Romans 15:14-16:27

Intro

Read Romans 15:14-16:27

Paul is painting a picture of his role as an apostle

And life in the body

He will often put these two things side by side

His purpose

Read Romans 15:14-15:21

Romans 15:14–21 ESV

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. 15 But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17 In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God. 18 For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience—by word and deed, 19 by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ; 20 and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation, 21 but as it is written, “Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand.”

Paul reminds the church at rome of two things

Their ability to instruct each other

His call to teach

Paul commends their growth and ability while still reminding them that he has important things to tell them

I love how paul says this in verse 15 and 16

I speak boldly to you because of the call Jesus has given to me

Paul is very clear about his call to minister

But not his but christs work through him

Paul is reminding the Romans about the thing that inspires his ministry

Preaching the Word to gentiles

As he wraps up his letter to the Romans he is reminding them of his call to preach tot the gentiles

In a place like Rome where Jews and Gentiles are plenty

He is really charting the course for the Church in general

Proclaiming the message to Gentiles

to make known the name of Christ to those who do not know him

His partners

Read Romans 15:22-15:32

Romans 15:22–32 ESV

22 This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you. 23 But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, 24 I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25 At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. 27 For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. 28 When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected, I will leave for Spain by way of you. 29 I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ. 30 I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, 31 that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company.

I want to focus here on Paul’s desire for his people

His desire to partner and be encouraged by them

Look at verse 30 here

I appeal to you brothers

Strive with me

Pray for me

This is the body at work

Sending prayers from afar

Lift each other up

The Final Appeal

Read Romans 16:17-25

Romans 16:17–27 ESV

17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. 19 For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 21 Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you; so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen. 22 I Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord. 23 Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you. 25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.

Paul lays out in 15 his approach to pastoring

Now he lays out what to watch out for

Verses 17-19

Be wise and discerning

A final doxology

verses 25-27

As he closes he exhorts them to look to Christ to glorify God

Unity in Christ: Empowering Each Other for His Glory

Bible Passage: Romans 15:14–16:27

Summary: In Romans 15:14–16:27, Paul offers a heartfelt message of encouragement to the Roman church, emphasizing the importance of unity, mutual support, and the mission of spreading the Gospel to all nations.

Application: This passage teaches teens the significance of building each other up in faith, encouraging them to share their gifts and strengths to support one another and to reach out to the world, promoting a sense of belonging and purpose.

Teaching: The sermon could illustrate the necessity of community in the Christian faith, emphasizing how each individual’s contributions are valuable and essential to the body of Christ, illustrating that we are stronger together than apart.

How this passage could point to Christ: Paul’s reference to Jesus as the Servant of all nations demonstrates that Christ’s mission transcends cultural and racial boundaries, urging believers to emulate His example of love and service to all, thereby reflecting the heart of the Gospel.

Big Idea: Christ empowers us to serve one another and unite as a body, fulfilling His mission of love and service in the world.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon using Logos, consider delving into the cultural context of the Roman church during Paul's time, particularly the tensions between Jews and Gentiles. Explore commentaries that discuss both the unity themes and the missional aspects of Paul's complaints, as well as the practical applications for today’s youth in a diverse society.

1. Commendation and Commission

Romans 15:14-21

You could emphasize how Paul commends the Roman church for their goodness, knowledge, and ability to instruct one another, highlighting the importance of recognizing and utilizing each member's strengths for the common good. Christ's example of serving all nations is the foundation for this mutual support and empowerment within the church community. Teens can be encouraged to identify their unique gifts and use them to build up their peers, fostering a spirit of unity and collective witness to the Gospel.

2. Prayerful Partnership

Romans 15:22-33

Perhaps, stress Paul's longing to visit Rome and his desire for their prayers highlights the necessity of mutual supplication and support in fulfilling God's mission. Christ’s inclusive mission should inspire teens to actively seek and support each other, recognizing that intercessory prayer and heartfelt collaboration are essential components in advancing the Kingdom work. The idea of journeying together in prayer underscores the power of a united community committed to Christ's purpose.

3. Diverse Contributors Celebrated

Romans 16:1-16

Maybe focus on Paul's personal greetings and the diverse list of believers he acknowledges, illustrating the richness and necessity of a diverse community in Christ. Each person plays a vital role in God's mission, reminding teens that they belong to a global family where every contribution matters. By celebrating the diversity in the faith community, they can learn to appreciate different perspectives and unite their unique strengths for the glory of God, reflecting Jesus' inclusive love.

4. Guarding Gospel Unity

Romans 16:17-27

Encourage discernment by using Paul's warning about divisions and false teachings, urging the importance of maintaining the purity and unity of the Gospel message. Christ as the ultimate truth calls teenagers to be vigilant and steadfast in their beliefs. Emphasizing how this unity is strengthened by the Gospel's simplicity and power, teens can learn to support one another in seeking truth and avoid potential divisions, aiming to glorify God through unwavering adherence to the faith.