Romans 15

Tuesday, 21 January 2014

For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient—Romans 15:18

In the preceding verse, Paul stated “Therefore I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God.” In substantiation of this, he begins this verse with “for.” There was sufficient reason for him to glory in the matters related to his ministry for God and to demonstrate his apostolic authority based on Christ’s effective working in him. Because of this he says that he “will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me.”

And so when he notes his accomplishments, the words and the deeds were brought about not by his own power, but by the power of Christ. In Acts and in his epistles, there are evidences of miracles and signs being brought about through him and yet they aren’t the main focus of his ministry. If they were, one might think that they were either made up or that he was somehow endowed with these in his own right, but because they are noted incidentally, it is evident that they were the result of Christ working in him.

In fact, there are times when the miracles were lacking. In 2 Timothy 4:20, he said he “left Trophimus sick in Miletus.” In 1 Timothy 5:23, he told Timothy to “No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities.” If Paul were the one to wield these powers, or if he had authority over the Spirit of Christ in him, he could have “claimed healing in Jesus’ name” and taken care of both of these. Even more to the point was his own affliction. He asked for it to be removed from him three times and yet the Lord left him with it saying, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 12 Corinthians 12:9.

By these things, it is manifest that what is noted and the healings that were wrought were solely by the work of Christ in Him. Because this is so, there was no boasting in Him, but rather glorying in Christ Jesus. And what is the purpose of these things? It is that “in word and deed” Christ was working through Paul “to make the Gentiles obedient.” Paul’s ministry was unique in that he was the “Apostle to the Gentiles.” Christ worked through him to secure for Himself a people from every tribe, tongue, and nation.

What is apparent from this is that the church is dependent on the letters of Paul for its direction and edification. What he writes is our doctrine. At some point, the church age will end and Israel will again be the focus of God’s attention, but until that occurs, we are to rely on the directives given by Paul – not because they are from him personally, but because they are from Christ through him and specifically designed for this dispensation – the Church Age.

Life application: Paul never claimed anything as his right – healing, miracles, wonders, etc. Instead, he allowed the Lord to work through him. Let’s use this as an example in our own lives. By claiming something in the Lord’s name to which we are not entitled, we bring embarrassment on ourselves and discredit upon His name.

Heavenly Father, help me to understand the times when my prayers aren’t answered. I know that I ask from a state of not seeing the whole picture. But You see all and know what is best. Help me always to trust in this and to not question You in Your judgments. Thank You that even though my wants aren’t always met, my needs always are. Amen.

Monday, 20 January 2014

Therefore I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God. Romans 15:17

In the previous verse, Paul clearly laid out his ministerial service as one of a priestly role. In this capacity and because of it, he now states “therefore.” In essence, “Because of that, therefore this.” And then he moves directly into his explanation – “I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God.” In this thought, he uses the exact same Greek term, ta pros ton Theon, “in things which pertain to God” which is later used in Hebrews 5:1 –

“For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.”

This then shows that what he was referring to in verse 16 is to be interpreted as pertaining to functions of a priestly nature. His ministry, which is directed to the Gentile people, has been specially instituted “that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.” And because it is, Paul has a reason “to glory in Christ Jesus.”

The word “to glory” is variously translated as “boast,” “be enthusiastic,” “have pride,” “brag,” etc. But despite the personal nature of the word, it is a boasting which is not for himself, but “in Christ Jesus.” Ultimately, Christ made the selection, Christ gave the strength, Christ endowed with the wisdom to convey, and so forth. He is the “author and finisher” of our faith and thus whatever is our boast, it ultimately belongs to Him. As Paul will later state in 1 Corinthians 1:30, 31 –

“But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption— that, as it is written, ‘He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.'”

To personally boast in what one hasn’t earned is self-seeking and conceited. And the premise of our salvation, sanctification, duties in Christ, glorification, etc. is that it is all God’s work in and through us. And so, to God be the glory. Without the cross, none of it would be possible. Because of the cross everything else in the process then comes by His grace.

Life application: When we accomplish a deed for the Lord, be it small or great, we must ultimately give God the glory for it. We wouldn’t be in the Lord if it wasn’t for the Lord’s work. Likewise, the Holy Spirit wouldn’t have been granted without the Lord’s work. And the deeds could not have come about without either. It all inevitably goes back to the glory of God.

Lord Jesus, only You are worthy of the honor and boasting which come from my Christian service. Without the cross, there would be no church. Without the resurrection, there would be no hope. Without Your Spirit, I would still be separated from You. And so whatever things I do, be they great or small, the credit is Yours alone. Use me then according to Your wisdom and for Your glory. Amen.

