The Apostle's Heartbeat

Text: Romans 15:16

Intro: Here tonight in our text we get a very clear picture of what Paul’s ministry was and it is important that we understand this for the rest of our Bible study. Paul had dealt with the doctrinal issues, he has dealt with the Gospel, the difference between the Jew and the Gentile, the law and grace, the flesh and Spirit, and now he peels back the curtain to his heart. Paul spent over 30 years of his life dedicated to this very purpose. Paul’s ministry as the Apostle to the Gentile was unlike any other in our Bible. He was not a pastor, or deacon, or even a spirited church member but an Apostle. His ministry was to reach the Gentile with the Gospel of Christ, but it not exclusive to the Gentiles only, but included the Jews.

Acts 9:15 KJV 1900

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

Vs. 14-16 Because of the grace that is given to me of God:

I think we sometimes have an incorrect understanding of Grace and how grace works… Paul tells us in verse 16 what grace he is referring too.

Romans 1:5 KJV 1900

By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:

Romans 12:3 KJV 1900

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

Titus 2:11–12 KJV 1900

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

To this as grace is to deny the will and work of God in our lives!

Verse 16 we get a very clear picture of what the job of the Apostle to the Gentiles was...

His Message - 16 - The Gospel of God. It was Christ Who was proclaimed! This is not Paul’s message but the message of God. (vs. 17-18 These verses also pertain to Christ! It was Christ (the Word)

1 Corinthians 9:16 KJV 1900

For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

His Power - 19 - The Holy Ghost. (Why signs? Signs were used to confirm the word that was given. The Gospel of Christ was new, and had never been heard in the places that Paul was preaching it. God used signs to confirm the word!) Until that which was perfect had come...

Mark 16:20 KJV 1900

And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

God also gave signs to confirm that the Gentiles had recieved...

1 Corinthians 1:22 KJV 1900

For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

His Method - 20 - Where Christ had not been preached.

vs. 21 quoted from Isaiah

Isaiah 52:15 KJV 1900

So shall he sprinkle many nations; The kings shall shut their mouths at him: For that which had not been told them shall they see; And that which they had not heard shall they consider.

Here is the reason for Paul’s inability to come, because God had opened the door to so many places, that he sought to reach each place that had not heard first.