Sermon On the Net

PURPOSE

 

Romans 15, 16: Paul ends his letter with greetings to all in Rome so I thought I would combine these last two chapters. As noted by Paul those of us who are strong in the faith should help those who are weaker. We should not think the Lord has graced us with maturity for our own benefit. Jesus didn’t come to please Himself; He came to help others. Paul tells that everything written in the past is for our benefit of learning and strengthening our faith; EVERTHING, not just certain selective things. Of all the religions in the world believers in Christ are the only ones who do follow the Bible, literally; at least they should. Paul expresses his desire that all Christians should have a spirit of unity to worship and glorify God. We are to accept one another just as Christ accepted us. Jesus became a servant of the Jews to confirm the promises made in times past. It is written that He will praise His people among the Gentiles and tell the Gentiles to rejoice with His people.

 

Paul was committed to preaching the good news of salvation to all those who never heard of Him. He traveled to all parts of the region to accomplish his goal. He explained to them that this is why he was delayed in his visit with them. Paul says that he is going to visit them on his way to Spain. Paul finishes by asking them to pray that he will have the strength to finish his mission and to be protected from those who do him harm.

 

Chapter 16 completes the letter to the Christians in Rome with Paul sending his greetings to many of the believers. His last instruction to them was that they should be mindful of fakes who preach a different Gospel and try to confuse and turn them away from the truth.

 

Paul’s last words are extremely important to us today for we should always be on the alert for false teaching. There are so many false religions today that it is almost impossible to know right from wrong. This complex arena of false religions is the reason why I have always preached to all who would listen to discover for themselves the truth by reading and meditating on the Word of God. For those of you who have not accepted Jesus as personal Savior, do not be afraid to read the Bible and discover its truths. If you have a sincere heart God will open your eyes and ears and you will travel a journey whose destination is Heaven He will make it clear to you. If I may use a personal reference of my experience with the Bible I will tell you that I made several attempts to read it during my early years without any success. I found it difficult to believe what I was reading, but you see I didn’t have a sincere heart at the time. I really wasn’t seeking God. However, when I sincerely sought Him and opened the Bible, He opened it to me and I have never laid it down again. No matter how many times you will read it there will always be a new or confirming message. As Paul says in Hebrews 4:12: “For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any double edged sword, and penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” May God bless you my friends.