A Ministry of Righteousness (Romans 15:14-33)

Open in prayer

Passage Reading

Romans 15:14–32 NKJV

Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God, that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Therefore I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God. For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient—in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man’s foundation, but as it is written: “To whom He was not announced, they shall see; And those who have not heard shall understand.” For this reason I also have been much hindered from coming to you. But now no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you, whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you. For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while. But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things. Therefore, when I have performed this and have sealed to them this fruit, I shall go by way of you to Spain. But I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me, that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you.

Introduction

As we head towards the closing chapters of the Book of Romans, its important for us to quickly review what we’ve covered up until this point. Romans covered some major themes, namely:

The sinful nature of mankind,

The righteousness of God,

The importance of Jesus death on the cross in atoning for our sin,

Justification by faith alone

The future hope we have at the return of Jesus Christ

God’s plan of redemption in saving both Jews and Gentiles, and

Finally how we are to live as Christians by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Today we will be looking at Paul’s view of ministry and some of his future plans. Did you know that Paul had never met the people of the church of Rome? So why would he be writing this letter in the first place? The church of Rome comprised primarly of Gentile citizens, and although Paul was a Jew, God had called him to be a minister of the Gentiles. It is in light this that the church of Rome fell under his apostolic authority and, therefore, Paul had a responsibility towards the church of Rome, which included instructing the church in sound doctrine and building them up in the most holy faith. With this in mind, let’s have a look at how Paul encouraged the Romans to do the work of Ministry to the glory of God. Let’s read:

READ:

Romans 15:14 “Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.”

Ministry Point Number 1: Ministry is having confidence in the work of God.

Paul was satisfied concerning the Romans, because he knew they had already heard all the truths outlined in the letter. Paul tells us that they were “filled with knowledge”. He knew they were full of goodness, and that they had displayed excellent moral character. That they loved righteousness and hated evil. However Paul knew that the that their goodness and their knowledge was not something that they worked for themselves, it was a work of the Holy Spirit within them. His confidence was in God, and He knew that His ministry to them would only be successful if God did the work in them. Paul writes in Phillippians 1:6.

Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;”

Ministry Point Number 2: Ministry is about admonising one another.

The word admonish mens to encourage, warn or advise. Its a comprehensive word used to decribe both preaching and personal counselling. Every believer is in some form of ministry, and it is for that reason that we are called to encourage and strengthen one another with God’s Word. The bible tells us in 2 Timothy 3:16 “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,”. When we know the word of God, and how to use it appropiately we are able to encourage one another in the faith.

READ:

Romans 15:15 “Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God,”

Ministry Point Number 3: Ministry is about reminding

In spite of the goodness and knowledge the Romans already displayed, Paul knew the importance of reminding them of the essential truths of the Christian faith. Why is that? Because human beings easily forget. Its because we so often forget that God gave us His Holy Spirit to remind us of all the things that Jesus taught and His promises towards us.

John 14:26 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”

Ministry Point Number 4: Ministry is about being bold in and by the grace of God.

In verse 15 we read that Paul had boldly written to the Romans on some points. What he meant in saying this is that in his letter he might have sounded straightforward, blunt and even forceful. Sometimes admonishing others requires us to tell the truth, irrespective of how others may feel about it. Especially when it comes to sharing the gospel, because the truth of the Bible can make people feel uncomfortable. The Bible tells us in:

Romans 2:15 “who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them)”

However, God will empowers us by his grace to share the gospel in boldness. All we need to do is pray and ask Him, and he will help us! Just like he helped Paul.

Ephesians 6:18–20 NKJV

praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

READ:

Romans 15:16 NKJV

that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

Ministry Point Number 5: Ministry is chosen by God and on behalf of Jesus.

It’s important to note here that God himself appointed Paul to the priestly service of proclaiming the gospel to the Gentiles. Both Paul and we do not get to choose what we do for God, God appoints works for each one of us individually. God created each one of us with a spesific personality, talents and giftings. He designed us for a very spesific purpose and ministry in the body of Christ. Its our job to seek His will and to submit to Him as His servants, and in doing so we represent Jesus to the world around us.

Isaiah 43:1 NKJV

But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.

Ephesians 2:10 NKJV

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Lets look again at the second half of verse 16. What did Paul mean by that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit? Paul’s hope in sharing the gospel with the Gentiles was that they would be saved, and that Paul would be able to gather them together and present them to God as an acceptable offering. In doing so He was performing a priestly service unto God. Previoulsy in Romans 12:1-2, Paul admosished us to present ourselves to God as living sacrifices.

Romans 12:1–2 (NKJV)

I beseech (another word for admonish) you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Ministry Point Number 7: Ministry centers on the gospel.

All ministry we are involved in centers around the gospel. We have been commanded to go out and to make disciples of the world and to share the good news of the gospel with the world until the return of Jesus at His second coming.

Matthew 28:18–20 NKJV

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

On another note, who can tell me what the gospel is?

1 Corinthians 15:3–4 “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,”

If they do not understand, use the Ray Comfort example of the judge.