Sunday, 19 January 2014

…that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:16

Paul provides an enormous amount of detail in this verse. He just stated that he has been bold in some points as a reminder to the Romans and then he said this was due to “the grace given to me by God.” He now explains that grace; it’s substance and how it is worked out. He shares that this included that he “might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles.”

The word he uses for “minister” isn’t the normal one that we might think of, diakonos. Rather, the word is leitourgon. It is a word used only five times in the New Testament. One example is Romans 13:6 which is speaking of the “governing authorities” in the civilian world. Another example though is found in Hebrews 8:2. In this instance, it is referring to Jesus, the High Priest and “a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man.”

Paul is showing that his apostleship is a ministry of such weight for the gentiles. He is a superintending governor in doctrinal matters and his ministry is executed in the form of a priest on behalf of the gentiles. This is evident from the context which he will continue to reveal.

In his priestly role, his work is for the purpose of “ministering the gospel of God.” Again, a word is introduced which provides the context. “ministering” here is the word hierourgounta.  This is its only use in the New Testament and refers to doing temple work or performing sacred rites. These are duties only a priest of the Old Testament would accomplish, and yet he – from the tribe of Benjamin, has been granted this rite. This demonstrates the certainty that the previous covenant is set aside in Christ and a new order of priests and priestly duties has been initiated.

Paul’s ministry then is the “gospel of God.” The work of God in Christ is the very thing which makes the Gentiles acceptable to God. They are justified and sanctified, not through temple sacrifices and offerings, but through the finished work of Jesus Christ at Calvary’s cross. It is through His work and the ministering of Paul that the “offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable.”

Here again is another word demonstrating the greatness of what has occurred. The word “offering” is prosphora – an offering to God. This would be comparable to a sacrifice or offering made in the temple during the law. In Hebrews 10:8, this same word is used in a manner referring to those Old Testament offerings in which the Lord “did not desire, nor had pleasure in them.” And then in Hebrews 10:10 is says that believers “have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” In this verse, the word prosphora is used referring to the body of  Christ.

As can be seen, the Gentiles have now actually become an offering to God because of the work of Christ, sanctified through what He has accomplished. It is through this great work that the Holy Spirit is available to do exactly that, the part of sanctification. Although it would appear to the Jews coming out of the Old Covenant that this would be impossible, it is the very heart of the work of Christ. That together, Jew and Gentile, are found acceptable through Him.

As an object lesson in this, the book of Acts notes the conversion of Cornelius and his household. When the Holy Spirit came down on them, it seemed incredible to the Jews, but in the end, it notes, “…they glorified God, saying, ‘Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.'” Acts 11:18

Life application: Through the work of Christ, Gentiles are now an acceptable offering to God. The sealing of the Holy Spirit is evidence of this. The Spirit is given upon belief and without any other thing being necessary. If God has justified the sinner and sanctified him by the Holy Spirit, then how can we argue against what God has done?

Heavenly Father, when I think of what Jesus went through for me, I can scarce believe it. And yet, we were told it was coming all along. In Him is redemption, in Him is full pardon from sin. Everything written pointed to Him and everything is accomplished in Him. May I never boast except in the cross of Jesus Christ my Lord,by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Amen.

Saturday, 18 January 2014

Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God, Romans 15:15

Paul had just said this to the Romans in the previous verse –

“Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.”

Having said this, he now states, “nevertheless.” He will make a firm addition to the kind words which he just spoke in the thought he is about to impart. In essence, “Despite my confidence in you and your abilities, I have to say the following….”

“I have written more boldly to you on some points…” He acknowledges that despite their knowledge and ability to discern what is correct and to pass it on to others, he has engaged in some very strong and weighty issues in a way which was quite forthright and which could possibly even be considered overbearing to the recipients. And he did this “on some points.” The term used here is apo meros and is actually debated as to what he is referring to. Two options are considered –

1) Some of the points noted in his epistles were direct and forthright, or

2) He was direct and forthright to a portion of the letter’s recipients (i.e. Jew or Gentile, or possibly the “weaker in the faith” and the “stronger brethren.”)

Either way, Paul’s words were not intended as a bold rebuke, but rather as bold instruction. Were they a rebuke, he certainly wouldn’t have been as generous in his wording of the previous verse. Though bold, he desires it to be known that his words were simply a way of reminding the Roman church “because of the grace given to” him by God.

