Romans 15

Romans 15:1

The advice is sound. We need to take a whole lot more things a whole lot less seriously. Because there is a tendency for Christians to get uptight and to major on the minors, it is essential to remember that the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing. And the main thing is Jesus Christ. But somehow, for some reason, we get sidetracked from the main thing. We find our little cause, pet doctrine, or personal perspective on ministry and think we’ve got to push this on everyone in the body of Christ. And in so doing, we find ourselves getting caught up in peripheral issues that don’t really matter. As evidenced by Paul’s discussion on diets and days in chapter 14, it seems the church in Rome had the same tendency. “These hobby horses ought not be,” said Paul as he continues his argument in chapter 15. As we saw in chapter 14, it is the weaker brother who is the legalist. This is shocking to me because my tendency would be to think the stronger Christian is the one who has the most dos and don’ts, and, therefore, the most discipline. Not so. It’s the weaker brother who moves and lives in legalism and rigidity, who has rules and regulations surrounding him that are not scriptural commands, but are personal opinions or conclusions. There are those who will look down on you because they think you’re too loose or too free. But in reality you’re to be patient with them because they’re the weaker brothers, the weaker sisters. Two guys in the woods found themselves eye to eye with a grizzly. Stunned, they sat stock stilluntil one of them began to slowly put on his tennis shoes. “What are you doing?” said the other guy. “Don’t you know you can’t outrun a grizzly bear?” “Yes,” said his friend. “But all I’ve got to do is outrun you!” That’s the way we sometimes think. “I’m free to run in liberty. If you get eaten up, pulled down, or done in that’s your problem.” Now, while that kind of thinking might work in the woodsit won’t in the body, for when one part is injured, the whole body suffers. If the folks in my fellowship family are not doing well, it will have a direct influence on how I do. Therefore, I must slow down in my liberty and take into consideration those who are not as strong or as free, those who might stumble over this idea or that practice.

Romans 15:2

While we are to bear the infirmities of the weak, quoting from Psa_69:9, Paul makes it clear that Jesus did not allow people to remain entrenched in their own legalism. While Jesus was healing on the Sabbath Day, the Pharisees began to reproach Him. Did He stop? No. He corrected their misunderstanding and then continued healing (Luk_14:1-4). On the other hand, there were times when Jesus laid aside His liberty. “Does your Master pay taxes in the temple?” the Pharisees asked Peter. “Of course,” Peter responded. But when Peter asked this same question of Jesus, Jesus said, “Do kings charge their own kids taxes? Of course not. But, in order that we don’t offend, go fishingand the first fish you catch will have a coin in his mouth to cover the taxes” (see Mat_17:24-27). “I’m confused,” you say. “Do I bear my neighbor’s infirmityor do I correct him for edification?” Just do what the Lord tells you to do at any given moment. Sometimes, He will tell you to bear with those who are weak. Other times, He’ll tell you to love them enough to give them a word of correctioneven if it means you will suffer reproach. Christianity is not rules, principles, or regulations. It’s walking with the Lord moment by moment, saying constantly, “Lord, how do I deal with this situation? Is it a time for backing away and bearing weaknessor is it a time for loving exhortation and confrontation? What do I do?” It’s as though the Lord gives us broad principles in the Word and then says, “See Me for further instructions. Talk to Me about specific application.” If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God who giveth to all men generously (Jas_1:5).

Romans 15:4

The Scripture account is filled with men who laid aside their liberty and rights for the sake of their weaker brothers. Abraham (Gen_13:8-9), Jonathan (1Sa_19:4), David (1Sa_24:10), and Moses (Heb_11:24) are all examples of men who willingly let go of their rightful possessions or positions. They didn’t demand their own wayand they prospered as a result. “Learn from their example,” said Paul. Underline the word “patience.” Yes, the Scriptures comfort usbut we have to be patient. “I’ve claimed a promise for three weeks. Why hasn’t it happened?” we say, forgetting that it was after Abraham patiently endured that he obtained the promise (Heb_6:15).

Romans 15:5

Why should you be patient with God? Because He’s patient with you. Do you realize how patient God has been with you? Think about it. If you were God, how long would you put up with you? Be likeminded in Christ and because of Christ, letting people have space, as you show them lots of grace.

Romans 15:6

Something happens when we hear the Scriptures and study the Word together. There’s a oneness of mind that takes placeeven if we differ on certain interpretations or certain applications. That’s why you will notice that when a person stops coming to Bible study and worship, slowly but surely, they no longer have one mind and one heart. It’s not that they don’t love the Lord. It’s not that they’re not saved. But, as they become isolated, they become vulnerable. “Don’t divide. Don’t pull away,” said Paul. “Be of one mind.”

