ROMANS 15+16

Context

• Paul writes his last words to the Roman church
• He explains his mission and their role in God's plan
• Paul is bringing gifts to Jewish Christians in Jerusalem given by Gentile Christians in an effort to unite the body of Christ

Context

• He then plans to go to Spain and asks the Romans to help him spiritually and materially
• His friends and fellow Christians beg him not to go but he doesn't listen (In Acts)

Read Chapter 15+16

What does the example of Christ teach us to do in verses 1-7?

How was Paul's evangelistic ministry different from other church leaders and missionaries during Paul's time? v1-22

Why does it say:
“The Root of Jesse will spring up,
one who will arise to rule over the nations;
in him the Gentiles will hope.”

Why does Paul say:
"It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation."

Why is Rome a strategic place for Paul, considering his journey from Jerusalem to Spain (v22-23)

What seems most important or interesting to you in chapter 16?

Paul's heart yearns for the church to be united. He asks believers not to please themselves but to please their neighbors. Just like Jesus had sacrificed himself for us. How can you practically obey this in your life today?

Share your answers with a partner. Decide the best answer and commit to carrying it out as a group. Do all that you can to build up the unity of your church, which is what Paul wanted.

In Conclusion

Concerning Paul, he is not shaken by persecution, prison, shipwrecks, death, rebuke, or cursing. Why? He has overcome them by His walk with Jesus Christ.

Paul at this point in Roman has got everything in Christ, and has nothing to lose. He is dangerous. And he wants the church and us as believers to be just as powerful in our faith.

Paul put his life at risk numerous times so that Christ might be glorified and so that Jews and Gentiles would be one body.

He is the ancestor, predecessor, and one of the main pillars to the faith we explore and seek. Let us seek to know Christ as Paul knew Him.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."