God’s Renewing Word of Hope
Introduction
Romans 15:14-33: In today’s reading, the apostle Paul states his reasons for writing this bold letter and speaks of his plans to visit the believers in Rome.
Scripture Reading
Paul’s Reason for Writing So Boldly
14My friends: I myself feel sure that you are full of goodness, that you have all knowledge, and that you are able to teach one another. 15But in this letter I have been quite bold about certain subjects of which I have reminded you. I have been bold because of the privilege God has given me 16of being a servant of Christ Jesus to work for the Gentiles. I serve like a priest in preaching the Good News from God, in order that the Gentiles may be an offering acceptable to God, dedicated to him by the Holy Spirit. 17In union with Christ Jesus, then, I can be proud of my service for God. 18I will be bold and speak only about what Christ has done through me to lead the Gentiles to obey God. He has done this by means of words and deeds, 19by the power of miracles and wonders, and by the power of the Spirit of God. And so, in traveling all the way from Jerusalem to Illyricum, I have proclaimed fully the Good News about Christ. 20My ambition has always been to proclaim the Good News in places where Christ has not been heard of, so as not to build on a foundation laid by someone else. 21 As the scripture says,
“Those who were not told about him will see,
and those who have not heard will understand.”
Paul’s Plan to Visit Rome
22 And so I have been prevented many times from coming to you. 23But now that I have finished my work in these regions and since I have been wanting for so many years to come to see you, 24I hope to do so now. I would like to see you on my way to Spain, and be helped by you to go there, after I have enjoyed visiting you for a while. 25 Right now, however, I am going to Jerusalem in the service of God’s people there. 26For the churches in Macedonia and Achaia have freely decided to give an offering to help the poor among God’s people in Jerusalem. 27 That decision was their own; but, as a matter of fact, they have an obligation to help them. Since the Jews shared their spiritual blessings with the Gentiles, the Gentiles ought to use their material blessings to help the Jews. 28When I have finished this task and have turned over to them all the money that has been raised for them, I shall leave for Spain and visit you on my way there. 29When I come to you, I know that I shall come with a full measure of the blessing of Christ.
30I urge you, friends, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love that the Spirit gives: join me in praying fervently to God for me. 31Pray that I may be kept safe from the unbelievers in Judea and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to God’s people there. 32And so I will come to you full of joy, if it is God’s will, and enjoy a refreshing visit with you. 33May God, our source of peace, be with all of you. Amen.
Today’s Key Verse: Romans 15:33
May God, our source of peace, be with all of you. Amen.
Reflect
Paul states that he has written his letter with boldness. How many times does the word “bold” appear? What is the source of Paul’s boldness? How does he describe his commission to proclaim the Good News to the Gentiles? What Good News will you proclaim today?
Pray
Lord Jesus, help me to be bold in my witness to you and to proclaim in word and deed the good news of your love and salvation. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Psalm 18:1-24: A song of victory.