Sermon Romans Chapter 15

• Sermon Slides for Sermon Romans Chapter 15: [download id=”2531″]
• Printable PDF for Sermon Romans Chapter 15: [download id=”2526″]

[2] The title of the sermon today is “ROMANS CHAPTER 15.”

Receive Those Who Are Weak In The Faith

• In Romans Chapter 14, we talked about receiving those that are weak in the faith.
• God receives them so we receive them too. He that eateth herbs is weak in the faith.
• Why is that? Because God says you may eat meat. Faith is believing what God says.
• When someone sees this verse:

[3] John 3:15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

• And then says that you must be baptized in water to be saved. They don’t have faith in these words.
• They don’t believe what God’s word says. When they see this verse:

[4] 1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

• And then they teach that you can lose everlasting life. They don’t have faith in these words.
• When they see this verse:

[5] Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

• And they teach this says you MUST be baptized to be saved. They don’t have faith.
• They didn’t read the entire verse. They didn’t take the time to understand it.
• If you believe on Jesus as your Savior and then you get baptized, you’re saved.
• “But he that believeth not shall be damned.”
• Nothing else damns you EXCEPT not believing.
• When you see this verse and don’t believe what it says, then you don’t have faith in these words.

[6] Genesis 9:3 Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.

• When you see that verse and know the rest of the Bible, God never changed that for us.
• There are many verses that tell us eating meat is good. The Bible says so over and over again.
• When you read the Bible and still say that we shouldn’t eat meat, you are weak in the faith.

[7] Romans 14:1-2 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.

• We are not to reject those who are weak in the faith because they have faith.
• We are to help each other increase faith. In one verse, you might have more faith than me.
• In another verse, I might have more faith than you. We need to read, study, and understand together.
• We are not to despise each other over these things or judge each other over things that aren’t sin.
• Being a vegetarian is not a sin. Eating meat is not a sin. So get over it either way.
• We learned that we are to help each other in the faith.

People Of Faith Might Have A Point

[8] Romans 14:22-23 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. 23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

• We also learned that some people who believe might have a point in the things they choose to live by.
• Study your Bible so you know what’s right. Don’t allow things in your life that might lead to sin.
• If someone doesn’t want to eat at a restaurant that serves alcohol because it might lead them to sin, then you need to respect that and don’t tempt them to eat with you at that restaurant.
• “WHATSOEVER IS NOT OF FAITH IS SIN.” If you get baptized in faith, it is a great thing.
• If you get baptized without faith, it is a sin. It’s that simple. We cannot please God without faith.
• It doesn’t matter what you do, you will never please him without faith.

[9] Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

• With that quick overview of Romans Chapter 14, let’s get started in Romans Chapter 15 verse 1.

[10] Romans 15:1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

• If you are STRONG in the faith, you need to BEAR the infirmities of the weak in faith.
• That means you need to be patient and understanding and BEAR WITH THEM. Don’t get mad.
• Don’t reject them. Help them to see the truth in the Bible. When you’re strong, you will bear with them.
• And we do not bear with them to please ourselves. Why do we bear with them? The next verse answers.

[11] Romans 15:2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.

• If a fellow believer doesn’t want me eating meat at his home, I won’t eat meat at his home.
• I do that not for myself but for him. It’s for HIS GOOD. We shouldn’t try to offend our neighbors.
• We do it for their good to edification. Edification is to build up or to improve.
• If you offend someone due to their strong belief, they probably aren’t going to listen any more.
• If you can show them clearly what the Bible says without offense, then they might change their mind.

So, some people won’t want to hear the Bible. If they are a believer, the Bible shouldn’t be offensive to them.

• If the Bible is offensive to them, I don’t want to be around them. That means God is offensive to them.
• If they profess to be a believer but the Bible offends them, the Bible says to reject them.
• We shouldn’t argue over something. THE WORDS OF THE BIBLE ARE CLEAR.
• If someone can’t see and hear the words from God, they are not of God.

[12] Titus 3:9-11 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. 10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; 11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.

