Romans 15:23-33
Dec 8, 2024
Pastor Craig Ledbetter
Bible Baptist Church of Ballincollig
I. Introduction (1Corinthians 9:19-22; Romans 15:30)
A. The Apostle Paul is sharing his heart about the Gospel ministry that he gets to do…
1. Preach to Pagans, idolators, cannibals, witches, necromancers, astrologers, atheists, agnostics, pantheists, spiritists…
2. And not just preaching, but ministering – serving, giving up his time, and talents, and money and health for just one soul
3. 1Corinthians 9:19-22 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
B. He calls it an honour, a gift Jesus gave him. Not a bother or a burden, but an eternal purpose
C. He shows us just how far one man can go, when filled with the Spirit of God, and committed to God’s will – four journeys through the middle east, totally over 10,000 miles, starting over 50 churches, training hundreds of preachers and Bible teachers
D. He has admitted that he only accomplished his calling with the help of the Holy Spirit in him, every moment of every day – absolute dependency upon the Spirit of God
E. Paul now says something quite amazing…
F. Pray for me! (Romans 15:30) Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me.
II. Message
A. Onto Rome and Then to Spain (Romans 15:23,24)
1. Romans 15:23,24 But now having no more place in these parts [TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO], and having a great desire these many years to come unto you [IN ROME]; Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.
2. Paul had a big trip planned to go as far as Spain! [MAP]
a. He knew it would require travelling long distances (further than he has travelled so far), logistics, networking along the way, and a lot of planning
b. Yet his trip did not happen as planned
3. But God had other plans for Paul
a. It would be about 8 more years before he was able to go to Rome, and it was not the way he had hoped. In the end, he would travel to Rome as a prisoner of Rome, and be executed there by Nero.
b. Not exactly the way Paul would have wanted things.
4. But pay attention to some important principles from this…
a. Make plans – make lots of plans. Set a course – anything!
1) To get married, have children
2) To go on holiday
3) To buy a house, a car
4) To change jobs, start a career
5) Grow a garden
6) Learn a language
b. Aim for God to be glorified. THAT is the greatest purpose and goal of any life lived!
c. Let God change those plans and work out things to HIS own end - let God guide you. Live a life that can be directed by God – like a river, towards His perfect will being done!
1) Paul’s plan was to travel to Spain and Rome
2) Paul’s plans and desires were not wrong…
3) But, God's plan was better. He is God! God actually knows the endgame and can see the best way to the goal.
4) Paul has experienced this constriction many times
5) Acts 16:4-7 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily. Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.
d. Just, keep going forward.
1) The devil wins… by scaring, discouraging us. Don’t let the devil win!
2) Philippians 3:13,14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
e. And make sure you finish with joy! In Acts chapter 20, Paul says whatever God wants to do with me, all I want to do is finish, and I want to finish with the joy I had the first day I got saved!
5. Did Paul go to Spain? Probably. And probably further! Maybe even to England! A man named Clement of Rome wrote in 95 AD that the Apostle Paul had reached “the farthest limits of the West.” That fits Spain (which at that time included Portugal).
B. But it is to Jerusalem First that Paul Must Travel (Romans 15:25-29)
1. Romans 15:25 But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.
2. Paul is Cenchrea at the moment, near Corinth [MAP]
3. Announces he must first travel 750 miles BACK to Jerusalem. The opposite direction
4. Why go to Jerusalem?
a. Paul was hated there – was a traitor to the Jewish religion
b. But… there was deep famine going on in Judea at the time
1) Crops had failed. People were starving
2) And the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem were the last to be shown any kindness – they were left to die
c. So, some Christians all over Greece - Gentile Christians by-the-way, of Macedonia and Achaia, collected a large sum of money from among their churches to help out part of the family of God way down in Jerusalem
d. They were family helping family!
e. Romans 15:26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
f. When Paul called them “poor saints” he was not joking. They were destitute!
5. Us Gentiles are debtors to Jews – especially to believing Jews
a. Romans 15:27 It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.
b. It pleased / thrilled the Gentile believers to give to this need – it was an honour, a delight, a joy, to GIVE back!
c. Christians, entire churches in Macedonia, and Achaia in Greece gave an offering of money to help the Christians in Jerusalem pay their bills and have food on their table!
d. Read about it in 1Corinthians chapter 16, and 2Corinthians chapter 8
1) 1Corinthians 16:1-3 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.
2) 2Corinthians 8:1-4 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
e. Paul wanted to minister to (meet the needs of) the “Saints” there
1) The title given to anyone who has been forgiven by the death of Christ
2) Washed white as snow
3) Made clean and right in the sight of God
4) Separated from the world, and from sin’s dominion
6. This was so opposite of what you would expect
a. Gentile Christians were taking care of Jewish Christians living in Jerusalem!
b. Paul calls Gentile believers… debtors to the Jewish people!
c. The Jewish believers owe Gentiles the sacrifice of their lives to give them the gospel
d. And the Gentile believers owe the Jewish believers carnal things like money
e. We never pay for the Gospel – it is free. But when someone gives you the Gospel at great sacrifice to themselves, you owe it to them to give back to meet their needs!
