Sold Out for Jesus

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This sermon is part of a series of messages on Romans and it is based on Romans 15:14-33 in which the Apostle Paul details his ministry in the past and his plans for continuing ministry in the future.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

Today we are looking at the second half of chapter 15 in Romans. We have now entered into the closing section of the letter in which the Apostle shares some final thoughts and greetings.

As I read through the verses that I wanted to cover today, I was contemplating what I could use for a title that would summarize the teaching in these verses. As you can see by what is printed in the bulletin, I came up with the title, “Sold Out for Jesus.”

In the remainder of chapter 15 Paul speaks about his ministry and I am sure that after reading these verses, we have to conclude that Paul was a person who was totally “sold out for Jesus!”

Let’s take a look at verses 14-33 to review some of Paul’s closing comments in which he recounts part of his ministry efforts in the kingdom of God.

If you are following the outline I’ve created, we will be covering “A” under “VII” near the bottom of the page.

A.   Paul's personal ministry for Christ. (15:14-33)

Paul reviews or summarizes his ministry to the Gentiles and his desire to include them in his life of service that has already produced much fruit. He also wants them to join with him in ministry as he continues to serve Christ.

 i.   He has faithfully preached to Gentiles. (14-20)

Even though he has never yet visited Rome, he commends them for the qualities they already possess, and he alludes to his ongoing role in their spiritual development by virtue of his letter in which he has written rather bluntly and boldly (see vv. 14-15).

There are three descriptions that Paul gives of his ministry to the Gentiles.

a.   His ministry was initiated by God’s grace.

vv. 15-16   Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God, ¹⁶  that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

Paul’s perspective regarding his ministry was that God had chosen him and honored him to be the missionary to the Gentiles.

He had been especially selected to be a servant and representative of Jesus Christ by the grace of God.

“minister” – word that carried the idea of priestly ministry.

b.   His ministry was accompanied by God’s power.

vv. 17-19a - ¹⁷  Therefore I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God. ¹⁸  For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient-- ¹⁹  in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God,

If you read the historical record of Paul’s journeys for Jesus, you will understand that everywhere Paul went he manifested the dynamic power of the Holy Spirit in miracles and signs that attested to his message.

“signs and wonders” – this same description is used to describe the miracles performed by the “man of sin” in 1 Thess.

Miracles do not prove the messenger is of the truth, but they do cause people to take notice so that the truth has an opportunity to convince the hearers.

c.   His ministry was fulfilled with God’s vision.

vv. 19b-20  …so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. ²⁰  And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man's foundation,

Paul’s focus in ministry was to go as far as he could… i.e. God’s vision was a worldwide vision.

He preached as much as he could (fully preached). i.e. God’s vision includes comprehensive knowledge of salvation. 

He pioneered new territory (not anywhere Christ was already named). i.e. God’s vision encompasses those who’ve never heard.

ii.   He will continue to preach as God leads. (21-33)

The quote from Isaiah 52:15 in v. 21 appears like it could be related to the comments before the verse as well as those verses following.

The Isaiah passage seems to support Paul’s ministry preference of going to those places where no other Christian missionary / preacher had gone. It also provides the foundation for his desire to come to Rome for the same reason.

As in the past, he wants to continue going into areas where no other minister of the gospel has gone.

This in no way is a criticism against those who do expand and build on the work that others have started. It is merely an explanation of Paul’s specific work and calling throughout his life’s ministry.

Paul was a pioneer missionary in many respects and it was something that inspired him and created a great deal of enthusiasm within him.

In these verses (14-33) Paul explains three ideas or thoughts regarding his future ministry.

a.   He feels compelled to go on to new territory.

Paul describes his intentions to go to Spain. (see verse 24 and 28)

There is no evidence in Scripture that Paul ever succeeded in going to Spain. Sources I studied indicated that some Bible scholars definitely believe that he didn’t go to Spain, while others believe he may have enjoyed a period of freedom between his first and second imprisonments that would have allowed ample time for a visit there.

The point however, is the fact that even as he is approaching the later years of his ministry he is still on fire for the Lord and is so “sold out for Jesus” that he continues to desire and anticipate “invading” new areas with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

b.   He plans to go back to home base.

Before Paul attempts any journey to Spain, he intends to go back to Jerusalem to minister to the believers there.

There are two points that Paul stresses regarding his visit back to Jerusalem.

First, his ministry to the believers (primarily Jewish Christians) will include delivering the collections he has been receiving from the Gentiles throughout Asia.

He explains that it is only right for the Gentiles to materially assist the poor Jewish believers back in the area around Jerusalem, since the benefits of the gospel has come from them in the first place.

Some writers (e.g. JFB Commentary) indicate that it was a common Jewish practice for the Jews that were scattered around the empire to send financial support back to Jerusalem for “temple tax” and other purposes.

Now the Gentiles can copy this practice for more practical Christian reasons.

Paul seems to be teaching a principle here that everyone who has been blessed needs to return the blessings. (Or pass them on to others.) e.g. God told Abraham, “I will bless thee….” And “You shall be a blessing.” Gen. 12

Every one of us has been the beneficiaries of someone else making the sacrifices and expended the effort needed in order to bring the gospel to us, so we ought to be willing to do the same.

In addition to the delivery of financial support, Paul explains that he also anticipates some opposition while he is back in Jerusalem.

Opposition is something that Paul was used to, and he took it in stride. Anyone who is “on fire for the Lord” and “sold out for Jesus” might as well get used to the fact that your enthusiasm for Jesus will not be appreciated by some people!

c.   He expects their partnership in his service.

The potential for partnership in his ministry will take two forms:

One, they will be able to provide valuable assistance if and when he gets to go to Spain. (vv. 24, 32) The implication here is that their assistance will be in the form of physical/material support and aid. When he comes, he will come “fired up” (see v. 29), but he will also appreciate and need their help.

Two, their prayer support will be extremely vital for him as he faces the opposition in Jerusalem, as he provides the offerings to the believers, and as he anticipates his subsequent visit to Rome.

In all of the letters that Paul has written in the NT, you will find a strong emphasis on prayer – his prayers for the believers and his solicitation of their prayers for him.

Prayer is presented in scripture as a means of communicating with God and expressing our praise and thanks to Him, BUT the Bible also expresses the necessity of doing spiritual warfare through prayer.

Here again Paul is urging the Roman Christians to engage the enemy by their prayers for him.

Conclusion:

When we read about Paul’s work for the Lord it is apparent that he was enthused, dedicated and sold out.  

Paul was not the type of person that looked at life with the attitude: “I’ll give Jesus this much time, and then I’ll be able to get back to doing what I like.” Or, “How much can I live for my own pleasures and desires and still have time for God’s work so I won’t feel too guilty?”

No, his life was consumed with living each day in order to tell the message of the gospel to as many people as possible, and to build them up in their faith as true followers of Jesus.

He obviously had time to rest, and I’m sure he lived a normal human life, but his passion and his goal in life was to live every day for Jesus.

But, what is “normal” for us I  believe is entirely different than what “normal” was for him.

His life I am sure was much less about himself and more about Christ, while for many Christians in America, it is the other way around; more about self and a little about Christ.

In one of his letters he wrote, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1 (KJV)

I want the Lord to help me to be more committed and more on fire for the Lord than ever! I want to be sold out for Jesus so much that, like Paul, I will be able to have an influence and an impact on other people for Jesus. Amen?

 

To view the next sermon in this series, click here.