Romans 15:8

Jesus came as a Minister of the circumcision. He came to the Jew and lived as a Jew in order to share truth with the Jews.

Romans 15:9

Jesus came to the Jews but also to the Gentiles. The Jews saw God’s truth in Jesus. The Gentiles saw His mercy. Jesus is among the Gentilesyou and me. So when we sing, “Father, I adore You,” guess who’s joining in. Guess who’s in the midst of our praise. Jesus is not only the object of our praisebut He’s in the midst of our praise, participating with us.

Romans 15:10

Paul quoted from the Psalms in verse Rom_15:9, from Deuteronomy in verse Rom_15:10, and from Isaiah in verse Rom_15:12. Thus, the three categories of the Jewish Biblethe Psalms, the law, and the prophetsare all represented in this brief section as Paul continues to drive home the fact that Jesus came for the Gentiles as well as the Jews. “The Gentiles?” the Jew would say. “They’re so trite and shallow. They’re unschooled in theology and have such a limited background in biblical history.” “Aha!” Paul would answer. “Guess who’s singing in their midst!” And the Gentile would say, “Those Jews are so bound in legalism and tradition. They’re so stuffy.” “Wait a minute,” Paul would interject, “Jesus Christ was a Minister of the circumcision.” The implications of this are pretty radical. There are some churches I walk into and think, This place is dead. The pastor wears robes. The people sit all dressed up like corpses. There’s no life whatsoever. Then I hear the Lord say, “Wait a minute. These people might not be your style, but that doesn’t mean they’re not My people.” Other places I walk into and say, “Oh, my. These people aren’t dead, but they’re shallow. Sure, they’re exuberant in their praise. But the preaching lacks substance.” Then I hear the Lord say, “Wait a minute. I love these people. I am in the midst of this church.” “You are?” I ask. “Yes,” He answers. “You mean You’re into both the Jews and Gentiles, both this group and that group?” “Yes. They love Me, so give them space.” The Lord is so big. Yet we can be so provincial and so narrow. “Well, if they worship in this manner or with that intensity, or with that kind of liturgy, they’re wrong,” we say. Not necessarily. If they love Jesus Christ and desire to walk with Him, give them space. Don’t be critical of them or divided from them. Just rejoice with them.

Romans 15:13

What is hope? Hope is the absolute expectation of coming good. Hope is the antidote for divisiveness and defensiveness. And throughout Scripture, hope is most often referred to in conjunction with the coming of Jesus Christ. Therefore, it is pointless for us to argue and debate here on earth, for soon we’ll be in heaven with Jesus, where all questions will be answered, all divisions will cease. After spending the first half of chapter 15 talking about unity in the body, we’ll see Paul put in the clutch and shift gears to discuss ministry in the world. Why? Because the two are very closely related. When does unity in the church happen? When people are ministering in the world. Check out a Billy Graham Crusade. It’s amazing who’s on the platform. Ministers and denominations that normally wouldn’t speak to one another are brought together for one purpose: to let folks know that heaven is around the bend and that there’s hope in Jesus Christ. A tourist approached a farmer in Iowa and said, “Don’t you think all these fences ruin the beauty of the fields out here?” “Yep,” said the farmer"until the corn starts growing. When the corn starts growing you don’t even see the fences." When are fences seen in the church? When there’s no fruit. That’s when the divisions become real and pronounced. But when there’s growth and fruit, evangelism and ministry, the fences of factionalism disappear. That is why the more evangelistic a church is, the less divided it becomes.

Romans 15:14

“I know you’re filled with knowledge and goodness, and that you’re able to admonish one another,” said Paul. “However, I’ve written these things to you in order that you might remember these truths.” Peter said the same thing when he wrote, “I would not be negligent to put you in remembrance of these things though ye know them, and are established in the present truth” (2Pe_1:12). Haven’t you found it incredible that you forget the things you really want to remember, yet remember the things you wish you could forget? It’s a mystery to meand yet partially explained by the fact that Satan reminds us of our failings day and night (Rev_12:10), while he constantly seeks to pluck away Scripture from our memories (Mat_13:19). It’s not how much you know, gang. It’s how well you know what you know.

