ROMANS 35
We will begin this lesson in Romans 15:22 "For which cause also I
have been much hindered from coming to you."
In the last lesson we saw where Paul was sent to the Gentiles. He
went on 3 missionary journeys and established churches in the name of
Jesus Christ. These areas were not areas where Jesus had ministered
while He was on the earth. We know that Paul faced all sorts of
dangers to make these journeys. On the way to the Romans, he was even
shipwrecked. The Scripture above that says he was hindered is really
an understatement. The hindrances were very great, but Paul's
determination was greater. I Thessalonians 2:18 "Wherefore we would
have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered
us." Every person trying to bring the message of God can say with
Paul that Satan hindered them.
Romans 15:23 "But now having no more place in these parts, and
having a great desire these many years to come unto you;" Romans 15:24
"Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I
trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way
thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your
[company]."
We will see that Paul planned to go to Rome actually years before
it became a reality. Paul's dad was a Roman, and it was Paul's desire
to bring the gospel to them. I Corinthians 16:5 "Now I will come unto
you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through
Macedonia." I Corinthians 16:6 "And it may be that I will abide, yea,
and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever
I go." I Corinthians 16:7 "For I will not see you now by the way; but
I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit." This last
verse says it all. Paul just like us must say [if the Lord permit].
Romans 15:25 "But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the
saints."
Paul wanted to go to Jerusalem one more time on his way to Rome.
He will make one more futile effort to reach his brothers {Jews}.
Paul will endanger his life in this effort. He will really be under
arrest the rest of his life. When he finally arrives in Rome, much of
his ministry will be from his home where he is under house arrest.
Romans 15:26 "For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to
make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at
Jerusalem."
Galatians 6:9 "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due
season we shall reap, if we faint not." Galatians 6:10 "As we have
therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all [men], especially unto
them who are of the household of faith." We see here that Paul has
taught them well. They are concerned and want to help when there is
someone in need. It seems that the persecution of the believers was
worse in Jerusalem than anywhere else.
Romans 15:27 "It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they
are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual
things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things."
We see, here, that they really do appreciate all of the hardships
that these saints at Jerusalem have gone through to send them the word
of God. We know that many of these saints gave up everything they had
to follow Jesus. It is only fair that they should live of the gifts
given to the ministry. I Corinthians 9:11 "If we have sown unto you
spiritual things, [is it] a great thing if we shall reap your carnal
things?" You can see that they brought the salvation message
unselfishly to these people at cost of their livelihoods. The
spiritual gift is far greater than the carnal. They are happy to send
gifts in appreciation to them.
Romans 15:28 "When therefore I have performed this, and have
sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain."
Paul is really explaining to the Romans why he is going by
Jerusalem before he comes to Rome. We all know that this is just one
of the reasons, Paul really wants to try to win his Jewish brothers to
Christianity.
Romans 15:29 "And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall
come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ."
Paul is saying that God will be with him as he brings the gospel
message to Rome. God wants Paul to take the message to Rome. Ephesians
1:3 "Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who
hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly [places] in
Christ:" This fulness of the Godhead includes Father, Word, and Holy
Ghost. It is as if Paul is saying they are all in the gospel message,
and they truly are.
Romans 15:30 "Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus
Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together
with me in [your] prayers to God for me;"
We see a simple request from Paul here. He just says pray for me.
It is such a shame that he would even have to ask. Your pastor needs
your prayers. In our society today, it seems the pastor is ridiculed
from all sides and few think to pray for him. Paul explains here that
their prayers for him should not be just because they love him, but
for the sake of all Christianity. If the enemy can stop the pastor of
a church, he can usually destroy that church. In the next Scripture
here you can see why you need to pray for the preacher. II Corinthians
4:5 "For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and
ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake."
Romans 15:31 "That I may be delivered from them that do not
believe in Judaea; and that my service which [I have] for Jerusalem
may be accepted of the saints;"
It seems that Paul knew there would be opposition in Jerusalem.
Paul knew that there were those who desired to see him destroyed, but
he went anyway. This really is the desire of every preacher, then and
now. Lord, deliver me from those who will not accept my message that
you have sent me with, and Lord help those chosen ones you have sent
me to to believe. II Thessalonians 3:2 "And that we may be delivered
from unreasonable and wicked men: for all [men] have not faith."
Romans 15:32 "That I may come unto you with joy by the will of
God, and may with you be refreshed."
Paul was seeking a place where his message from God could be
received in peace. Paul, like many ministers in our day is having a
hard time finding that place of refreshing. The true desire of every
minister who has ever brought the word of God in truth is that their
people they ministered to would remain strong in the faith.
I Thessalonians 3:7 "Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you
in all our affliction and distress by your faith:" I Thessalonians 3:8
"For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord."
Romans 15:33 "Now the God of peace [be] with you all. Amen."
Who is this God of peace? His name is Jesus Christ our Lord. He
is the King of Peace. If He be with you, you have eternal life within
you. This Scripture in Matthew in Jesus' own Words promises all
believers His presence. Matthew 28:20 "Teaching them to observe all
things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway,
[even] unto the end of the world. Amen."
Notes
Questions 35
1. Who did God send Paul to minister to?
2. How many missionary journeys did Paul make?
3. What hazard did Paul face on his way to Rome?
4. In 1 Thessalonians ch.2 v.18, who hindered Paul's coming to
minister?
5. Why did Paul desire to go to Rome to minister?
6. What wise statement did Paul make that we all must make also, in
{1 Corinthians ch. 16 v.7}?
7. In Romans ch.15 v.25 Paul says, he is going to Jerusalem to
minister to whom?
8. Who had the people of Macedonia sent a contribution to?
9. Much of Paul's ministry in Rome was done from where?
10. Let us not be weary in ____ _____.
11. Let us do good to all men as we have ____________.
12. In what city was the persecution of the believers the worst?
13. If they have received spiritual blessings, they should give of
their______ things.
14. When Paul comes to them, he will come in the _______ of the
blessings of the gospel.
15. The fulness of the Godhead includes whom?
16. In Romans ch.15 v.30, Paul says for them to pray for him for whose
sake?
17. Why should everyone pray for their preacher?
18. Who did Paul ask to be delivered from?
19. In 2 Thessalonians ch.3 v.2 deliver us from what 2 kinds of men?
20. Paul was seeking peace, where would he find it?
21. Who is the King of Peace?
22. If The King of Peace be with you, what do you possess?
Notes
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