14 My brothers and sisters, I am sure that you are full of goodness. You are filled with knowledge and able to teach one another. 15 But I have written to you very boldly about some things. I wanted to remind you of them again. The grace of God has allowed me 16 to serve Christ Jesus among the Gentiles. I have the duty of a priest to preach God’s good news. Then the Gentiles will become an offering that pleases God. The Holy Spirit will make the offering holy.
17 Because I belong to Christ Jesus, I can take pride in my work for God. 18 I will speak about what Christ has done through me. I won’t try to speak about anything else. He has been leading the Gentiles to obey God. He has been doing this by what I have said and done. 19 He has given me power to do signs and wonders. I can do these things by the power of the Spirit of God. From Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum I have finished preaching. In those places, I preached the good news about Christ. 20 I have always wanted to preach the good news where Christ was not known. I don’t want to build on what someone else has started. 21 It is written,
“Those who were not told about him will understand.
Those who have not heard will know what it all means.” (Isaiah 52:15)
22 That’s why I have often been kept from coming to you.
23 Now there is no more place for me to work in those areas. For many years I have wanted to visit you. 24 So I plan to see you when I go to Spain. I hope to visit you while I am passing through. And I hope you will help me on my journey there. But first I want to enjoy being with you for a while. 25 Now I am on my way to Jerusalem to serve the Lord’s people there. 26 The believers in Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to take an offering. It was for those who were poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem. 27 They were happy to do it. And of course they owe it to them. The Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings. So the Gentiles should share their earthly blessings with the Jews. 28 I want to finish my task. I want to make sure that the poor in Jerusalem have received this offering. Then I will go to Spain. On my way I will visit you. 29 I know that when I come to you, I will come with the full blessing of Christ.
30 Brothers and sisters, I ask you to join me in my struggle. Join me by praying to God for me. I ask this through the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ. Pray for me with the love the Holy Spirit provides. 31 Pray that I will be kept safe from those in Judea who do not believe. I am taking the offering to Jerusalem. Pray that it will be welcomed by the Lord’s people there. 32 Then I will come to you with joy just as God has planned. We will be renewed by being together. 33 May the God who gives peace be with you all. Amen.
_____________________
What we are covering today:
- Unity
- The Christian Walk
- Power Of Prayer
QUESTION TIME!
Q) Is there anyone different than you, friends, family? e.g. I like custard but my sister likes cream, “I get so confused why she won’t try custard!”
Context
Paul is a follower of Jesus, he is Jewish and was a teacher of the Law. Now he is changed by God and is serving Jesus as a missionary by serving and sharing the gospel with all people.
There is a mix of Jews and Gentiles (Non Jews) in the Church, why is this important?
1) Jews were circumcised as a promise that they are Gods chosen people
2) They are very strict following the law and there is some who think that is what can save you.
3) Gentiles are saved because of Jesus so now although the law is good, it doesn’t save you
This is what can divide them as a Church.
The Goodness of the Unity in Christ Jesus.
Paul compliments the Church for being filled with goodness and filled with all knowledge and being able to instruct one another.
- Being filled with the Holy Spirit, its an active word “filled”
- Live a righteous life, prayer, bible reading actively seeking fellowship and being a source of encouragement, teaching and gently rebuking for correction for the sake of unity (Bringing them back to fellowship)
Galatians 6:1 “ Brothers, if anyone is caught in sin , you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, least you be tempted too”
Unity reveals the love of God, brings forth fruit of the Spirit e.g. Patience, kindness, self control etc…
Unity encourages boldness when sharing the good news of the gospel.
Unity is a command from God and pleases him.
Psalm 133:1 “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
Question: Why is Unity Important?
- When was the last time you received encouragement from someone in the Church?
Christian Walk & Mission
Paul speaks about his calling to serve as a minister to the gentiles.
- As believers we need to minister to others.
- Serving is an act of worship
- serving tea, praying for someone, actively seeking to love someone. As it should always point back to the person of Jesus
Question: Do you see worship differently now?
- What is your heart posture when it comes to serving, is it easy or hard?
OR Power Of Prayer
Paul was always prayerful consistently
- What starts with prayer ends in mission. What to pray for?
- Boldness and courage ( Acts 4:29-31)
- Prayer of Healing and signs ( James 5:16)
- Pray for the lost ( Romans 10:1)
“In Christ Jesus, then I have reason to be proud of my work for God” - v17
Question: Have you seen God answer your prayers before?
- Has answered prayers allowed you to be more bold in prayer?
Conclusion and Recap
Unity is from God and allows us to love and serve each other well, be active, don’t hold back.
Christian life is a life of sacrificial worship, we must humble ourselves and value others more than ourselves. ( check your heart posture).
Prayer is more powerful than you know, it can change lives, miracles can happen, trust in God and see your faith grow as you step out in faith.