Romans 15:16

D. L. Moody, a shoe salesman captured by Christ, who became one of the most effective soul-winners of all time, purposed in his heart as a young man that he would never let a day go by wherein he didn’t talk to at least one person about Jesus Christ. One night it was approaching midnight and, because of the events of the day, he had not shared the gospel with an unbeliever that particular day. So he went out onto the streets of Chicago, found a man, and said, “Sir, are you ready for heaven?” “Mind your own business,” said the startled man. “This is my business,” Moody answered. And it is our business as well. Walking the hills of Jacksonville, Oregon, one day, I found myself in the old Jacksonville cemetery. The tombstones of the early settlers provided an ironic backdrop for the women who were picnicking and the children who were playing hide-and-seek. Observing the scene, I was reminded of the simple calling God has given you and meto minister the gospel of God. For while the world plays games among the tombstones, eternity is only a heartbeat away. As Paul told his young protege, Timothy, “Put the brethren in remembrance of these things. In so doing, you will be accounted as being a faithful minister” (see 1Ti_4:6).

Romans 15:17

“I won’t speak of anything that hasn’t been wrought by me,” said Paul. In other words, “I’m only going to tell you what I have seen, of what the Lord has done through me by His grace.” How are we to share the gospel with a world that’s playing hide-and-seek in the cemetery? By wordby sharing the Scriptures. You may not understand all of the implications doctrinally. You may have trouble defending the Scriptures intellectually. But, like C. H. Spurgeon said when asked how to defend the Bible, “You defend the Bible as you would a roaring lion. You just open the cage and let it out.” The Word is alive and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword (Heb_4:12). Just start sharing the Scriptures and watch and see what the Lion of the Tribe of Judah does with the Word He’s given to you. Spiritual authority and power come when we share the things we ourselves are living out. That’s why I share so much about grace. I need it, I’ve embraced it, and I’m so thankful to God for it. Grace is not a theological concept to meit’s what I need desperately. You see, those truths of which you are personally in need, for which you are personally thankful, in which you are personally growing are the truths that will come alive in a very powerful and profound way as you share them with others.

Romans 15:19

Concerning signs and wonders, Jesus said signs shall follow them that believe (Mar_16:17). He said this in the context of evangelism. In other words, “Get going. And as you’re going, I’ll be flowing through you. I’ll be doing signs and wonders before you.” Gang, the Holy Spirit is like steam in a locomotive. He’s there to move the engine down the tracknot to toot the whistle. Too many people look at the power of the Holy Spirit as a whistle-tooter, as an end in itselfbut the Lord says, “You shall receive power when the Holy Ghost comes upon you to be My witnesses” (Act_1:8). Thus, when people ask why we don’t see more signs and wonders today, I say, “Go to Honduras. Go to Mexico. Go to Russia. Start evangelizing and watch and see what the Lord will do in you and the miracles that will flow through you.” But even if you never see an external sign, wonder, or miracle, you’re in good company. Jesus said of all of the men who had lived, John the Baptist was the greatest of them all. No man was greaternot Elijah who called down fire from heaven, not Elisha who raised the dead, not Moses who parted the Red Sea. Jesus said, “Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist” (Mat_11:11). And yet John did no miracle (Joh_10:41). So if you’ve never performed a miracle or even seen a miracle, take heart. You’re in good company. John did no miracle but “all things John spoke of this Man were true” (see Joh_10:41). What Man? Jesus Christ. Talking about Jesus is something I can doand so can you. Yes, I would love to have the powerful, miraculous ministry of Paul. But in the meantime, I’ll try to walk in the footsteps of John the Baptist, pointing others to the Lamb of God. In his fourteen-hundred-mile parish, Paul preached the gospel. Truly, the simplicity of the gospel is powerful. Don’t be embarrassed about it. Don’t back away from it. Don’t feel like you need to be deeper than Paul was. Paul said, “I travel everywhere, simply preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ.”

Romans 15:20

“I’m not going to build upon another man’s foundation,” said Paul. “I’m not going to dip into aquariumsI’m going to be a fisher of men.” To do this, Paul walked fourteen hundred miles. So, too, we must find areas where no one is meeting a specific need, no one is touching certain folks, no one is reaching a particular group, and ask the Lord if, by His grace, you can reach this group, touch those folks, or meet that need.

Romans 15:21

Paul quotes Isa_52:15 as his confirmation of Scripture for going to those who have not seen and who have not heard in order that they might see and hear and understand.

Romans 15:22

Keep in mind when Paul wrote this, he was in Corinth, wanting desperately to go to Rome.