READ:

Romans 15:17 NKJV

Therefore I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God.

The ESV reads this verse as follows:“In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God”.

Ministry Point Number 8: Ministry is about Jesus and not me.

Here we can see that Paul is enthusiastic and proud of all the things that Jesus Christ accomplished through Paul in his ministry. Paul loved working in ministry, because He was an eye witness to the incredible things Jesus continued to do through His Holy Spirit on earth after Jesus had ascended back into Heaven. Working for Jesus is both exciting and rewarding. There’s nothing else like it. However, here we also see the most important point of today’s lesson. Nothing we do for the Kingdom of God is about us. It’s all about Jesus, because we aren’t the ones doing the work - its the power of the Holy Spirit working through us. We should never take any of the glory for ourselves. This is one of the biggest mistakes anyone can ever make. It’s both sinful and dangerous, because God will judge us. God’s not in the business of glorifying man, His in the business of glorifying Himself.

In Isaiah 43:7, we can see that God created us with the purpose of glorifying Him and when we do that we experience a satisfaction and pleasure that nothing else in the world can offer us.

Isaiah 43:7 NKJV

Everyone who is called by My name, Whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him.”

In Isaiah 42:8, God makes it clear that He will not share his glory with anyone.

Isaiah 42:8 NKJV

I am the Lord, that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another, Nor My praise to carved images.

We should all adopt the attitude of John the Baptist, in making much of Christ and little of ourselves. Our job is to always reflect the glory back to Jesus Christ, because He is the one that allowed us to partake in His work.

John 3:30 NKJV

He must increase, but I must decrease.

Ministry Point Number 9: We are completely dependent on Jesus Christ.

READ:

Romans 15:18 NKJV

For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient—

Here we can see that Paul is emphasizing the point he made in the previous verse. Paul understood this the success of His ministry did not depend on Him. He also knew that He did not have the power to save anyone. Paul understood that the salvation and obedience of the Gentiles through His ministry was completely dependent upon God. The Bible tells us that:

John 6:44 “No one can come to Me (Jesus speaking) unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.”

The Bible also tells us that it is God who sanctifies us, and empowers us to be obedient to Him:

1 Thessalonians 5:23–24 NKJV

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.

Our responsibility is to abide in Him:

John 15:5 NKJV

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

Ministry Point Number 10: We minister in both in our words and deeds.

Lets read verse 18 again.

Ministry happens through our words and our deeds. One thing that I have learned from Pastor De Beer, is that he is a man that leads by example. He has taught me more by his actions than He has by his words. And Paul exhorted his young assistant Timothy do do the same. Paul called Timothy to follow His example, as he followed Christ’s example.

1 Corinthians 11:1 NKJV

Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

The NIV reads: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

Paul also told Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:12

1 Timothy 4:12 NKJV

Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

People will listen to what you say, but they will watch what you do. If your actions do not line up with your words, people will not respect you and they will disregard what you have to say. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 9:27 “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”

And its for this reason that I want to encourage you today with James 1:22 “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

You might be the only Bible someone will ever read. You have been called to be a light to the world. Moving on.

Ministry point Number 11: Ministry can be authenticated by miracle signs.

READ:

Romans 15:19 NKJV

in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.

Paul had preached the gospel message from Jerusalem all around Illyricum, and while preaching God confirmed His message through accompanying signs and wonders. Now its important to ask this questions, does God still do miracles today and why do we not see them as frequently as we see them in the Bible? The answer is that, yes, God still does do miracles today. But during the time of the apostles and Jesus, God poured out His Spirit on the people in a very special way to authenticate and confirm the message and their apostleship.

Mark 16:20 NKJV

And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.

Acts 19:11–12 NKJV

Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.

We do not have any more apostles today, however the gift of apostleship does still operate. Why do I say this? Because the criteria for being apostle is laid out in scripture. In Acts 1:15-26:

Acts 1:15–26 NKJV

And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), and said, “Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus; for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry.” (Now this man purchased a field with the wages of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his entrails gushed out. And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem; so that field is called in their own language, Akel Dama, that is, Field of Blood.) “For it is written in the Book of Psalms: ‘Let his dwelling place be desolate, And let no one live in it’; and, ‘Let another take his office.’ “Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.” And they proposed two: Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed and said, “You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.” And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

Here we can see that to be an Apostle, there is criteria to be met:

An apostle had to have spend all three years of Jesus early ministry with Him along with the other apostles. He needed to be an eye witness to to Jesus’ baptism when God the Father validated Jesus person and work. He needed to have heard the teachings of Jesus, and have been present to see his healings and other miracles. He needed to have witnessed Jesus sacrifice on the cross, and He had to have seen Jesus after his bodily resurrection. We have nobody today that meets these criterias today, so when you hear people calling themselves apostles on TV and the internet, you can know with certianty that they are false apostles. Be very careful of who you listen to. Its only by reading the Bible that you are able to see whether or not what people are saying about Jesus is true or not.

Ministry point Number 12: Fulfill your ministry.

