6. GOOD NEWS OF PICTURED EXAMPLES OF SAINTS (Romans 15:14 - 16:27)

Grace in Paul made him confident that the believers at Rome were full of goodness and all knowledge (Romans 15:15 ). Recipients of grace, knowing its power in their own lives have no doubt of its effectiveness in the lives of others.

Romans 15:14 "Now I myself am confident concerning you, ..."

Are you confident about the power of the grace of God in the lives of those to whom you minister? Paul believes that the imparting of knowledge by the Holy Spirit equips saints to admonish one another (Romans 15:14 ). Paul's gifting and passion through grace, was to minister Christ to those who had never heard (Romans 15:16 ).

Romans 15:17 "... have reason to glory in Christ Jesus ..."

Paul sees his ministry to the Lord as that of a ministering priest bringing an acceptable offering of souls to the Lord (Romans 15:16 ), because the believing Gentiles were "sanctified by the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:16 ). This offering will not end till all who repent and believe are gathered unto the Lord.

Paul's calling was backed up by signs and wonders. His was not an empty claim to be the apostle of the Gentiles (Romans 15:17-21 ). He will only speak of what Christ has accomplished through him (Romans 15:17-18 ). The Gentiles were made obedient to the faith,

Romans 15:19 "in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, ..."

This is still the answer in breaking souls free from the demonic, cultish and pagan worship.

Paul's personal plans include fulfilling a long time heart's desire to come to Rome (Romans 15:22-24 ). "Whenever I journey to Spain" (Romans 15:24 ). His purpose to preach Christ where no one has gone before always drives him - but he is desirous of being with the saints at Rome in pursuing his main calling. Do you keep clear-sighted God's purpose and assignment for you?

His present purpose in visiting Jerusalem was to carry a love gift from Gentile saints to the poor (Romans 15:25-27 ). This contribution was a deliberate act of love on the part of the Gentile believers. It brought pleasure to them to be able to make this financial sacrifice - showing that they were truly the Lord's disciples.

John 13:35 "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

To those who minister to us spiritual things it is love's privilege to minister to them in return in material things. Paul longed to visit them and his intention was to arrive in the fullness of blessing (Romans 15:29 ). Meanwhile he desires their prayers for him as he confronts the struggles in his service for God (Romans 15:30 ). Our response to requests for prayer for others can only be accomplished "through the love of the Spirit" (Romans 15:30 ). Striving - Literally agonising for others in their service will never be done apart from the divine Helper, motivating, inspiring and quickening us. The full peace Paul enjoyed he desired all others to experience to the full. Live in the consciousness of Him in peace.

Romans 15:33 "Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen. "

Romans 16:1 "I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea,"

This valued sister was known for her gift of serving. "A servant," who brought recognition in her local church where she served in an official capacity. There is no doubt her serving life-style affected "Cenchrea" for good. This was the eastern port of Corinth about 9 miles from that important city. For Phoebe it was her personal Jerusalem where she began to testify and serve (Acts 1:8 ). Other opportunities to serve elsewhere, followed. Some make the mistake of wanting the "elsewhere" before proving their ministry in the home place.

It would also appear that she was a Christian businesswoman.

Romans 16:2 "... and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; ..."

It could have been legal or official business - or trading affairs. It is evident that her business ability involved her in extensive travel, on this occasion, to Rome. A refreshing example for Christian businesswomen today. May they, like her, find themselves welcomed, assisted, and protected by the church in the cities to which they go to conduct their activities.

Personal commendation by Paul came out of his having personally received her willing help.

Romans 16:2 "... for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also."

Such was Paul's confidence in her. It would appear he trusted her to carry this inspired epistle to Rome. To receive honour we must prove ourselves honourable. Her life was set apart to the Lord so she was to be received "in a manner worthy of the saints" (Romans 16:2 ). By faith righteousness, lived in practical deeds of daily right living, qualify us for the "manner worthy" welcome.

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Does your own experience of the power of the gospel in your life make you confident concerning those to whom you minister (Romans 15:14-16 )?

2. What is needed to accompany the good news to break souls free from demonic, cultish and pagan worship (Romans 15:19 )?

3. Can you confidently recommend someone for service elsewhere, whose ministry has not been proved in the home place (Romans 16:1 )?