7. Paul is reminding US that we owe the Christians before us
a. Many churches and Christians have given their lives and monies to help us be here
b. If we hear of them suffering, we owe it to them to help them out
c. Never forget about, or ignore the shoulders you are standing on
d. The person who led you to faith in Christ
e. The church that taught you to believe the Bible – not constantly question it
f. The discipler who answered your questions
g. They did it all at their own expense
h. But, you may have an opportunity one day to pay them back, and that is a good thing
8. After Jerusalem, Rome!
a. Romans 15:28,29 When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain. And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
b. He couldn’t wait to see them
c. He got a full blessing being with other believers!
d. THAT is a sign you are saved – love of the brethren – not tolerance!
C. Pray For Me (Romans 15:30-32) Here is the main point!
1. Romans 15:30-32 Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.
2. What a great statement for Paul to make
3. Paul asked the Christians in Rome to pray for him.
a. Paul asked for them to pray that he would be protected from unbelieving Jews who were out to kill him “That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea”
b. Pray that his service, his preaching, his teaching, his fellowshipping would actually help and refresh believers
c. And pray that he would be able to travel to Rome (Romans 15:32) That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.
4. Why?
a. Because he didn't have regular income. He worked a side-job, but it was never enough
b. He was not Superman, and he often got tired and worn out ministering
c. His life was constantly at risk – not easy or safe
d. The distances on foot and by boat were immense!
e. He was constantly facing obstacles and hinderances and Satanic attacks
5. Paul admits that he needs people, other Christians, to pray for him
a. Paul is probably the greatest Christian who has ever lived, and yet he is admitting that everything was done by two things…
b. Not by his own abilities or talents
c. But by the empowerment of the Spirit of God
d. AND… by the prayers of God's people!
e. Prayer is the greatest power that we neglect as Christians!
1) Part of the whole armour of God
2) Ephesians 6:18-20 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
f. Paul constantly asked for Christians to pray to god for him!
1) 1Thessalonians 5:25 Brethren, pray for us. Referring to Paul, and Timothy, and Titus, and Silas, and Demas, and Barnabas, and John Mark, and Peter, and John, and everyone who was striving to preach to a world that needed the Gospel!
2) 2Thessalonians 3:1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you.
6. Oh that WE believed that prayer worked
a. "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us" Ephesians 3:20
b. "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." Jeremiah 33:3
7. Prayer means ASKING!
a. Asking God to specifically help someone with a need that you cannot meet.
b. Asking God to protect someone that you cannot protect
c. For God to fill someone with the Spirit of God, and enable them to do the will of God
d. Asking God to clear your own mind and thoughts, to calm your heart
e. Asking God to walk close by you and hold you up when you are afraid of falling
f. Prayer is asking God to fill you with thankfulness instead of bitterness
g. Prayer is asking God to use you to stay faithful and true to Christ
8. Everyone needs us to pray for them
a. “I” need you to pray for me – my wife needs you to pray for her
b. The elders and teachers in this church need you and I to pray for them
c. The backslidden in this church – the discouraged, AND those excited need prayer
d. Don’t forget our Missionaries – THEY need us to pray for them – by name
1) For their ministries, outreaches
2) For their marriages
3) Their children to walk with God and serve God, and love God
4) The new believers, to grow and stand for the Lord
5) Their financial needs
6) For the spiritual war that they are in
9. But, understand, it is not selfish to ask for prayer for YOUR needs
10. It is not wrong for you to pray about your needs
11. It is only wrong to NOT pray – to be too busy to pray – to pray with only words, instead of with deep dependency! James 5:16 …The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
12. PRAYER must be done by every believer! A set aside time of prayer, and an attitude of constant prayer!
13. We have PRAYER together on Wednesday evenings… come!
D. The First Ending of Romans (Romans 15:33)
1. Romans 15:33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
2. This is Paul's first attempt to close this letter
a. Paul will attempt to finish this letter FOUR times!
b. Evidently as Paul is writing, he thinks of more things to say and then he will finish with an Amen and then start writing something else, and try to finish with an Amen, over and over!
c. It's kind of like a PS at the end of a letter and then a PPS, and a PPPS!
3. Amen means:
a. YES! That’s right! I agree!
b. So be it!
c. Verily, Truly!
d. The modern way of saying it is “Hear, hear!”
4. Paul loves the word “Amen” and so should we!
5. So, It is good to say “Amen” in church when what is said is true! Both when the word of God cuts deep, and when it encourages you!
E. Paul has one more chapter (Chapter 16), written to us, for us to read and learn from!
III. Conclusion
A. Ladies and Gentlemen, Make plans – make lots of plans
1. But, Let God change those plans and work out things to His own end - let God guide you
2. Live a life that can be directed by God – like a river, towards His perfect will being done!
B. Care About the Needs of Other Christians. We owe the Christians before us – they gave so much so we could stand. Let’s never forget or ignore them
C. Ask for Prayer – It is okay to ask for prayer!
1. Oh that WE believed that prayer worked, and that we actually made time to switch off and pray to our heavenly Father and ask for what we need, and what others need!
2. It is only wrong to NOT pray – to be too busy to pray – to pray with only words, instead of with deep dependency!
3. Prayer is the greatest power that we neglect as Christians!
D. Are you Saved?
1. Do you think you are a good person, and don’t need Jesus to actually save you?
2. Do you leave it to others to pray, because you are too busy?
3. Do you know where you will go when you die? Do you even care?
4. God cared, and gave up His only begotten Son, who came and took your place under the wrath of God on the cross so that your life could be saved!