Sermon Tone Analysis

Alêtheia Christian Fellowship ~~ 091408 ~~ Romans 15b

 

*Romans 15:14-16 ~~* 14And *concerning you*, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves *are full of **goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another*.

15But I have *written very boldly to you on some points so as to remind you again*, because of the grace that was given me from God, 16to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

Admonish is nouqete>w, (nouv & tiqhmi), place in mind, i.e. warn, instruct, as giving instructions in regard to belief or behavior – *not judging and correcting, but teaching Godliness*.

Very boldly is tolmhro>v, daring, i.e. riskily – *e.g. this may offend you, but you need to know* *the Truth*.

*Boldly is tied to admonish*, it means to have only the best of intentions, the Spiritual insight and the maturity to properly teach, i.e. *to carry on into the next generation*…

 

1-  Full of Godly *goodness*

2-  Filled with all *knowledge*

3-  Then you can *teach*, counsel and lead.

*Remind you again*… Paul understands that people are remedial and it is far more profitable to go over foundational doctrine and practice than to get involved in minutia.

This is *where dissentions begin*.

This is *where we get distracted*.

*Romans 15:17-21 ~~* 17Therefore *in Christ Jesus I have found **reason for boasting in things pertaining to God*.

18For I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me, resulting in the obedience of the Gentiles by word and deed, 19in the power of signs and wonders, in the *power of the Spirit*; so that from Jerusalem and round about as far as Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.

20And thus I aspired to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named, so that *I would not build on another man’s foundation*; 21but as it is written, “They who had no news of Him shall see, and they who have not heard shall understand.”

Paul, who loved God desperately *wanted to boast in Him and now because of Jesus he could*!

*Christianity is nothing* but a mediocre social club if not for the miraculous power of the Holy Spirit.

Paul wants to give everyone a chance to hear about God’s amazing plan – he’s *not concerned about building an empire to himself*, but rather with preaching.

His ministry was as an *Apostle* and he was faithful to that *God-call* by laying a *foundation in strategic* locations for others to build upon.

*Paul’s Ministry…* \\ Was received by grace (vv.

14–15) \\ Was centered in the Gospel (v.

16) \\ Was done for God’s glory (v.

17) \\ Was done by God’s power (vv.

18–19) \\ Was according to God’s plan (vv.

20–24)

 

*Romans 15:22-27 ~~* 22For this reason I have often been prevented from coming to you; 23but now, with no further place for me in these regions, and since I have had for many years a longing to come to you 24*whenever I go to Spain*—for I hope to see you in passing, and to be helped on my way there by you, when I have first enjoyed your company for a while— 25 *but now, I am going to Jerusalem *serving the saints.

26For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.

27Yes, they were pleased to do so, and they are indebted to them.

For if the Gentiles have *shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to minister to them also in material things*.

For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to minister to them also in material things.

Paul has finished his work *reaching out to the Gentiles in the lands to the east of Rome*, but the mission is not complete until it comes *full circle*.

*Map* = 600 miles from Corinth to Rome, 2,000 miles with a stop in Jerusalem.

Zaragoza = Caesar Augustus.

Romans 15:28-33 ~~ 28Therefore, when I have finished this, and have put my seal on this fruit of theirs, I will go on by way of you to Spain.

29I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.

30Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me, 31that I may be /rescued (1)/ from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my /service (2)/ for Jerusalem may prove acceptable to the saints; 32so that I may /come to you (3)/ in joy by the will of God and find refreshing rest in your company.

33Now the God of peace be with you all.

Amen.

Paul has plans, but it seems very obvious his plans are – the Lord willing.

How does he know?

The renewing of the mind allows us to understand the will of God which is to move forward with integrity, but ready to go another direction anytime.

Rescued (1) Acceptable service (2) I may come to you (3).

Paul did what he wanted to do and he obviously knew trouble was ahead, but it is extremely doubtful he knew all the details.

We must trust God every step of the way.

Map Chapter 16 ~~

 

1- Accept Phoebe of Cenchrea who will deliver the letter.

2- Greetings to 28 individuals, 5 churches and then an all encompassing general greeting.

Romans 16:16-19 ~~ 16Greet one another with a holy kiss.

All the churches of Christ greet you.

17Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them.

18For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.

19For the report of your obedience has reached to all; therefore I am rejoicing over you, but I want you to be wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil.

Paul sandwiches the greetings because he has a final warning before closing the letter.

I beg you parakale>w,

 

1- Dissensions, dicostasi>a, standing apart or aloof.

2- Hindrances, ska>ndalon, Scandal to trap or cause to stumble

 

Turn away, ejkkli>nw, opposite of incline - to bow out.

Many people believe they are slaves of the Lord, but with all the discontent they stir up they are actually slaves unto themselves.

3- Deception is easy if you are not trained and alert.

Keep your eye on the threat – like antelope

 

Intimate with good and a complete stranger to evil

 

Romans 16:25-27 ~~ 25Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past, 26but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith; 27to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever.

Amen.

Romans 1:11 For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established;

 

Ultimately only God can establish