Romans 15:22-25

Romans 15:22-25

And for this reason I was being prevented many times to come to you all.  But now I no longer have a place in these regions while having a desire for many years to come to you all when I should travel into Spain.  For I hope to see you all while passing through and to be sent there by you all on my way.  For I hope to go there after enjoying your company.  But now, I am travelling to Jerusalem while serving the holy ones.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul reminds his readers that the work of Christ being done through him is why he hasn’t been able to visit them.  It is really easy to gloss over this point, but we really shouldn’t.  Here is another example of submission to God.  Paul has wanted to go and see the believers in Rome.  He’s heard about how God is moving among them.  But he’s more interested in accomplishing the will of God than accomplishing his own desires.  Paul has put the mission of God ahead of his own personal life.  Here is a true servant of God.

Do you find this example inspiring or challenging?  What does it take within us to put God’s will ahead of our own?

Second Thought:

Paul looks forward to being among the saints in Rome.  In fact, he looks forward to being among them so that he can go forward into ministry.  There is a neat dynamic here in this sentiment as well.  Paul sees the fellowship of the saints as something to propel one out into ministry.  Paul doesn’t think God sends him out so that he can bring people in.  Rather, Paul goes into the believers so that he has what it takes to go out into ministry.  The fellowship of one another drives us out into ministry.

Does the fellowship of one another drive you out into ministry?  Into what ministry can the fellowship of believers around you drive you out?

Third Thought:

Paul then tells the people in Rome that he is headed to Jerusalem.  He is going to Jerusalem because he knows that there are widows and orphans who are struggling in Jerusalem.  He has been collecting money in all of the churches that he’s been planting so that he could bring the resources back home and care for the orphans and the widows in Jerusalem.  Unfortunately, we also know what happens when Paul gets to Jerusalem.  He will be arrested by the Jews and sent to Rome.  He will go to Rome as a prisoner to be judged by the emperor.  He will get to see the people in Rome, but not in the way that he intends.

Why does Paul’s service lead him into trouble?  How does this follow the pattern of Christ?

Passage for Tomorrow: Romans 15:26-29