A glimpse of the condition into the church at Rome

Text: Romans 15:14-16

Intro: Here in the middle of the 15 chapter of this epistle Paul encourages the saints by commending them. Throughout his letter to the believers in Rome, Paul has given much doctrine, understanding into that doctrine, he has corrected, and in verse 14, he encourages the brethren.

Paul speaks of three different aspects when commending their faith and effort in faith.

1st: “Full of Goodness”

Paul says that they are full of goodness but what does that even mean? I think we can get a pretty good understanding by just considering quickly the other places that Paul has used the word.

Galatians 5:22 KJV 1900

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Ephesians 5:9 KJV 1900

(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)

Paul speaks of being persuaded, but what has persuaded him?

Romans 1:8 KJV 1900

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

He is persuaded by their testimony! They walk in the Spirit, and others bear witness, and have made it known!

2nd: “Filled with all Knowledge”

Paul has given much instruction through his epistle but this to me indicates that this is a church already has the knowledge that he speaks of here. Why do they need this long epistle then? He answers that in the coming verses…

3rd. “able also to admonish one another”

I love this about this church! They are able to instruct and teach one another! When we consider the three compliments that Paul gives to this church, this one speaks of the true working of the other two. As a preacher, there is no hope of ever teaching without the working of the Spirit. That first has to take place in me, before I can ever hope for Him to use me effectively. But, to teach is more than just having the Sprit, it is coupled by knowledge of the Scriptures. When we have the Spirit of God, coupled with knowledge, then the Spirit applies that knowledge and gives understanding and builds wisdom in our heart and life. It is then that we are able to take that applied word of God and admonish another in it most effectively!

Then he gets into the why...

I see this simply as a reminder… One to remind the saints in Rome, what it is that Paul’s purpose is, but also to underline the importance of their help and assistance along his journey, as well as after he is gone.

Paul mentions the grace that is given to him. He does this two other times in this letter. Each time, it is speaking of the will of God for his life.

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.

Then he finishes verses 16 with the the expectation of what that grace is to produce.

Titus 2:11–13 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; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;