1. Romans Series #53 September 20, 2015 AM Grace Baptist Church

2. ROMANS 15:22-33  22 For this reason I also have been much hindered from coming to you.  23 But now no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you, 24 whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you. For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while.  25 But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. 26 For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. 27 It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things.  28 Therefore, when I have performed this and have sealed to them this fruit, I shall go by way of you to Spain. 29 But I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.  30 Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me, 31 that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you. 33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

3. “SERVING HIM” SERVING IN HIS WILL WE EXPERIENCE…  Difficulties in Daily Work – vs. 22  This verse describes the providence of God.  God is behind the hindrances and all circumstances.  Remember Joseph and Esther.  Jeremiah 10:23; Proverbs 16:9; 19:21; Phil. 2:13.  Desire for Further Service – vs. 23  Weary IN the work, but not OF it.  We continually make plans to do more.  But our plans are subject to the Lord’s control and change.  Romans 1:10-13  David Livingston …Anywhere as long as it is forward…I am haunted by the smoke of a 1000 villages stretching off in the distance…  See Paul’s desire in II Cor. 5.

4. SERVING IN HIS WILL WE EXPERIENCE…  Delight in Christian Fellowship – vs. 24 (dividend, bonus)  Paul’s plans included enjoying the company of the Roman believers for a while.  Enjoy meeting, fellowshipping, learning, serving, being refreshed, strengthened by others spiritual gifts, praying together, etc.  Here “being helped” is “accompanied or escorted on the way” Compelled to go a mile? Go two!  Duty to Fellow Christians – vs. 25-28  Plans for the future should never cause the present ministry to suffer.  Before traveling to Rome and Spain Paul had to make a trip to Jerusalem.  The Jerusalem church was suffering famine and persecution.  The churches of Achaia and Macedonia were poor but VERY generous.  Paul would take their gifts to their brothers and sisters in Jerusalem.  II Cor. 9:6-8  “Minister” and “fruit”  This spirit of giving is between churches and worldwide – but is also first of all practiced within the local church.  Plans for the world should not starve and suffocate the local ministry.

5. SERVING IN HIS WILL WE EXPERIENCE…  Devotion to God – vs. 29, 30a (delight or satisfaction!)  “I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.”  On the outside Paul experienced  Prison, beatings, stonings, etc. II Cor. 11:23-27  His obedience to Christ cost him dearly.  But on the inside Paul was BLESSED  His hardships led to opportunities.  Phil. 1:12-14,18; 4:7,12,19.  He experienced a blessing that only selfless service and sacrifice could bring.  He desired to do all to the glory of and for the love of the Lord – 30a  I Cor. 10:31; II Cor. 4:5,11; 12:10; Phil 3:8.  In fact, this is the reason or purpose behind Paul’s prayer requests.

6. SERVING IN HIS WILL WE EXPERIENCE…  Dependence on Prayer – vs. 30-33  The Request – vs. 30  The Motives – vs. 30  The Description – vs. 30  “Strive together” agonize  Col. 4:12; James 5:16; Luke 11:10; Eph. 6:18,19; Col. 4:2,3; II Thess. 3:1; Rom. 1:9,10.  It is our “vital breath,” our “hardest work,” our “best work.”  You old AWANA Clubbers – What is eating? What is exercise? What is breathing?  The Petitions – vs. 31,32  Three-fold  Three answers – God’s way!  The Blessing – vs. 33  Prayer brings peace. Only God can give peace. John 14:27  With Him? With one another? World? Church? Home? Heart?

7.  Difficulties …  In daily work  Desire…  For further service  Delight…  In Christian fellowship  Duty…  To fellow Christians  Devotion…  To God  Dependence…  On Prayer  So you want to serve Him? In His will you will experience these things!  AMEN!