Romans 15:22-33

Good morning, church family! I’m so happy to be back with you today. Many of you know that I visited Kansas City last weekend. I stayed with my best friend Joe and got to enjoy a Chiefs game - a lifelong dream, and top that off with some delicious Gates BBQ.

By the way, if you’d like to, you can make your way over to where we’ll be starting today. As always, the scripture will also be shown on the screens.

The day that I arrived, I parked in front of Joe’s house, and went inside to unwind and visit. Not more than half an hour of sitting inside, we heard a loud boom, followed by the sound of my truck alarm. Looking outside, we noticed that someone had rear-ended my truck! I thought it was pronounced Missouri, but I could have sworn I heard someone say, welcome to Misery!

Most of what I remember about my mom is not that she was mild-mannered, calm, cool, collective. But rather, she had a hot temper and was quick to release the fury of a thousand tongues on you if she suspected you were crossing her. But for whatever reason, I can remember her being calm and caring when someone crashed into our car when I was growing up. She was just so glad that everyone was okay. It’s definitely something that influenced me. As disappointed as I was that my truck was crashed into, I was just glad that Connie, the woman that crashed into me, was okay. Her car on the other hand...

Any how, enough about me. I wanted to give you a praise report. A couple of weeks ago we prayed over the victims of Hurricane Florence. Our friends, the Appels, in Wilmington, NC, had just spent the past few months preparing their home for the arrival of their new baby. Reports were that their neighborhood was flooding that Sunday morning that we prayed two weeks ago. The expectation was that their house would flood as well.

I’m happy to report to you this morning that we received word that while the homes surrounding theirs flooded, theirs remained untouched by the flood waters. The only explanation for this is that God’s hand protected them. Thank you, Lord.

This morning, we’re going to pick up where we left off in Romans. Paul was explaining how he follows the scriptural plan of preaching the Good News where it has never been heard. We closed our service with a time of prayer, asking the Lord to show us where He wants us to share the Good News. And I want to encourage you to continue doing that. And then come and share the stories of what happens when you go and do that.

Before we dig in to this week’s passage, let’s invite the Lord to come.

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Romans 15:22–24 NLT

22 In fact, my visit to you has been delayed so long because I have been preaching in these places. 23 But now I have finished my work in these regions, and after all these long years of waiting, I am eager to visit you. 24 I am planning to go to Spain, and when I do, I will stop off in Rome. And after I have enjoyed your fellowship for a little while, you can provide for my journey.

Paul had this great desire to preach the Good News where ever it had not been heard. I don’t know that he prayed specifically about going to Spain, but I do know that he took to heart. There isn’t any evidence that Paul ever made it to Spain. But that was his desire. N.T. Wright has this to say, and some of you this morning, I think this is really important for you to hear:

Perhaps God sometimes allows us to dream dreams of what he wants us to do, not necessarily so that we can fulfill all of them – that might just make us proud and self-satisfied – but so that we will take the first steps towards fulfilling them.

Paul for Everyone, Romans Part Two: Chapters 6-16 (The New Testament for Everyone) Paul for Everyone, Romans Part Two: Chapters 6-16 (The New Testament for Everyone)

Perhaps God sometimes allows us to dream dreams of what he wants us to do, not necessarily so that we can fulfil all of them – that might just make us proud and self-satisfied – but so that we will take the first steps towards fulfilling them.

And perhaps those first steps (as they appear to us) are in fact the key things that God actually wants us to do. Paul may not have got to Spain. That didn’t matter; the gospel got there fairly soon anyway. What mattered then, and has mattered enormously in the whole history of the church, is that, as part of his plan to go to Spain, he wrote Romans. We should never underestimate what God will do through things which we see as small steps to a larger end.

And perhaps those first steps (as they appear to us) are in fact the key things that God actually wants us to do.

N.T. Wright. (n.d.). Paul for Everyone, Romans Part Two: Chapters 6-16 (The New Testament for Everyone).

What’s a dream that you’ve been chasing after? Are you able to see how God may have been working in the pursuit of that dream, even though you haven’t seen that dream fulfilled?

