Questions from the Text    (May 23, 2010)

SERMON:  Romans 15:14-33 ("The Full Measure of the Blessing of Christ").  We will also welcome Brian and Dianna Hankins into membership and pray for the Malapiles as they leave for South Africa for the summer and the Setterbergs as they leave to begin seminary soon.

SUGGESTED FAMILY DEVOTIONAL TEXT:  Isaiah 52 (great chapter!)

ADULT CLASSES, 9:30am:  Summer Session I continues in its second week:  NT Survey taught by Brian Sanders or Minor Prophets taught by Carvel Holton.   Jump in!

HYMNS:  ~ Who Are These like Stars Appearing? (Trinity 542)
                  ~ Ps. 72:  Christ Shall Have Dominion (Trinity 439)

SONGS:  ~ Dear Refuge of My Soul
                 ~ Hallelujah, My Father
                 ~ Glorious in Majesty
                 ~ Be Thou My Vision

DEVOTIONAL:  Questions from the Text

Last week we plunged into "the beginning of the end" of Romans, and considered the first of three benedictions which Paul gives to the Romans (15:13).   This week, we continue to work our way through the end, and Lord willing, will reach the second benediction (15:33).   And even as Paul winds down this remarkable letter, he continues to make some fascinating statements which are rich and full of meaning.   So here are some of the questions we will be tackling this Sunday and in future sermons on the end of Romans.

+ How can Paul tell the Romans they are "full of goodness" when he wrote in chapter 3 that "none are righteous, not one" (15:14)?

+ What does he mean that they are "complete in knowledge" (Romans 15:14)?

+ Why did Paul write them boldly?    What did he remind them of (15:15)?
 
+ What does it mean that Paul had a "priestly duty" (15:16)?   Are not all Christians priests, cf. I Peter 2:9?

+ Where then do we see balance in these verses (15:14-16) between the "offices" Christ gives to all believers and the role of teachers within the church?

+  How did the Gentiles become an "offering, acceptable to God" (15:16)?

+ How is it that Paul can "glory" or "boast" in his service to God?  What balances that out
(15:17-18)?

+ What confirmed Paul's message (15:19)?

+ What was Paul's personal goal (15:20)?  Should this be normative for all Christians, or at least for all preachers?  (hint:  NO). 

+ How does Isaiah 52 add to Paul's point (15:21)?

+ What then hindered Paul from coming to Rome sooner (15:22)?

+ What is Paul's ultimate missions goal (15:24)?

+ What one further task does Paul still have to complete before he can come to Rome (15:25-28)?   What does this teach us about Paul's priorities?   (This is very significant!)

+ What could Paul possibly mean that when he does make it to Rome, he will will come in the "full measure of the blessing of Christ" (15:29)?

+ What does Paul ask of the Romans (15:31-32)?  Why is this important to note?

+ Who is the one person Paul commends to the Romans (16:1)?   What title does he give her?  At the least, what does this tell us about the place of women in the early church (16:2)?

+ What can we learn from the list of names Paul greets (16:3-15)?  

+ What does it mean to greet one another with a "holy kiss" (16:16)?  Why "holy?"

+ Who sends greetings (16:16; 21-24)?

+ What is the one last thing Paul warns the Romans about (16:17-18)?   How do these people gain traction in the church?

+ What does Paul wish for the Romans (16:19)?  What does this mean?

+ What is the striking promise Paul makes in 16:20?   Whose feet?   How will this happen?

+ How does Paul (finally!) end the letter (16:25-27)?  Why, do you think, he ends with a doxology (thanksgiving) instead of a benediction (blessing)?   What phrase do we see here that we also see way back in Romans 1:5?   What can we learn from that?

That's a lot to consider!   I warned you.   So we will do what we can this Sunday, and wait for further opportunities later in the summer to consider the rest, with God's help.

See you Sunday! ~ Pastor H