Romans 15:14-33
Because the foundation of the church is Jesus, the reason, substance, and confidence of our personal ministry is Jesus, too.
Before closing out his letter, Paul affirms his confidence that the Roman church already has what it needs to move forward in unity and solidarity. Through Jesus, they’re filled with all the goodness, knowledge, and ability to show one another what the path ahead looks like. The purpose of God is to extend his grace to all kinds of people, and because of that, Paul already has every reason to brag about what Jesus has done and his sufficiency in building up the church in Rome.
Paul also reiterates his desire to see them. While the Romans have some things to work out, Paul doesn’t see himself as above them; he’s just as much in need of their prayers, encouragement, and blessings. They’re current situation doesn’t limit their ability to invest in God’s purposes - whether at home in Rome or abroad through the missionary journeys of Paul. In fact, the call to a ministry bigger than them is one of the rallying cries they get to unite around.
Questions
Have you ever heard of people being united by a common enemy? …common goal? Have you ever seen or been a part of something like that, where folks who disagree about a number of things suddenly see eye-to-eye on a bigger thing that lets them work together?
Do you hear Paul doing some of this in our focal passage this week (“God’s purpose is ___,” “striving together in ___,” etc.)?
What are the bigger things that both the Jewish and Gentile Christians are a part of? How should those motivate them to work together?
How would you reword those things for a local church in Hamilton today? What should we be striving for? What’s a modern-day “Jewish/Gentile” divide God wants to close with grace? Which unexpected group (to you!) does God want to be an “acceptable offering” to him?
If Paul is convinced that the Romans have everything they need, then why does he also feel the need to remind them of stuff they “already know?”
Why do we have to be reminded (sometimes in a surprising way!) of the grace of God that we already know?
What does that mean for what we shouldn’t take for granted in our spiritual friendships, ministries, etc.? What can’t we assume people know - or even if they do, that they’re actively remembering and living out of?
How does this tie into Paul’s desire to not say anything except what Jesus has revealed to and accomplished through him? What happens if he starts offering his own opinions or speculation, undoes a foundation someone already laid, etc.?
Paul doesn’t think the Romans are disqualified from advancing the mission of God until they’ve “figured it all out.” Nor does he think he’s above needing their help (or any help!), just because he’s the one helping them. Does this surprise you?
What specifically does Paul say he’s looking forward to, wants, needs, etc.? How does he ask them to minister to him and the bigger mission?
What does this reveal about Paul’s heart and perspective on the Christians in Rome? How does it mirror Jesus’ heart for and perspective on us?