• So, we don’t continue to argue and strive about the Bible with someone. They are unprofitable and vain.
• If someone doesn’t want to hear the Bible, I won’t read them the Bible.
• I will tell them what the Bible says a couple of times. If they still argue, then I will reject them.
• But this part of Romans isn’t talking about HERESY. It’s talking about things that are not sin.

[13] Romans 15:2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.

• Some people will take that verse and say that we should do whatever pleases our neighbor.
• “Hey, you want to do some drugs with me?” Oh yeah, sure, I don’t want to offend you by saying no.
• You NEVER sin to please someone else. If you do, you aren’t doing that person good.
• That’s not what this verse means. You should please your neighbor to build him or her up. Not down.

Churches Bear With People To Gain For Themselves

Churches today bear with people but it’s not to build that person up. It’s for themselves.

• They allow fornication in the church. They allow sodomites in the church. God clearly hates that.
• When you allow those things, this doesn’t build up anything. It tears down.
• You should be patient and bear with people so they get right with God. NOT FURTHER AWAY.
• Churches allow sin within the church BECAUSE they don’t want people to see them as bad.
• So, we’ll accept anything and everything. But God doesn’t say that, and he doesn’t want that.
• He doesn’t want fornication in his church.

[14] Revelation 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

• God DOES NOT WANT fornication in the church. That’s very clear in the Bible.
• God doesn’t want women teaching in the church. We don’t bear with something that God doesn’t want.
• The churches are only doing this to make people happy. They don’t care if God is happy.

[15] 1 Timothy 2:11-13 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve.

• We don’t bear with things that are clearly wrong.
• If someone wants to eat vegetables all the time, that is not wrong. They can eat vegetables.
• I hope you see and understand the difference. God doesn’t say to bear with sin and accept sin.

[16] Romans 15:3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.

• Jesus didn’t please himself when he came to die for you.
• “The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.” This comes from Psalm 69:9, which says this:

[17] Psalm 69:9 For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me.

• This is JESUS saying that the reproach of them that reproached GOD are fallen upon him.
• That sin, our sin, is what killed Jesus Christ. This is why he went and died on the cross.
• Do you think dying on the cross and taking all of the sin of the whole world to hell was fun for Jesus?
• Let me read you this and this should tell you more about how Jesus felt.

[18] Psalm 69:20 Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none.

• Rejection of Jesus Christ broke his heart. He was full of heaviness. He looked for help and there was none.
• Even his own disciples fell asleep when he needed them the most. He found no one by his side.
• His Father wasn’t by his side either. He was all alone hanging on the cross.

[19] Mark 15:34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

• All of the reproach and all of the sin of the entire world of all time fell on Jesus Christ.
• That punishment was for us. I should be paying for what I’ve done, but I’m not. Jesus pays for it.
• That’s not fair. It’s not fair at all. I’m the one who did those things, but Jesus took it for me.
• He didn’t choose to make himself happy. He chose to do it for you and for I. He put us first.
• That’s the point of Romans Chapter 15 so far. Think about someone else but yourself.
• Jesus set the example. Now, go follow his example each day in your life.
• And yes, you’re going to suffer reproach when you go and do what Jesus asks us to do.

Everything In The Bible Is Written For Us To Learn

[20] Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

• Everything that is written in the Bible is written for our learning. We take all of the Scriptures.
• We don’t ignore pieces of Scripture. EVERY WORD is profitable to us. These are words directly from God.
• Things that were written AFORETIME are things written before ROMANS was written.
• That means all of the SCRIPTURE is important. Not just what Paul wrote as dispensationalists believe.
• PAUL HIMSELF says all of the SCRIPTURE is important.

[21] Leviticus 20:22-23 Ye shall therefore keep all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them: that the land, whither I bring you to dwell therein, spue you not out. 23 And ye shall not walk in the manners of the nation, which I cast out before you: for they committed all these things, and therefore I abhorred them.