Romans 15:25–29 NLT

25 But before I come, I must go to Jerusalem to take a gift to the believers there. 26 For you see, the believers in Macedonia and Achaia have eagerly taken up an offering for the poor among the believers in Jerusalem. 27 They were glad to do this because they feel they owe a real debt to them. Since the Gentiles received the spiritual blessings of the Good News from the believers in Jerusalem, they feel the least they can do in return is to help them financially. 28 As soon as I have delivered this money and completed this good deed of theirs, I will come to see you on my way to Spain. 29 And I am sure that when I come, Christ will richly bless our time together.

Romans 15:25–33 NLT

25 But before I come, I must go to Jerusalem to take a gift to the believers there. 26 For you see, the believers in Macedonia and Achaia have eagerly taken up an offering for the poor among the believers in Jerusalem. 27 They were glad to do this because they feel they owe a real debt to them. Since the Gentiles received the spiritual blessings of the Good News from the believers in Jerusalem, they feel the least they can do in return is to help them financially. 28 As soon as I have delivered this money and completed this good deed of theirs, I will come to see you on my way to Spain. 29 And I am sure that when I come, Christ will richly bless our time together. 30 Dear brothers and sisters, I urge you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to join in my struggle by praying to God for me. Do this because of your love for me, given to you by the Holy Spirit. 31 Pray that I will be rescued from those in Judea who refuse to obey God. Pray also that the believers there will be willing to accept the donation I am taking to Jerusalem. 32 Then, by the will of God, I will be able to come to you with a joyful heart, and we will be an encouragement to each other. 33 And now may God, who gives us his peace, be with you all. Amen.

Money. Anybody here like talking about money? Anybody here like attending a church service where money is the topic? Yeah - me neither. Some cultures have no inhibitions when it comes to discussing money. But there are so many strings attached when it comes to money - right? Can I be the first to tell you - this is the last place on earth I want you to feel pressured to give. If you decide to give here, first of all, it’s between you and God, and second, it shouldn’t be due to pressure, but out of the overflow of a thankful heart and with a sincere generosity with the excitement of getting to be part of the work that we are participating in. When you give here, your money is going towards things like ministering to those in need, missionary works all around the globe, planting churches, and of course some perhaps less exciting, more mundane things, like paying the rent. If you’re not sure about this giving thing as it concerns the local church - please come and talk to me. I want to reiterate - I’m not here to pressure you to do anything. But I know that a lot of questions can come up about the topic of money - especially as it relates to the church, and that because we tend to be uncomfortable talking about it, our questions often go unanswered.

I will say this: I have never been part of a more generous church. God bless you for your generosity in giving.

Now, this particular passage deals with the church in Judea, which has in all their zeal for the gospel, pooled their resources together into common possession. However, facing famine and likely hostility from some of those that have rejected the gospel, the Judean believers have been left in great need.

Concerning the Gentiles, Paul actually encouraged believers not to pool their resources together, but to be part of a community that takes care of each other’s needs - physically and financially. The assumption here is that some would continue to own property, and perhaps run businesses, which would put them in a position where they could help others.

Both models ultimately reflect the selfless nature of Jesus, but one led to the Gentiles being in a position to help their fellow Judean believers.

Something that is important to point out, is that the church in Judea has largely developed an opposition to Paul. It’s not clear why, though Paul doesn’t blame James, the leader of the Jerusalem church for it. But, note that Paul doesn’t turn his back on them, but instead embarks on a rather dangerous mission. Today we might be tempted to just Zelle or Venmo, or whatever electronic means, to send the money that was received from the Gentiles for the Judeans.

Picture Paul and his companions traveling with a significant amount of money. We’re not talking paper bills here, or checks. They are hauling this money on the road, in boats, staying at various inns, possibly attracting some attention from less than friendly, honest people. He was willing to risk this because of his genuine, generous love for people, even those that had turned their backs on him. Where do you think that comes from?

