Now, a word of warning on how this is to be accomplished.
Grumpiness is not allowed.
Irritated countenance is not allowed.
Frustrated facial expressions is not allowed.
What is allowed? GRACE, GRACE, GRACE.
A loving concern for your brother or sister in Christ.
A desire to see them grow in Christlikeness. Not a spirit of vindictiveness or a spiritual superiority.
Paul summarizes our attitude well...
1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
First of all, notice what Paul says. “if anyone is caught in any transgression...” What is doesn’t say is, “if anyone is doing something that you don’t like.” So we must be confident they are walking in sin, not some preferential / Christian liberty issue.
Second, the one who is walking right with the Lord should seek the restoration of the one in sin.
This means it is not about your offense, it is about your concern regarding their walk with the Lord.
“Few want to hear this, but it’s true, and it can be enormously helpful in life: if you’re constantly being hurt, offended, or angered, you should honestly evaluate your inflamed ego.”
― Brant Hansen, Unoffendable: How Just One Change Can Make All of Life Better
Why would you be offended? Who cares if you are offended? Get over yourself - this isn’t about you!
It is about them and their relationship with God. You are simply a tool in God’s hand. God desires to use you to bring them back into a right relationship with Him. You are God’s slave - that’s it.
Third, and this speaks to the “how” or the attitude you bring to this conversation. Paul says do this in a “spirit of gentleness.”
First, prepare you heart by remembering what you deserve…
“We should refrain from condemning the sins we observe in others without acknowledging our own potential for sin. If God had not restrained us, we might have fallen just as deeply as we see others falling.” - John Calvin
By dutifully doing a thorough job of repenting ourselves, we will have the proper humility of heart when we approach our brother or sister who is caught up in a sin pattern.
So what might a “spirit of gentleness” look like when instructing, admonishing, or counseling someone?
First of all, it is a one on one conversation according to Matthew 18.
“Hey friend, I want you to know how much I love and appreciate you. I have something I want to talk with you about. Do you have some time that we could chat?”
“Listen, I have notices a pattern in your life that I believe are contrary to what God says in His Word. Specifically I see this in the area of _______________. Am I reading this right in you? I want to help you “walk in a way pleasing to the Lord.”
Now, if they hear you and repent, then Matthew 18 says you have won your brother. If they don’t, then you bring another with you to increase pressure for repentance.
What is the goal of this admonishment? The goal is always God’s glorification through their restoration. Restoration is the hope.
But the point I want to drill home for you this morning is found in
14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
So Paul’s point with the church at Rome was they had everything at their disposal to properly and effectively instruct, admonish, and counsel one another. And so they must!
19 My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, 20 let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.
Admonishment literally can save a brother or sister’s life.
If you refuse to loving admonish, who is it you love more?
So, don’t shrink back from this beautiful responsibility that we have with one another. Speak the truth in love to one another. Love others enough to guide them into all truth.
Why? Obviously to Glorify God. But secondly, because you might be next to fall away...
1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
You are able to instruct, counsel, and admonish one another!
As a follower of Christ it is imperative that we love one another enough speak into one another's lives.
“Nothing can be more cruel than the leniency which abandons others to their sin. Nothing can be more compassionate than the severe reprimand which calls another Christian in one’s community back from the path of sin.” ― Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Christian
Application - Will you purpose with me today to be the kind of Christians that Paul claimed the Church of Rome to be?
Will you exercise you goodness and knowledge as you speak the loving truth into one anther’s lives? If you are a follower of Christ, you are able to do this! Will you?
Review - As a Christian, We Can And Should Instruct One Another In the Ways of God
Christian - You are Full of Goodness!
Christian - You are Full of Knowledge!
Christian - You are Able to Instruct One Another!
Conclusion
I wonder what kind of church we would be if Romans 15:14 were a part of our culture?
I think we would be a holy, gracious church that is growing spiritually. I think we would be a powerhouse for Christ and His gospel!
“So important. So simple. The thing that the church needs is for the member of the body of Christ to step out into serving one another with boldness. God gives us the Holy Spirit and uses us to be a blessing to one another in countless ways and the Bible is telling us to step out into those giftings.” - Pastor Mike Winger
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIHxoawHN1c
Connection Group Reflection Questions
Who are you praying for daily?
Who are you engaging with weekly?
Who are you sharing the gospel with monthly?