• For example, right there, we learn that GOD greatly hates people who reject him over and over.
• We could ignore that and create a false god that we like better who loves everyone no matter what.
• But we don’t because we learn from all of the SCRIPTURES. The Bible teaches us about the one true God.
• Through the Scriptures, we receive patience, comfort, and hope. We receive the fear of God.
• That’s why we go through this verse by verse.
• It’s not too tedious. It’s not too much work. THE SCRIPTURES ARE LIFE. They are a JOY to read and study.

[22] John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

• If you want to know more about Jesus, the SCRIPTURES are the place to learn more about Jesus.
• He saved you. Don’t you want to learn more about your CREATOR and your SAVIOR? I sure do.
• Or, is it easier to listen to some false preacher who doesn’t even know God?
• They only know their false creation of some other god. They ignore the Scriptures.
• They diminish God’s word. WE WILL NOT DO THAT HERE. We’ll take everything. We’ll search and learn.

[23] Romans 15:5-6 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

• God is a God of patience and consolation or comfort. He refreshes us through his word.
• He grants us to be likeminded one toward another according to CHRIST JESUS. He gave us his words.
• When we follow those, then we can be LIKEMINDED. One mind, one mouth. We glorify God together.
• With different Bibles that say different things, we can’t be likeminded.

[24] Romans 15:7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

• If you receive Jesus Christ as your SAVIOR, then I receive you. Why? Because God received both of us.
• Now, if you want to make up your own way, if you want to preach a false gospel, I will not receive you.
• If you want to teach my children they can lose their salvation, I will not receive you.

[25] Hebrews 6:8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.

• Teaching people they can lose salvation is a thorn and a brier. That is to be REJECTED.
• I will not accept those things or receive heretics. The Bible doesn’t teach you to receive all things.
• People might say, “Well, they are Christian too.” And I say, “No, they aren’t.”
• If you don’t believe Jesus saves you and gives you eternal life, then you aren’t Christian AT ALL.
• When you reject Jesus Christ as your Savior and his words, then I’ll reject you. I will not receive that.

[26] John 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

• God will take care of those people. Now, if you want to believe on Jesus Christ, I will receive you.
• That’s what you need to do in your life.
• Receive those who believe on Jesus Christ because Christ received you.
• We get UNITY from God’s word. We should agree when we read and study the word of God together.
• If you thought it was wrong to eat meat, you should easily be convinced that it’s not wrong.
• How? By hearing the words within the Bible and understanding that GOD wrote those words.
• We submit to God as he is the most high. He is all powerful. He saved you. Listen to what he says.

[27] Romans 15:8-9 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: 9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.

• The circumcision refers to the children of Israel. They were set apart for God.
• And they were circumcised as a token of the covenant between them and God.
• God made promises to them that he has never broken. Jesus was there in the Old Testament with them.
• Jesus confirmed the promises of God to the fathers of the children of Israel.
• The circumcision were trusted with the SCRIPTURES. You can see that throughout the Bible.
• Yes, when Jesus came to earth, he went first to the Jew. The disciples then took it to the Gentiles.

It’s Not Just Some Of The Children Of Physical Israel Being Saved

But throughout all of time, it hasn’t been only the children of Israel being saved.

• We’ve went over that again and again and again. The Book of Romans proves that easily.
• All people of all time are saved the same way, and that’s believing on the Lord Jesus Christ.
• Yes, Gentiles were saved before Jesus came to earth. It’s not the physical seed that saves you.
• In verse 9, it says that the GENTILES might glorify God for his mercy. AS IT IS WRITTEN.
• “For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.”

[28] Psalm 18:49 Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.

• Notice the Gentiles in Romans 15:9 is the heathen in Psalm 18:49.
• So, yes, I am a heathen. I am not physically from one of the 12 tribes of Israel.
• And I’m fine being called a heathen because the Lord Jesus Christ saved me.
• You can call me whatever you want. I’ve been called a lot of things in life. It’s fine.

Do you think King David didn’t preach about God to the heathen? Could they not be saved?

• They could be saved, and I guarantee you King David preached it to them.
• Strangers could join and become a part of their congregation.
• There is no requirement in the Bible that you MUST physically be from Israel to be saved.