Romans 15:23

Perhaps due to persecution or drought, the saints in Jerusalem were undergoing a season of poverty. Gentile believers, realizing their indebtedness to the Jerusalem church for evangelizing their region, collected an offering for the church in Jerusalem. After delivering their gift, Paul planned to go to Spain (verse Rom_15:24). Did he ever make it? We don’t know. Church tradition indicates he did, indeed, go to Spain and then on up into England. But this can’t be emphatically verified. I personally believe he did go to Spain. Why? Because right before his death, he wrote, “I have finished my course” (2Ti_4:7). Now, whether or not Paul’s plan unfolded the way he hoped, the fact remains that he had a plan. A lot of people go through seasons where they’re not doing anything. “What’s your plan?” I ask. “I don’t have one,” they answer. “What’s your intention?” “I don’t know.” “What do you hope to accomplish in the remaining years of your life?” “Beats me.” Paul was a man with a plan. I would encourage all of us to seek the Lord and say, “Show me Your plan, Lord, as it relates to my kids, my wife, my employment, my ministry. Lord, I really want to hear from You.” Without vision, people perish (Pro_29:18). Why is there such a lack of vision today? I believe television is a big part of it. Next time you feel a lack of vision, turn off your television, go for a walk, and ask the Lord for His plan for your life.

Romans 15:30

The word translated “strive” is sunagonizomai, from which we get our word “agonize.” In other words, Paul was asking for passionate, fervent prayer because he knew danger awaited him in Jerusalem. How did he know this? Because people in every city on his journey warned him, “You’re headed for real problems in Jerusalem” (see Act_20:23; Act_21:4; Act_21:11). Paul’s parish was the Gentile world (verse Act_21:18). His power came from the Spirit of God (verse Act_21:19). His priority was the gospel (verse Act_21:19). His policy was to build on no man’s foundation (verse Act_21:20). His plan was to go to Rome (verses Act_21:22-23). One thing was left. He needed prayer.

Romans 15:31

Paul requested prayer in three specific areas. The first is seen herethat he might be protected from the unbelievers in Jerusalem who were out to do him in. Second, Paul requested prayer that the believers in Jerusalem might accept him.

Romans 15:32

Third, Paul requested prayer that he might come with joy to Rome. “Agonize with me in prayer,” he said, “that I might be protected from the unbelievers who are out to get me, that I might be accepted by the believers who are there waiting for me, and that I might come to you with joy and be refreshed mutually.” Was Paul protected? So severe was the stoning he received at the hands of unbelieving Jews that his life was spared only when he was taken into protective custody by Lycinius, a Roman centurion (Acts 21). Was he accepted by the believers? The believers themselves were the underlying reason for the stoning he received. Furthermore, they never thanked him for the offering he risked his life to deliver to them, nor does Scripture record any of them speaking with him or caring for him during the two years he was in protective custody. Did he come to Rome with joy? He traveled to Rome as a prisoner of the Roman Empire. And so we wonder. It looks like the prayers of the Romans weren’t answeredor were they? Was he protected? Yes. He didn’t die. Bloodied? You betbut he didn’t die. Was he accepted by the believers? Oh, not initiallybut eventually, for Peter himself instructed the believers to listen to what Paul had to say (2Pe_3:15). Did he make it to Rome? While he didn’t travel in the way he intended, at least his trip was all-expenses paid! Gang, like Paul, sometimes we say, “Pray for me. I’m going through this struggle, and here are three things I need to see happen…” And although we pray with fervency, sometimes initially it seems like just the opposite of what we hoped for happens. But wait. I have discovered that usually when I think prayers are not being answered, it’s simply because I have not seen the unique and beautiful way God is working. I once read an article in the paper about a woman in Alaska who tried to call her sister in Idaho, but she mistakenly dialed a house in Vermont because she dialed Vermont’s 802 area code rather than Idaho’s 208 area code. The woman in Vermont who answered the call was, at that moment, suffering a severe heart attack. As a result, the woman in Alaska heard only a gasping voice on the other end of the line, saying, “Help me. Help me. Please, God, help me.” The woman in Alaska was able to work with telephone operators and emergency personnel to save the Vermont woman’s life. Sometimes, when I pray, I think all I get are busy signals or wrong numbers. But God is working in ways that, if I’ll just hang in there, I’ll see His handas evidenced in this familiar prayer by a Confederate soldier: I asked God for strength, that I might achieve, I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey. I asked for health, that I might do greater things, I was given infirmity, that I might do better things. I asked for riches, that I might be happy, I was given poverty, that I might be wise. I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men, I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God. I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life, I was given life, that I might enjoy all things. I got nothing that I asked for, But everything I had hoped for. Almost despite myself, My unspoken prayers were answered. I am among all men, most richly blessed. That’s the way of the Lord. In the middle of our own civil wars, we may not see God’s hand. But on the other side, we’ll say, “Lord, I got nothing I asked forbut everything I really wanted.” The purpose and the power of prayer are not to get your way for your life, but to get the Lord’s blessing on your life. The prayers Paul requested were truly answered in the best possible way, for lives were touched, folks were saved, and we’re encouraged here today because people prayed.