That is why I have been prevented many times from coming to you.
Romans 15:22
My aim is to preach the gospel where Christ has not been named
Romans 15:20
But now I no longer have any work to do in these regions, and I have strongly desired for many years to come to you whenever I travel to Spain. For I hope to see you when I pass through and to be assisted by you for my journey there, once I have first enjoyed your company for a while.
Romans 15:23-24
Right now I am traveling to Jerusalem to serve the saints, because Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.
Romans 15:25-26
Yes, they were pleased, and indeed are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual benefits, then they are obligated to minister to them in material needs.
Romans 15:27
If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it too much if we reap material benefits from you?
1 Corinthians 9:11
So when I have finished this and safely delivered the funds to them, I will visit you on the way to Spain. I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ. Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, through our Lord Jesus Christ and through the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in prayers to God on my behalf. Pray that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea, that my ministry to Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, and that, by God’s will, I may come to you with joy and be refreshed together with you. May the God of peace be with all of you. Amen.
Romans 15:30-33
In Romans 15:20 Paul says his “aim is to preach the gospel where Christ has not been named.” Have you ever had the opportunity to do this? Who was the first person (or group of people) you can remember sharing the good news of Jesus with you?
Paul’s desire to share the Gospel “where Christ had not been named” prevented him from fulfilling one of his other desires, which was to visit the church in Rome.
What are some personal desires or preferences have you sacrificed (or might have to sacrifice) in order to share the Gospel with others?
Read Romans 15:27 and consider your own practice of financial giving. How can you be “pleased,” “indebted,” and “obligated” to give all at the same time?
In Romans 15:30-33 Paul asks for prayer. What are some some specific ways you can pray for the ministry and people at Riverview church?
As we reach the end of the book of Romans, what are some ways you’ve been encouraged or challenged to become more like Jesus through this series?