[29] Romans 10:12-13 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

• The Bible is very clear that ANYONE can call upon the name of the Lord and be saved.
• Even in the book of Isaiah, which is way back in the Old Testament, you see this:

[30] Isaiah 52:10 The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.

• NOTICE IT SAYS THAT ALL THE ENDS OF THE EARTH SHALL SEE THE SALVATION OF GOD. Not only Israel.
• So, yes, NOW, we glorify God for his mercy and we sing unto his name constantly. Thank you, God.

[31] Romans 15:10-11 And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. 11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.

• LAUD HIM means to praise him, commend him, honor him, sing to him. We should REJOICE every day.
• Rejoicing to God should never get old. He is there, and he is more amazing than you could imagine.

[32] Romans 15:12 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.

• Esaias is the prophet Isaiah. The root of Jesse is the Lord Jesus Christ.
• But remember that prophecy within the Bible has an immediate application and a future application.
• For example, JESSE is King David’s dad. King David was the KING OF ISRAEL.
• The human line of Mary comes from King David’s line. Nathan was King David’s son.
• Mary came from that line. The kingly line of Jesus, from Joseph, comes from Solomon.
• Solomon was the son of David. Joseph is in the line of David and Mary is from the line of David.

Jesus Is The Root And Offspring Of David

[33] 2 Samuel 5:13-16 And David took him more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem, after he was come from Hebron: and there were yet sons and daughters born to David. 14 And these be the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon, 15 Ibhar also, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia, 16 And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphalet.

• Both Nathan and Solomon came from King David who came from came Jesse.
• Jesus has the right to the throne because of Solomon on Joseph’s side.
• And he is the actual offspring of David because Mary comes from Nathan who is David’s son.

[34] Revelation 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

• That’s Jesus speaking. HE SAYS, “I am the root and offspring of David.”

[35] Isaiah 11:1-4 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: 2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; 3 And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: 4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.

• That’s clearly taking about JESUS CHRIST. “He shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth.”
• “With the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.” Do you remember Revelation Chapter 19?

[36] Revelation 19:15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

• Romans Chapter 15 verse 12 tells us that “IN HIM shall the Gentiles trust.” That’s us. We trust Jesus.

[37] Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

• This is another SCRIPTURE that tells us BELIEVING is what saves you. Faith saves you.
• When you believe the God of hope fills you with joy and peace so you may have HOPE.
• How does God do that? Through the indwelling of the Holy Ghost which he gives you.

[38] Romans 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

• Once you believe on Jesus Christ, you receive the HOLY GHOST. Then, you’ll begin to understand.
• When you start working on the Bible, the Holy Spirit will lighten your way. But it takes work.

[39] Romans 15:14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

• Paul knows that there are people in the church of Rome who are saved. He calls them brethren.
• He knows they are filled with goodness and knowledge because they have the Holy Ghost within them.
• And I know that you all have it too. That’s what he’s saying here. We are able to admonish one another.
• What does that mean? We can direct each other. We can warn each other about sin.
• We can help each other. We’re here to help and that means telling me when I’m wrong.
• That means ME telling you when you’re wrong. That’s all of us helping each other using the Holy Spirit.

[40] Romans 15:15-16 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, 16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

• Paul says, I know you have the Holy Ghost, but I’m writing to you anyway BOLDLY.
• We might have the Holy Ghost but we need preaching. We need to wake up at times. I know I do.
• Paul says I am writing because of the grace that God gave to me.
• I hope you’re today because of God’s grace.
• I hope you’re here because you know you don’t deserve to be saved. We’re only saved because of God.
• PAUL is sent from God to minister the Gospel of God to the Gentiles.
• I thank God that we have all of these books from Paul through the Holy Spirit because they are amazing.

Paul Wrote The Book Of Romans And Many Others

Paul wrote Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.

• If you check out the very first word of each of those 13 books, you’ll see that it’s PAUL.
• It’s very clear that Paul wrote all of those letters. We need to know every bit of those books.
• But we also need to know every bit of the Bible. Paul went to the Gentiles. The Jews rejected him.
• And he was one of them. But they still rejected him. You can be part of a family and they’ll reject you too.
• Jesus was King of the Jews, and yet, the Jews rejected Jesus Christ and most still do today.