READ:

Romans 15:20–21 NKJV

And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man’s foundation, but as it is written: “To whom He was not announced, they shall see; And those who have not heard shall understand.”

Paul had Godly ambitions. And he believed that in doing the work of an apostle he was fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah 52:15. He had aligned himself with the Will of God for his life, and he had let go of all his personal ambitions. He had two goals. One preach the gospel, and two plant churches in places where there were no were no churches. He strived to fulfill the ministry that God had given Him, and He ultimately did. Let’s read:

2 Timothy 4:7–8 NKJV

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Paul also encourages us to fulfill our ministries. He wants us to do the same.

2 Timothy 4:5 NKJV

But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

I want to encourage each of you here today to seek the Lord, and ask Him to which ministry He has called you. We are all in ministry as Christians. You do not have to be a pastor, a missionary, a bible teacher or someone that works at the church to be in ministry. Ministry is daily walking with God, spending time with Him and allowing Him to lead you. When you walk close to God He can trust you to do His work, because you are seeking to do His Will and hear His voice. He will present you with opportunities, daily, to minister to others. Whether that be being a friend to someone at school that really needs a friend, or encouraging someone that is feeling down, or sharing the gospel with someone, or praying for someone. God uses ordinary people for extraordinary purposes. His just waiting for us to make ourselves availible to Him. So make yourself availible and see how God begins to move in your life!

READ:

Romans 15:22-24 (NKJV)

Romans 15:22–24 NKJV

For this reason I also have been much hindered from coming to you. But now no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you, whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you. For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while.

Up until this point Paul had been completing his mission work in Asia Minor and the Grecian Peninsula, and he had not been able to visit either Rome or Spain. And he only now felt that he had sufficiently shared the gospel in these areas and planted the required churches, and was now finally in a position to move on to other areas. Paul was planning on briefly visiting the Romans, enjoying their company and being helped by them in order to complete mission trip to Spain. Paul longed to impart spiritual gifts to the believers in Rome, and to help strengthen them in the faith. We read this in Romans 1:11 “For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established—” and he also longed to help them grow in Christ, which is the purpose of all spiritual gifts. We read that in Romans 1:13 “Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles.”

READ:

Romans 15:25–27 NKJV

But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things.

Here we see Paul not only discussing his future plans to visit the Romans and those in Spain, but he discloses his immediate plans. He was to deliver a volutary offering to the saints in Jerusalem who were struggling financially. We read about this in 1 Corinthians 16:1-4

1 Corinthians 16:1–4 NKJV

Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me.

Important note: You may one day be asked why we do not meet on the Sabbath when we attend church. The answer is simple, because the early church met on the first day of the week, which was a Sunday.

Lets read Romans 15:27 “It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things.”

The spiritual things the Gentiles shared in was the gospel truth preached to them by the Jewish apostles, prophets, teachers, and evangelists. But this also refers to the spiritual blessings the Gentiles received in Christ in the Kingdom of God. In Romans 11:11-12, and 17-18 we learned about how the Gentiles are grafted into the spiritual blessings of Israel.

Galatians 3:14 “that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”

Ephesians 3:6 “that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel,”

Read

Romans 15:28–29 NKJV

Therefore, when I have performed this and have sealed to them this fruit, I shall go by way of you to Spain. But I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.

Here Paul repeats that He will visit the Romans after attending to the poor Saints in Jerusalem on his way to Spain. In Acts 27-28 we learn that Paul finally did arrive at Rome but not in the way he anticipated. He experienced great trails on the way. However we are not sure if He ever reached Spain, the Bible does not explicitly disclose this. But in these verses we learn a very important lesson in the life of Paul, and a biblical truth of the Old Testament.

Proverbs 19:21 (NIV) “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but its the LORD’S purpose that prevails.”

The Bible speaks highly of being prudent and diligent in making plans. There’s nothing wrong with setting goals for yourself and planning for the future. But just like Paul we are to have godly ambitions that give God the glory. We should always be seeking God’s will for our lives, because just like Romans 12:2 tells us his Will is good, acceptable and perfect. And as time moves on in life, we realise that when things don’t work out the way we wanted them to God had our best interest at heart and his plans for us were far superior to our own. Submit to His plan for our life, is in our best interest. And we will never regret it, and the Bible tells us He is able to accomplish far more than we can ever think or imagine!

Ephesians 3:20 NKJV

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,

READ:

Romans 15:30–33 NKJV

Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me, that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you. Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

As we close today, we see how Paul pleaded with the Romans to continue to pray for Him. Paul knew that He would never be able to fulfill the ministry or endure the suffering and persecutions he endurded unless the hand of God upheld him through the prayers of others. He appealed to their love for him implanted in their hearts by the Holy Spirit. When we pray for our leaders, we share in their ministry. And I would like to appeal to you today to pray for the leaders of Calvary Chapel and myself. We desperately need them to serve both you and God Almighty faithfully. Jesus said:

Matthew 10:40–42 NKJV

“He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.”

Closing prayer