Take Two: Romans 15, Proverbs 22

Romans 15 is characteristically "Paul." As he comes to a close in his letter, he begins to move quickly through a number of things: some in summarizing, other is saying it without extended explanation.

Vv.1-6 is an admonition to deny self on behalf of others. Rather than asserting our own rights and privileges, we are called to look out for those who are weaker. Not just other believers, but all of our neighbors (v.2). Paul cites that this is the counsel of Scripture...which is authoritative for us today, even though it was written to a different people in a different era (v.4).

Vv.7-13 is an encouragement to "accept" others who are different. It is related to self-denial but speaks more of a heart decision to not just bear with someone, but to embrace and bring them in. Why? Because Christ acted in this way toward us (v.7-8).

Vv.14-21 assert Paul's authority to instruct the readers in this way. He is an Apostle. Though he has not been to Rome, He speaks with authority entrusted to him from God. He offers not just his statement as proof of his authority, but points to the fruits of his ministry (v.18), and the power of God displayed in His ministry (v.19). He points back to his lifelong service of preaching and planting churches where no one else had been; thus, he separates himself from those who might be self-seeking, wishing to simply gain from the work of other men before them (v.19b-20).

Vv.22-24 Paul states that he is coming to Rome and hopes to visit with them as well as receive support (material support) for his ministry from them. [This is pretty bold...since he had never been there. He either lacked social graces, or...God really did entrust to him the authority to speak in this way. I believe the latter is true.]

vv.25-33 Paul gives a wrap-up of what is in store. He is enroute to Jerusalem with a special offering from Macedonia and Achaia for the poor Christians in Jerusalem (v.25-26). This is normal conduct for Christians as Paul asserts in v.27. Just prior to the benediction (Ch 16) Paul asks for prayer for his protection from his enemies that will definitely come after him in Judea (WHERE HE IS PRESENTLY GOING). [Sidenote: funny isn't it that he did not run from the difficulty and the danger, but asked for prayer as he fulfilled his calling in going there?]

Proverbs 22:9 is the takeaway today. "He who is generous will be blessed, for he gives some of his food to the poor." There is both an immediate and a coming blessing indicated here, resulting from ones generosity. Immediately, one is blessed by being generous in KNOWING that they are making a difference in someone's life. As they give of their own (sacrifice), they see the fruit in the needs being met of another person. The picture here is not of some guy digging into his savings account and taking funds from his retirement. It is a picture of a man giving half of his sandwich (which he is about to eat) to someone beside him who has a need.

Long term, there is also a blessing. Generosity does not come naturally. We are naturally (by nature) self-centered and self-seeking. We want to hold onto what we have in case we need it later. Giving away what we have now is a godly view of stewardship. Generous people recognize that we are conduits of blessing. We recognize that God channels blessing through us. We also recognize that the better managers we prove to be (by being generous), the more God entrusts to us in the Kingdom.

Grace,