[41] Luke 9:5 And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.

• Paul tried his best with the children of Israel. He pleaded with them.
• Then he did what Jesus said and he shook the dust from his feet and went to the Gentiles.

[42] Acts 13:45-47 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. 46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. 47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.

• The Jews didn’t want to hear it so Paul goes to the Gentiles.

[43] Romans 15:17 I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.

• So many false preachers say you shouldn’t glory in anything. They say, “Paul wasn’t very humble.”
• Oh yeah he was. He only glories through JESUS CHRIST. And you can do that today too.
• False preachers get mad when you say, “Oh, I know I’m saved.” They say, “Well, you aren’t showing it.”
• And I say, “Well, great and almighty preacher man, what are you doing to show it?”
• You wouldn’t dare go out and tell someone about Jesus Christ and how he’s saved you.
• I CAN GLORY THAT I AM SAVED BY THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST. Not of myself. I don’t deserve it.
• But Jesus alone deserves that glory, and I’m going to tell everyone I can.

[44] Romans 15:18-19 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, 19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.

• Paul says, “I am going to speak the truth and nothing else.” The truth will make you obedient to God.
• And you’ll be obedient in word and deed when you hear the truth.
• When you hear the nature of the ONE TRUE GOD, you’ll want to be obedient to him.
• If I tell you lies about God like “God loves everyone no matter what,” you won’t fear him.
• You’ll think you can go do whatever you want in life and in the end God will let you into heaven.
• That’s a lie. Paul is going to speak the truth and nothing else. This is what verse 18 is saying.
• He’s only going to tell us the truth that Christ has done through him. He is a direct witness.
• In verse 19, it says Paul did miracles. He did mighty signs and wonders by the power of the Spirit of God.

[45] Acts 19:11-12 And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: 12 So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.

• He did miracles. Paul fully preached the Gospel round about the entire area. We need to learn from him.
• We must preach the Gospel round about this entire area.

[46] Romans 15:20-21 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation: 21 But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.

• God knows this, but we have lots and lots of trouble trying to give people the true Gospel around here.
• Paul preached it where Christ wasn’t named. They didn’t know the name of Jesus Christ.
• Countries like that today are far more accepting of the words within the Bible. They listen.
• Around here, though? Most everyone has heard of Jesus Christ but you have false religion everywhere.
• The people are very confused. I ask, “Has anyone ever told you how to get to heaven?”
• The man responds, “Yeah, why don’t you give me your version?”

You Better Find The Right Way To Be Saved

Because look, the man was right, everyone has a different version today and that confusion works.

• No one knows what to believe any more because it is confusing. 30,000+ denominations.
• They all call themselves Christians. But I tell the man, there’s one way and one truth and it’s in the Bible.
• “Well, which Bible?” There’s this long list of questions that you have to prove now. People won’t listen.
• So, yes, we have a HUGE FIGHT and a HUGE UNDERTAKING to get the Gospel out here. It’s uphill.
• There’s only a few of us, but God does HUGE things in small numbers.

Verse 21 says, “It is written, to whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.”

• It’s easier to understand the true Gospel of Jesus Christ if a false church hasn’t corrupted your mind.
• You can see the words of the Bible and understand them much easier.
• Verse 21 is talking about the Gentiles who haven’t heard about Jesus Christ.

[47] Isaiah 52:15 So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.

• Romans 15:21 comes from Isaiah Chapter 52. God opens the eyes and ears of people so they hear.
• He’s done that for you and I, and he’s done that all over the earth from one end to the other.

[48] Romans 15:22 For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.

• Paul tells the Romans that he hasn’t been able to visit them because he’s busy preaching the Gospel.
• We need to be the same way. “Well, I didn’t have time to visit because I was preaching the Gospel.”

[49] Romans 15:23-24 But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you; 24 Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.

