Romans - Week 37

Help in Return

READ

Romans 15:27

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.

Paul continues to refer to the gifts given by Gentile believers for the poor people in Jerusalem. The Gentile Christ-followers felt they were indebted to the Jewish believers in Jerusalem for the spiritual blessing they had received from them. Note the principle here: those from whom you have received spiritual help may need your material help.

REFLECT

Have you received spiritual blessings from some who need your financial assistance to carry on their work?

RESPOND

Read 1 Timothy 5:17-18 as an example that those who labor in the preaching and teaching of the Word are worthy of wages. Think of those in your local church as well as other ministries through which you receive spiritual encouragement.

Christian Fellowship

READ

Romans 15:28-29

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.

Again it is seen how much the apostle Paul was looking forward to fellowship with the believers in Rome. He was sure that they were going to have a rich time of talking about spiritual things. Spiritual fellowship is not talking about the mundane things of this life, but what believers have and are doing because of the blessings of Christ. In the midst of the antagonism of the Roman Empire to Christianity there were many things for which the believers could praise God.

REFLECT

When you have “Christian fellowship” what are the kinds of things you talk about?

RESPOND

Some have described “fellowship” as “two fellows in the same ship.” Even in times of hardship there can be rejoicing over what believers possess because of their relationship with Jesus. Even as a believing one goes to be with Jesus, believers can rejoice in that person’s eternal destiny.

Pray for Me

READ

Romans 15:30

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.

You have likely asked others to pray for you. It may be thought that spiritually strong leaders do not need to ask for prayer. Here the apostle Paul urges believers to pray for him and in this way join him in his struggle. The basis for his request was their love for him. He acknowledges that love was given to them by the Holy Spirit. What a privilege it would have been to pray for Paul.

REFLECT

Do you ask spiritual leaders what prayer requests they have? They would be encouraged to know you care.

RESPOND

You and your disciple should make a list of the prayer requests you know some spiritual leaders have. This would begin with your local church and extend to other ministries you know.

Prayer Requests

READ

Romans 15:31

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.

Sometimes you may ask people to pray for you and not tell them what to pray about. Paul was specific: It had to do with both unbelievers and believers. He wanted to be safe as he met rebellious unbelievers in Judea; and that believers would be willing to accept the financial gift. Paul did not want believers to be too proud to accept a gift from others.

REFLECT

How is it with you? It is a pleasure for you to give to others, but are you able to willingly receive?

RESPOND

Talk with your disciple about the times when it has been difficult for either of you to accept a gift. Then discuss how you can do this more graciously in the future.

By the Will of God

READ

Romans 15:32-33

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.

Paul realized it would only be by the will of God that he would be able to see those in Rome. Some think believers should always say, “If the Lord wills.” Paul understood that everything was determined by the will of God. He wanted to come with a “joyful heart” and for all of them to be able to encourage each other. He ends his comments with his own prayer that the peace-giving God would be with them.

REFLECT

Are you conscious of the fact that God is in final control of everything? Believers may make plans, but they need to realize the will of God may change those plans—oftentimes for the better.

RESPOND

Talk to your disciple about God as the One who gives peace?  Think about the difficult times you have experienced and express to each other if you have experienced this peace.