ROMANS 14-16

LESSON 10

ROMANS 14:1-15:13

 Our relationship to the weak: welcoming and not despising, judging or offending them 14:1-15:13

1. The positive principle (1).
2. The negative consequences (14:2-15:13). It is particularly impressive to see how the apostle buttresses his ethical exhortations with solid theological arguments. Three of them seem central. They concern the cross, the resurrection and the last judgment. First, Christ died to be our Savior. Since God has accepted the weaker brother (14:1,3), and since Christ has accepted us (15:7), We must complete the triangle and accept one another. The second fundamental argument is that Christ rose to be our Lord. This is explicitly stated (14:9). In consequence, all his people are his servants, and are accountable to him, the weak and the strong alike (14:6ff.). Thirdly, Christ is coming to be our judge. We will all stand before his judgment seat one day, and each of us will then give an account of himself or herself to God (14:10ff.). To presume to stand in judgment of others is to usurp the prerogative of God. q.v. Richard Baxter: In essentials unity; in non-essentials liberty; in all things charity.

THE APOSTOLIC MINISTRY AND PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS

ROMANS 15:14-16:27

 1. The nature of the ministry 15:14-22

Despite their goodness, knowledge and competence they needed to be reminded of the Gospel. This is what a minister of Christ Jesus does (14-15). He offers his converts to Jesus Christ, sanctified by the Spirit as a priestly ministry in his service to God (16-17). This is through Christ by the power of the Spirit (18-19a). The unique ministry of the apostles was authenticated by power of signs and miracles. In ten years of missionary journeys from Jerusalem through Illyricum (Adriatic seaboard) he proclaimed the Gospel where it was not known (19b-22).

2. His travel plans 15:23-33

He plans to visit Rome (23-24), Jerusalem (25-27), and Spain (28-29). He requests prayer for his visits (30-32) and bestows on them a Benediction (33).

3. His commendation and greetings 16:1-16

A commendation (1-2). Phoebe probably carried Paul’s letter to Rome. She was a deaconess and benefactress, a woman of means. Many greetings (3-16) to 26 people, both men and women, of diverse ethnicities.

4. His warnings, messages and doxology 16:17-27

Paul’s warnings (17-20) about those who cause divisions contrary to his teaching. Smooth talk and flattery deceive the minds of naïve people. Be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil. Three valuable tests: does it agree with Scripture, does it glorify Christ, does it promote goodness? God’s peace allows no appeasement of the devil. It is only through the destruction of evil that true peace can be attained.

Paul’s messages (21-24). Paul’s doxology (25-27). The proclamation of the gospel is a revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings. Following the saving events of Christ, God has given to his people a new Christological understanding of the Old Testament as bearing witness to Christ. The proper response to the gospel is faith (1:5) in all the nations. This is God’s wisdom to whom be glory forever.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR LESSON 10

ROMANS 15:14-16:27

1. What is the role of the apostolic ministry as Paul describes it for him and for today?
2. Why are signs and miracles not as evident today?
3. How do Paul’s plans pan out? What does this tell us about our plans?
4. Paul knew many people in the church. What does this tell us about relating to the people in our church?
5. How can you identify smooth talk and flattery?
6. How can you destroy evil?
7. How can you read the Old Testament as bearing witness to Christ?