• Paul says that he’s preached the Gospel everywhere around and now he wants to come see them.
• Whenever he goes to Spain, he’ll stop by and see the Romans. Rome is on the way to Spain.
• But his purpose, again, is to preach the Gospel and that’s probably why he’s going to Spain.
• And Paul is hoping they’ll help him along the way in his journey.

[50] Romans 15:25 But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.

• Paul went to Jerusalem first to MINISTER unto the saints. Paul preaches, teaches, and ministers.
• We see this same outline of Paul’s journeys in the Book of Acts which Luke wrote. Luke stayed with Paul.

[51] Acts 19:21 After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.

• He ministered unto the saints or the SAVED people in Jerusalem. Why is he going to Jerusalem? Let’s see.

[52] Romans 15:26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.

• The churches of Macedonia and Achaia wanted to help the poor saints in Jerusalem. JEWS.
• The Gentiles are going to help the poor JEWS in Jerusalem.

[53] Romans 15:27-28 It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. 28 When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.

• Now that you’re saved, it’s time to contribute with the gifts you’ve been given.
• We are debtors to all of the people. We MUST get the Gospel to them.
• For the poor saints, when they need help, it’s our job to contribute. We’re part of the family now.
• It’s time to take care of each other just as God takes care of his family. Trust in God and do the work.
• We must minister unto each other in carnal things. If you truly need food, let us know.
• And it’s your responsibility to contribute to the cause of Christ however you can.
• Go out and preach the Gospel. It doesn’t require any money at all. Maybe a couple bucks of gas money.

Carnal Or Fleshly Things Have Some Importance Too

If you truly need clothing, let us know. Those are carnal or fleshly things. It’s important too.

• It doesn’t mean, if you need a new big screen TV, let us know. If you need a new car, let us know.
• It’s talking about things you need if you’re poor.
• It’s our job to help, and it’s our job to get people on their feet.
• Paul says in verse 28 that he will get the gifts to Jerusalem and then he will come to them by Spain.

[54] Romans 15:29 And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.

• Do you realize what you have with the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
• If you aren’t excited to tell others about eternal life, maybe you aren’t realizing what it is.
• Paul is excited about preaching the Gospel. He’s going everywhere he can.
• Hey, the vast majority of people aren’t going to listen but there will be some that listen.
• And they are worth it. So, we must go out and preach the Gospel as soon as we can.

[55] Romans 15:30 Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;

• Paul is asking that we strive together. It’s not easy. It wasn’t easy for Paul. People wanted him dead.

[56] Romans 15:31 That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;

• We should pray for all the people out there striving together with us. They are out there.
• Yes, I hope we can find some around here.
• Pray for the service that each of us do and pray that people accept the Gospel.

[57] Romans 15:32-33 That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed. 33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

• When you’re with a saved person that knows they are saved by grace through faith, it’s refreshing!!!
• Paul wants to go see the people who believe because it will refresh him. They give you energy.
• That’s why we need each other all the time. When you’re constantly striving against the world, it’s very refreshing to talk with someone who believes on the Lord Jesus Christ.
• May the God of peace be with you all. We need to pray and ask God for help.
• We can’t do it on our own. It sure isn’t going to work when we do it on our own.

To summarize Romans Chapter 15:

• The GOSPEL is for the Jews and the Gentiles.
• And the Gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
• He died for your sins. He is the sacrifice. You aren’t the sacrifice.
• The blood of Jesus Christ forgives sin. Your works don’t forgive sin. Salvation is NOT OF WORKS.
• All people of all time are saved the same way, and that is through the sacrifice Jesus made.
• It’s not your water baptism. It’s not your good works. It’s not you reading the Bible.
• It’s not you going to church. It’s not you donating money. It’s not you being kind to people.
• It’s not you praying. It’s not you repenting of sin. All of those are works.
• The only way to be saved is through Jesus Christ. You must BELIEVE that he will save you.
• That’s it. Once you do, you’re saved for all of eternity.
• We’ll finish up the Book of Romans next time with Romans Chapter 16.

Let’s pray.