Romans, Session 25: Romans 15.14-33

Verses 15-18

How does Paul think of his ministry? In his eyes, what is his role?
- What is it about Paul’s work that means he can be proud of it? See also 1 Cor 15.10.
- How do you tend to see your work and studies? How can Paul’s view of his work help us in the way we see our work?

One way in which Paul thinks about his ministry is as a ‘priestly service of the gospel of God.’ Look at Romans 12:1: How does this help us understand something of what Paul means by ‘priestly service’?
- What does this tell us about our own evangelism and witness as Christians?
- Obviously, we are not the apostle Paul, who was uniquely called and gifted. However, as you reflect on the opportunities you do have, do you seek to give a reason for your hope (1 Pet 3.15), or walk in wisdom to outsiders and make the most of every opportunity (Col 4.5)?

What is Paul aiming for from the Gentiles he preaches to? Look back at Rom 1.5 for further detail.
- What does this tell us about the level of response Paul is looking for when the gospel of Christ is understood and believed by those he preaches to? How does this compare with the expectation in some forms of Christianity today?
- When you read something in the Bible that challenges your current behaviour or way of thinking, is your disposition to obey, to make excuses, to ignore it, or a mixture? Why?
Paul summarises his ministry in two words, what are they?
- This verse makes it clear that church ministry needs these two elements too. How will they be expressed in a church context?

What different types of ‘deeds’ was Paul carrying out? Why is this interesting?
- Look at 2 Cor 12.12. This is Paul’s only other use of the words ‘signs’ and ‘wonders’. How should this inform how we think of these in terms of our own evangelism?
- Considering Paul’s works of generosity, how can and should our lives embody the gospel in ways that make it attractive to outsiders?

Why do the Gentile churches ‘owe’ the Jerusalem church?
- In what way does the gospel lay upon us the debt of caring for the poor and needy (2 Cor 8.8-11)?

How does Paul say the Christians in Rome can work together with him?
- In what specific areas does he request this?
  - How much do you pray for the ministry of the church, or for missions? Do you see this as a way you too can engage in the works? What have you found helpful in doing this, or what changes could you make to do this more?

Summarise what you have learned about church ministry and evangelism based on this passage.

How does Paul think of his ministry? In his eyes, what is his role?
It comes from the grace given him by God; he sees himself as a servant/minister of Christ; it is a priestly service; it is what Christ has accomplished through him.
- What is it about Paul’s work that means he can be proud of it? See also 1 Cor 15.10.
  It is ‘in Christ Jesus’ and what Christ has accomplished through him.

One way in which Paul thinks about his ministry is as a ‘priestly service of the gospel of God.’ Look at Romans 12:1: How does this help us understand something of what Paul means by ‘priestly service’?
Paul refers to the Gentiles as an offering. In Rom 12.1 he says we are to give ourselves as offerings – living sacrifices. Verse 16 therefore suggests that Paul sees his work of evangelism as one way in which he gives himself to God in response to God’s mercy. One part of what it means for Paul to offer himself as a living sacrifice is to engage in evangelism and spread the gospel. In response to God’s mercy, he wants others to hear of that mercy.
- What does this tell us about our own evangelism and witness as Christians?
  It is not an add-on extra. To be a witness for Christ is a key part of what it means to offer ourselves completely to God in light of how Christ gave Himself for us.

What is Paul aiming for from the Gentiles he preaches to? Look back at Rom 1.5 for further detail.
Obedience
- What does this tell us about the level of response Paul is looking for when the gospel of Christ is understood and believed by those he preaches to? How does this compare with the expectation in some forms of Christianity today?
  Paul is not simply after ‘a decision’ to follow Christ, or weekly attendance at church or Bible study. He is after obedience to Christ. The gospel, when understood and believed, should result in whole life transformation such that we now want to obey Christ and see real change in our lives, as our lives come into conformity to His will.
Paul summarises his ministry in two words, what are they?
Word and deed. I.e. Paul’s preaching and his actions/lifestyle.

What different types of ‘deeds’ was Paul carrying out? Why is this interesting?
He worked through signs and wonders, but also through generosity and caring for the poor.
- Look at 2 Cor 12.12. This is Paul’s only other use of the words ‘signs’ and ‘wonders’. How should this inform how we think of these in terms of our own evangelism?
  Paul says they are the signs of a true apostle. That is, they were to authenticate the genuine nature of his apostolic ministry. So whatever one thinks of the continuation of the gifts of the Spirit, this at least suggests that the level of signs and wonders seen in Paul’s ministry is not something we should automatically expect in our own.

Why do the Gentile churches ‘owe’ the Jerusalem church?
They have received the gospel – spiritual blessing – from them. So they ‘owe’ them ‘material blessing.’
- In what way does the gospel lay upon us the debt of caring for the poor and needy (2 Cor 8.8-11)?
  Christ became poor for us, that He might make us rich. His sacrificial giving of Himself for us is what can motivate our sacrificial giving to the poor and needy. It is this that means we will ‘be pleased to do it’ – Rom 15.27, and not see it as a burden.

How does Paul say the Christians in Rome can work together with him?
Through prayer
- In what specific areas does he request this?
  Protection from unbelievers; that his practical care for the needy in Jerusalem would be well received; that his plans to come to Rome would come to pass.