Paul and His Purpose

Study of Romans: Message Thirty-Two

Wednesday Nights at MFB

Romans 15:14-33.

ETS: Paul was a minister to the Gentiles.

ESS: We should obediently follow God’s calling for our lives.

OSS: [Consecrative] {Understanding that God has a purpose for each person and every group, we should obediently respond by committing to serve Him according to His purpose.]

PQ:

What are the different parts of this passage?

UW: Parts

Intro.:

TS: Let us examine the different parts together now.

Paul revealed his purpose for writing. [vv. 14-16a]

Paul revealed God’s purpose for the Gentiles. [vv. 16b-19a]

Paul revealed his response to God’s calling upon his life. [vv. 19b-21]

Paul revealed his request for help in fulfilling his calling. [vv. 22-33]

Desire to come [vv. 22-29]

Request for help [vv. 30-33]

Pray for me

that I might be rescued from unbelievers in Jerusalem

That my ministry in Jerusalem may be accepted/welcomed among believers

That I might come to you in Rome

All of these were answered:

Acts 23:10 “10 When the dispute became violent, the commander feared that Paul might be torn apart by them and ordered the troops to go down, take him away from them, and bring him into the barracks.”

Acts 21:17-20 “17 When we reached Jerusalem, the brothers and sisters welcomed us warmly. 18 The following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. 19 After greeting them, he reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20 When they heard it, they glorified God and said, “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law.”

Acts 25:11-12 “11 If then I did anything wrong and am deserving of death, I am not trying to escape death; but if there is nothing to what these men accuse me of, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar!” 12 Then after Festus conferred with his council, he replied, “You have appealed to Caesar; to Caesar you will go.””

Takeaway Questions:

[1] If you were asked, “What is your God-given purpose or calling in life?” Could you articulate an answer?

[2] Do you personally understand the importance of the body of Christ (local church) in fulfilling the calling of Christ on our lives?

Consulted Resources:

[1] Edwin A. Blum, “Romans,” in CSB Study Bible: Notes, ed. Edwin A. Blum and Trevin Wax (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2017).

‌[2] Albert Barnes, Notes on the New Testament: Romans, ed. Robert Frew (London: Blackie & Son, 1884–1885).

‌[3] Adam Clarke, The Holy Bible with a Commentary and Critical Notes, New Edition., vol. 6 (Bellingham, WA: Faithlife Corporation, 2014).

‌[4]William Barclay, “The Letter to the Romans” in The New Daily Study Bible (Louisville, KY: The Westminster John Knox Press, 2017).

‌[5] Warren W. Wiersbe, “Romans” in Be Right: How to be Right with God, Yourself, and Others (Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook, 2008).