Righteous Living

“Unshakable Hope, Unstoppable Gospel”

Bible Passage: Romans 15:13–21

Intro

(7 minutes)

In Romans 15:13–21, Paul reflects on the work of the gospel—not as an abstract idea, but as a living reality shaping the church. He shows us that the gospel is never meant to stay private. It fills us, it transforms us, and it sends us.

Here’s the challenge: What would happen if we, as a church, took a deeper focus on our relationship with Jesus and with one another? What if we allowed the God of hope to truly fill us with joy and peace—not just as individuals, but together as His body? What if we lived as a community where hope overflows, where faith is put into action, and where every member takes seriously the call to be a herald of hope?

Paul’s reflection reminds us that when the church embraces this calling, the gospel doesn’t just remain within its walls—it moves outward with power. Christ is at the center of it all: He is the foundation of our hope, the one who fills us with His Spirit, and the one who compels us to proclaim His name among the nations.

The message is clear: when the gospel works in us, it will also work through us.

Today we will see three truths that help us understand that message.

1. Hope That Overflows

(10 Minutes)

Romans 15:13

Fill- πληρόω plēroō (play-row)-make you complete, sufficient quantity

the continual work of God

Acts 13:52 “52 And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”

we have not arrived, good place to be

seasons (reflection of this weekend)

Joy and peace

joy- state of rejoicing

Matthew 28:8 “8 And they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to report it to His disciples.”

what a season this was!

peace- favor with God

(Salvation)

Believing- life of faith

abound- overflow

the work God is doing is meant to overflow

oversupplied we will never run out- not becuase we keep filling it up, He does ask for the renewal are you running on low?

What drains our tank- doubt, sin, pride, gossip, infighting, losing sight of the Gospel.

The power of the Holy Spirit

1 Thessalonians 1:5 “5 for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.”

Application:

God fills us with joy and peace in each season becuase He is sovereign over them, the purpose for this is that we would overflow with hope, not by your own strength but through God’s.

It is never a season of its time for me to do this on my own- no one likes the cultivation they want the harvest always- Can we trust God?

What we are in as a church is for the overflow, what you are in personally is for the overflow.

2. Hope in Action

Romans 15:14-16

(10 Minutes)

Paul encourages the church Rome.

God was filling the brethren

Action was convincing, there were some things they needed to do in faith

Goodness- not stagnant working things out

2 Thessalonians 1:11 “11 To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power,”

They had to work some things out- we seen this through Romans, works and faith, new forms of righteousness

we will have to work things out with each other

2. Knowledge

seek, investigate, understanding of the truth

1st Corinthians 8:7-13

3. Able to Admonish

Strong enough to do (Able)

weak to strong (sufficient)

the pastor needs to do it- no you do!

Admonish- νουθετέω noutheteō (nooth-sa-ta-o)-to warn or counsel in terms of someone’s behavior.

give instruction- you have been given authority by God (men)

We cant be passive nor do we need to be abusive.

Galatians 6:1 “1 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.”

Titus 1:13 “13 This testimony is true. For this reason reprove them severely so that they may be sound in the faith,”

Paul finishes off this portion of why he has written

Paul reminds them as a father to them in the faith.

Romans 1:8–10 “8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world. 9 For God, whom I serve in my spirit in the preaching of the gospel of His Son, is my witness as to how unceasingly I make mention of you, 10 always in my prayers making request, if perhaps now at last by the will of God I may succeed in coming to you.”

He knows why He is called.

God’s grace!

Minister- servant of God (bondservant)

offering- Paul is being poured out- abundance

Philippians 2:17 “17 But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all.”

Paul isn’t calling them to do something that is foreign to his calling!

Not by works but faith! -sanctified in the spirit

Pastor’s leaders - here it is!

Application:

God fill us we respond in action

By community within the church

Working things out

Pursuing the truth in the word and growing in our faith

Take time to admonish in the authority God has given you

Leaders are not called to a separate calling at all

3. Heralds of Hope

(10 Minutes)

Romans 15:17-21

Paul is a herald of Hope vs 17-19

Herald the Gospel- the Gospel in servanthood

Hebrews 2:17 “17 Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.”

Not himself- the Gospel in proclamation of God

May it be about the Lord- not out plans, not out accomplishments but about the work of Christ. The flip side as well as we can remain silent and not proclaim these things.

be mindful to remember who is working through us.

presume- courage (It is not an option for Paul to speak courageously about anything he has done on His own. His boldness is in the work of Christ)

Dedicated

Fully-fulfilled - sufficient quantity

The Gentiles are heralds of Hope vs 18-19

The Gospel in life change!

The obedience of the Gentiles is a work of God- not their own

Word and Deed (Knowledge and Faith)

The Gospel spreads like good news should

Heralding is ambitious

Paul- vs 20

This life in Christ should lead some of us to ambition there are some here that need to go, need to teach, where in Lakewood is Christs name not present.

Romans 10:15 “15 How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!””

There is something to be said in learning and then going- God’s continual work

2 Corinthians 10:15 “15 not boasting beyond our measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but with the hope that as your faith grows, we will be, within our sphere, enlarged even more by you,”

Application

Heralding.

Humility, Servanthood, life on display and is ambitious, act of faith.

Closing:

Let Hope Overflow

Church: Together we must cultivate an atmosphere where hope spills over—where joy and peace are visible in our worship, our fellowship, and our witness.

Individual: Don’t run on empty. Let the Spirit fill you daily so that your home, friendships, and workplace experience the overflow of Christ’s hope.

Put Hope Into Action

Church: A hopeful church is an active church—serving, building one another up, speaking truth in love, and pursuing holiness together.

Individual: Live out your faith intentionally. Step into acts of service, encourage someone, or lovingly correct when needed. Hope must be practiced.

Be Heralds of Hope

Church: Our mission is clear—we exist to proclaim Christ in Lakewood and beyond. An unshakable hope fuels an unstoppable gospel.

Individual: You are a messenger of hope. Share your testimony, speak of Jesus, and be bold with the gospel in the circles God has placed you.