Day #246: Romans 15:14-16

Although Paul had never met most of the believers in Rome, he was convinced (most likely from reports he had heard of them) that they were spiritually mature. Paul knew they were doing good and living to please God, that they had a full understanding of the truth of the gospel, and were able to counsel and help guide one another. Paul was practicing the kind of encouragement that he had just asked them to use with each other.

Paul knew these believers were mature, but he wrote this lengthy letter on the basics of Christianity to remind them. It may have seemed bold of him to write in this manner to a church he had not founded, but he was the apostle to the Gentiles, and it was in that capacity that he wrote to them. (2 Peter 1:12; 3:1-2.)

He is qualified to write to them because God had allowed him the special privilege of being a special messenger from Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. Paul viewed his ministry to the Gentiles as a priestly duty. He faithfully proclaimed the gospel to the Gentiles so that they would receive the Good News, and become acceptable to God, pure and pleasing to him by the Holy Spirit. Paul’s missionary work was an act of worship. He viewed the Gentile church as a fragrant sacrifice which he presented to God for his acceptance.


SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

I read a study a while ago that Dallas Theological Seminary did. They asked hundreds of senior aged, rock solid mature believers and followers of Christ what the most important thing they could share with others about their relationship with Christ would be. Over and over the same story was repeated by these seasoned citizens - do the basics. Read the Bible daily. Pray often. Keep short accounts of your sin with God. Forgive others constantly. Serve someone, somewhere in the church. Tithe.

I love what Paul said in 1 Timothy 4:9-16 (NIV)
9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance
10 (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.
11 Command and teach these things.
12 Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.
14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.
16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Set the example. Be diligent. Give yourself wholly. Watch your life. Persevere.
Are you doing the basics - daily? Are you being faithful? I pray so.

I love you guys. ENDURE!!