Posted on May 14, 2010 - by Admin
The Apostle’s Heart
“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all . . . Thus for my part, I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome .” (Romans 1:8, 15)
Paul’s greeting to the Romans is so packed full of deep theology and heart felt desires that if he were to greet us on the street in this manner we would probably all run for cover from this weird guy. He greets these Romans with sincere gratitude, grateful for their authentic faith, and lets them know he has been praying for them and an opportunity to come and preach the gospel in Rome . This is to people he most likely has never met! How his heart has changed from that of Saul’s. All that follows in the letter will be the truth which transformed his heart, and so many hearts of all who take this letter by faith. The beauty and glory of Romans is that it is essentially an unpacking of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is not Paul’s gospel, the Roman’s gospel or anyone else’s gospel: it is the Gospel of God. Paul’s gratitude and faith is not that God is “a God” or even “the God”, but “my God. May He grant to you the personal gift of faith and the desire to proclaim this Gospel in word and deed to everyone.
In my study this week, I found a helpful note on a question often asked about prayer. James Boice comments in his commentary on Romans on Paul’s praying for the Romans and an opportunity to go to Rome to preach the gospel: “Sometimes people ask, ‘Does prayer change things, or does prayer change people?” It is a good question, and the answer probably is ‘both’. Prayer does change things, since God responds to prayer and frequently alters circumstances because of it. James points to this result when he says, ‘You do not have, because you do not ask God.’ (James 4:2). On the other hand, I am convinced that far more frequently God uses prayer to change us. Because by it he brings us into his presence, opens our eyes to spiritual realities, and makes his perspective ours.” Exactly.
Elsewhere . . from Donald Miller’s Blog: Five Principles for Dialogue: 1. Truth is not my truth or your truth, it is just truth. All truth is God’s truth. 2. Methodology is part of the message. (People hear more how you say something than what you are saying). “What we say is more important than how we say it; but how we say it has never been more important.” 3. Without a loving heart, I am like a clanging symbol. (1 Cor. 13) 4. The other person has sovereignty. (free will – they have a right to their belief) 5. I could be wrong. (You are human, therefore always listen, seek to learn, and don’t defend absolute truth from your ego. Truth must always be accompanied by grace. Speak the truth in love.)
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*Wednesday night summer schedule:
Every Wednesday at 6:30, we will offer: Acts 1:8 class; Adult Bible Study; Youth; Children’s Ministry; Nursery; Ladies Bible Study will begin June 16th.
*Deacon’s meeting this Sunday, 7pm.
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This week’s Sermon Outline:
The Apostle’s Heart Romans 1:8-15
*What are Paul’s desires as an apostle of Christ?
- To express his gratitude. (v.8)
- Luke 17:9-14; 1 Thess. 5:18
To prioritize faith. (v.8)
- Hebrews 11:6; James 1:6-7
- To constantly pray. (v.9-10)
- Luke 18:1-8; 1 Thess. 5:17
- To give encouragement. (v.11-12)
- Rom. 15:1-2; 1 Thess. 5:11; Hebrews 10:23-25
To preach the Gospel. (v.13-15)
- Colossians 1:27-28
- The gravity of sin / the necessity of grace / the opportunity for faith
*How has the Gospel transformed Paul’s life? Do these mark your life as well?