Music
Romans 15:14-22
Key Attributes of the Roman Believers (Romans 15:14):
1. Full of Goodness
- Paul commends the Roman church’s goodness, a fruit of walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).
- They lived amid a morally dark society yet exhibited God’s goodness.
Complete in Knowledge
- The Romans were well-taught and grounded in the faith.
- Despite Paul’s extensive teaching in the letter, they had received sound instruction and maturity.
Competent to Instruct One Another
- They had the ability to guide and counsel each other, fostering a community of growth and accountability.
- They had the ability to guide and counsel each other, fostering a community of growth and accountability.
Paul’s Purpose in Writing:
- Although the Romans had strength and maturity, Paul sought their help in his mission.
- Paul’s focus: reaching the unreached. His clear calling can serve as a model, but not everyone is meant to be exactly like him.
Every Believer’s Call to Mission:
- We each have unique gifts and callings; while some are like Paul, others serve in different but equally vital roles.
- The call is to “Join where God is working” (Henry Blackaby), finding where God is already active and contributing there.
Practical Application for Today’s Believers:
1. Discerning Your Calling
- Spend time in prayer, seeking clarity. Each of us has a role in God’s kingdom.
2. Engaging in God’s Work
- Join God’s mission actively, whether locally or abroad. Paul’s example shows the importance of taking the gospel to those who haven’t received it.
3. Supporting the Church’s Mission
- Like the Romans, we’re called to support others—missionaries, pastors, or local ministries—through prayer, financial help, or direct involvement.
4. Encouraging and Building Up One Another
- Create a community of support and accountability to strengthen one another.
Next Steps: Closing Challenge:
- Paul’s words to the Roman church call us to join God where He is already at work.
- May we be “full of goodness, complete in knowledge, and competent to instruct” as we embrace our unique mission.
Reflection and Discussion Questions:
According to the sermon, what were the three characteristics of the church in Rome that Paul highlighted?
What did Paul urge the Roman believers to do in order to fulfill their calling?
How does the sermon emphasize the importance of discerning one’s unique calling from God?
In what ways did Paul view his own calling, and how does the sermon suggest applying that to individuals today?
How can teens apply the concept of ‘Joining God where He is working’ in their everyday lives, based on the sermon’s message?
What practical steps can teens take to discern their calling from God, as mentioned in the sermon?
How can teenagers actively participate in sharing the Gospel, as encouraged in the sermon?
In what ways can teens support the mission of the church, based on the examples given in the sermon?
What did Henry Blackaby’s quote from ‘Experiencing God’ suggest about joining God in His work, as referenced in the sermon?
How did the sermon emphasize the concept of everyone having a unique part to play in God’s larger plan, similar to Paul’s mission?
Bibliography:
- W. Jackson. Reading Romans with Eastern Eyes: Honor and Shame in Paul’s Message and Mission.
- Kenneth Boa and William Kruidenier. Romans. Holman New Testament Commentary.
- Chip Ingram. R12 Living on the Edge Study Guide: Dare to Experience True Spirituality.
- F.F. Bruce. Romans: An Introduction and Commentary. Tyndale New Testament Commentaries.