Romans 15:25

Romans 15:30–33 NLT

30 Dear brothers and sisters, I urge you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to join in my struggle by praying to God for me. Do this because of your love for me, given to you by the Holy Spirit. 31 Pray that I will be rescued from those in Judea who refuse to obey God. Pray also that the believers there will be willing to accept the donation I am taking to Jerusalem. 32 Then, by the will of God, I will be able to come to you with a joyful heart, and we will be an encouragement to each other. 33 And now may God, who gives us his peace, be with you all. Amen.

Romans 15:25–33 NLT

25 But before I come, I must go to Jerusalem to take a gift to the believers there. 26 For you see, the believers in Macedonia and Achaia have eagerly taken up an offering for the poor among the believers in Jerusalem. 27 They were glad to do this because they feel they owe a real debt to them. Since the Gentiles received the spiritual blessings of the Good News from the believers in Jerusalem, they feel the least they can do in return is to help them financially. 28 As soon as I have delivered this money and completed this good deed of theirs, I will come to see you on my way to Spain. 29 And I am sure that when I come, Christ will richly bless our time together. 30 Dear brothers and sisters, I urge you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to join in my struggle by praying to God for me. Do this because of your love for me, given to you by the Holy Spirit. 31 Pray that I will be rescued from those in Judea who refuse to obey God. Pray also that the believers there will be willing to accept the donation I am taking to Jerusalem. 32 Then, by the will of God, I will be able to come to you with a joyful heart, and we will be an encouragement to each other. 33 And now may God, who gives us his peace, be with you all. Amen.

Romans 15:22–33 NLT

22 In fact, my visit to you has been delayed so long because I have been preaching in these places. 23 But now I have finished my work in these regions, and after all these long years of waiting, I am eager to visit you. 24 I am planning to go to Spain, and when I do, I will stop off in Rome. And after I have enjoyed your fellowship for a little while, you can provide for my journey. 25 But before I come, I must go to Jerusalem to take a gift to the believers there. 26 For you see, the believers in Macedonia and Achaia have eagerly taken up an offering for the poor among the believers in Jerusalem. 27 They were glad to do this because they feel they owe a real debt to them. Since the Gentiles received the spiritual blessings of the Good News from the believers in Jerusalem, they feel the least they can do in return is to help them financially. 28 As soon as I have delivered this money and completed this good deed of theirs, I will come to see you on my way to Spain. 29 And I am sure that when I come, Christ will richly bless our time together. 30 Dear brothers and sisters, I urge you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to join in my struggle by praying to God for me. Do this because of your love for me, given to you by the Holy Spirit. 31 Pray that I will be rescued from those in Judea who refuse to obey God. Pray also that the believers there will be willing to accept the donation I am taking to Jerusalem. 32 Then, by the will of God, I will be able to come to you with a joyful heart, and we will be an encouragement to each other. 33 And now may God, who gives us his peace, be with you all. Amen.

Finally, Paul encourages the Gentiles, or Roman Christians, to pray for him. He knows the opposition he may be facing. The questions the Jewish Christians may have about whether the money is even “pure” enough for them to receive. The fact that many of the Jews may see Paul as a traitor for associating with the Gentiles.

If you remember following Paul’s journey through the book of Acts, you might remember this trip not being a very smooth one. In fact, Paul faced major opposition every step of the way, including being imprisoned, experiencing a shipwreck, enduring beatings.

Why would Paul be willing to face all of this?

As we close, let me ask you:

How might the Lord be asking you to serve someone that doesn’t make it easy? What are you willing to risk to do so?

A big part of what we are embarking on here at Upper Valley Vineyard is serving those in need in Juarez, Mexico. It’s not something that we want to rush into, but carefully plan and seek the Lord about. It’s something that we want our families to be able to participate in. It’s tempting to want to try and come up with quick fixes, but the reality is that it would only be quick fixes for us. It might help make us feel better that we are doing something to help. No - instead, there is a way to make a lasting impact. And as we hear from the Lord and continue to make plans, we would ask that you commit to praying over all of it. Pray for those in Juarez that are being persecuted. Pray for the Church in Juarez that is doing what they can, but faces a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. Pray that we would hear what the Father would have us do. Pray that we would have the courage to do it.

Let’s stand.

Romans 15:22-33

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