Being a Blessing

INTRO

I. MINISTRY TO THE SAINTS IN JERUSALEM (vv. 25-28a).

A. Paul had a special eye to the poor among the saints in Jerusalem (v. 25).

1) Paul described his mission as “serving the saints”. The word “serving” comes from the Greek diakonew which is the normal word for service, servants, and is the word for the office of a deacon.

2) This was a very spiritually important and strategic ministry.

B. The Gentile churches were pleased to participate (v. 26).

1) Macedonia = Phillipi, Thess., Berea. “they were pleased to do so,” Cf. 2 Cor. 8:1-4.

2) Achaia = Corinth. Paul is writing this letter to the Romans while in Corinth on his third missionary journey. He has just received their financial gift

C. The Gentile churches were obligated to participate (v. 27).

1) “indebted to them” – moral obligation, yet a joyful duty in their heart.

In what sense are Gentile believers indebted to Jewish believers?

2) “if shared in their spiritual things, then indebted to minister to them in material things.”

APPLICATION: hurricane relief for FIRE churches, etc.

D. Paul’s seal of approval (v. 28).

1) “seal” – Paul wanted to testify to the love of the Gentile believers for their Jewish brethren.

2) “Spain” – would have to wait, this important expression of love must take priority in Paul’s ministry.

II. DESIRING TO BE A BLESSING TO THE ROMANS (vv. 28b-29).

A. Paul was confident that he would come to them “in the fulness of the blessing of Christ.”

This could refer to either the blessing Paul expected to receive from the Romans, or to the blessing Paul wanted to give to the Romans.

What does “the fulness of the blessing of Christ” this mean?

1) Material. Rom. 15:24.

2) Spiritual. Cf. Rom. 1:11.

B. Paul’s desire to be a blessing.

1) The importance of faith.

2) BE A BLESSING!

BE A BLESSING with your hands, Acts 9:36.
BE A BLESSING with your beautiful, Rom. 10:15.
BE A BLESSING with your mouth, Eph. 4:29 .
May our life be like the tree of life in Rev. 22.