Paul’s Priestly Ministry

Bible Text: Romans 15:14-18 | Preacher: Alan Conner | Series: 2005, Romans

INTRO
    Starting at 15:14, we begin to wind down in this marvelous exposition of the gospel. Paul’s discourse on the content of the gospel and its implications for the Christian life has now basically come to an end and he returns to some of the issues he began the letter with in 1:1-15, speaking of the Roman Christians and his own ministry and future plans in more detail.

A. PAUL’S COMMENDATION OF THE CHURCH AT ROME (v. 14).

“I am convinced” –

“full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to admonish one another” –

goodness –
knowledge –
admonish – noutheteo – to provide instruction to correct behavior and belief

B. PAUL’S PURPOSE IN WRITING (vv. 15-16).

1) to remind you again –

“boldly” = both doctrine and exhortation sections

“to remind you again” –

a) The importance of being reminded.

b) Believers should never grow weary of being reminded.

Many times in the Bible we are told NOT TO FORGET: Ps. 119:16; Jam. 1:25

We should desire the Word, value it, treasure it, for it is the word of life.

2) Paul’s right to address them –

a) Because of the grace (special gift to be an apostle) that was given me (cf. 1:5) –

b) to be a minister to the Gentiles –

c) ministering as a priest –

“acceptable” – Cf. 1:5 “the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles.

“sanctified by the HS –

The Priesthood of the Believer

All believers make up a royal priesthood (1 Pet. 2:9), and a holy priesthood (v. 5).

What are the blessings and function of our priesthood?

1) every believer has direct access to God through Jesus Christ.

2) as a holy priesthood we are live holy lives.

3) as a holy priesthood, we are to “offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 2:5). What kind of sacrifices?

Praise and thanksgiving – Heb. 13:15

Doing good and sharing – Heb. 13:16

Giving – Phil. 4:18

Yourself – Rom. 12:1

CONCLUSION