He had stated his apostleship, defended his calling, and noted that as the appointed “apostle to the Gentiles” he was serving in a priestly role to them. He was providing the instruction of God to the people of God, including clarification of spiritual matters. This was the role of the priestly class in the Old Testament and he had been called to this role in the New.

It should be noted that in times past he could not have been given these duties because he was of the tribe of Benjamin and priestly duties were once given only to the tribe of Levi. But in Christ, who descended in his human genealogy from Judah, a new order of priesthood had come about. As John states to the believers in Revelation 1:5,6 , without distinction of tribe or nationality, “To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever.”

Paul certainly then filled this priestly role within the confines of the New Covenant and he did so by “the grace of God given to” him. In this position of grace, and in fulfillment of his priestly duties, he imparted his knowledge boldly in an effort to keep the body of believers on the right track concerning their doctrine and practice.

Life application: Paul is the New Testament’s appointed “apostle to the Gentiles.” It is his instruction to which the church is to adhere to during this dispensation. All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for our instruction and edification, but Paul’s writings are the authoritative standard for church-age doctrine and practice. We dismiss his words at the expense of a properly operating and effective body of believers.

Lord Jesus, I am so truly thankful that You were patient with me, allowing me time to have a change in heart and a desire to follow a different path than the one I pursued for so long. Instead of saying, “This one isn’t worth my time” You waited and continued to offer Your peace. Now Lord, use me to get this same message out to those around me. Surely all are worth that same opportunity. Yes, use me in this task, to Your glory. Amen. 

Friday, 17 January 2014

Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. Romans 15:14

For the most part, Paul has given the bulk of his epistle of doctrine and he has given his words of instruction. His benediction of verse 13 has been uttered and now he begins a lengthy closing statement. However, it is not without further instruction or doctrine. It is mingled, among other things, with special reflections, personal requests, and words of encouragement and greeting to individuals.

Having spent so much time on the issue of “disputable matters” and the necessity to develop and maintain harmony within the church concerning those things, he tactfully provides today’s verse. “Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren…” He has heard of the church, he has given them instruction, and now he is encouraging them by acknowledging that they are capable to handle all the points of doctrine they have received as well as being able to handle the “disputable matters” which exist.

To these “brethren” and in full confidence of this, he tells them that you are –

1) “Full of goodness.” They will be willing to properly and tactfully respond to the weaknesses of others without judgment in matters which are not of doctrinal weight and importance. Instead, their goodness will shine forth and make adjustments in these issues.

2) “Filled with all knowledge.” They were already established in Christ (Romans 1:8) and now Paul has instructed them in the issues necessary to elevate them to right knowledge in the areas they may have been lacking. As an apostle (Romans 1:1) he has carefully submitted a thoughtful and majestic epistle of instruction on how to handle matters of both doctrinal weight and importance and those of lesser weight which are disputable in nature. This knowledge is sufficient to the task of building them into an effective and mature body of believers.

3) “Able also to admonish one another.” Through their knowledge, and with the assistance of a written epistle which they can hold on to and refer to for instruction, they are now able to correct one another in doctrinal deficiencies and also to decide what matters are doubtful. Knowledge in those matters which are weighty in nature will keep the congregation on sound footing and away from heresy, licentiousness, and apostasy. Those matters which are of less moment can be addressed from a loving standpoint where the weaker will grow to a state of strength and the stronger will be kept from haughtiness or arrogance when dealing with the weaker in the body.

In essence, the “goodness” in them will keep from damaging the faith of the weaker as well as inciting egotism in the stronger. At the same time, the “knowledge” is their source of correct instruction for the weaker in the faith. The “admonishment” is the effective means of instruction in a way which should avoid the pitfalls he has so carefully and exactingly warned against.

The example of Christ is to be remembered in it all and that example, as he summed up just before his benediction, is one which is equally bearing on Jew and Gentile. With God, there is no favoritism and only through acceptance of the state of one another, and a loving display of that acceptance, will the congregation truly reflect His example.

Life application: Doctrine matters in tenets of weight; acceptance of differences matters in disputable issues; goodness is a bridge to effectively use knowledge; and admonishment should come with that attitude of goodness. In all of this, remembering the example of Christ is paramount.

Lord God, in Your word I find Jesus and in Jesus I find Your very heart as He reveals You to me. Without Your word, I can’t know Jesus and so knowing You intimately isn’t possible. Shall I trade such wondrous knowledge for TV, internet, football, work, play, shopping, and a million other things until there isn’t time for You? No! Help me to make and use a portion of my time rightly Lord. Help me to learn Your word every day. Amen.