The Apostle's Plans

Romans 15:22-29

22 In fact, my visit to you has been delayed so long because I have been preaching in these places.
23 But now I have finished my work in these regions, and after all these long years of waiting, I am eager to visit you. 24 I am planning to go to Spain, and when I do, I will stop off in Rome. And after I have enjoyed your fellowship for a little while, you can provide for my journey.
25 But before I come, I must go to Jerusalem to take a gift to the believers there. 26 For you see, the believers in Macedonia and Achaia have eagerly taken up an offering for the poor among the believers in Jerusalem. 27 They were glad to do this because they feel they owe a real debt to them. Since the Gentiles received the spiritual blessings of the Good News from the believers in Jerusalem, they feel the least they can do in return is to help them financially. 28 As soon as I have delivered this money and completed this good deed of theirs, I will come to see you on my way to Spain. 29 And I am sure that when I come, Christ will richly bless our time together.

The Apostle’s Plans — Pastor Lonnie D Bell, Jr.
Romans 15:22-29
Sermon Series: Romans
(85th Sermon)
January 9, 2022

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.
  How should Paul’s example guide our goals and resolutions for the new year?
2.  What has hindered Paul from visiting the Romans? How does this illustrate the importance of our personal desires taking a back seat to God’s will?
3.  What two reasons were given for wanting to visit Rome? How does this encourage us to prioritize missions and edification?
4.  How does this passage challenge us not to have merely social relationships within the church?
5.  Why is the collection for the Jerusalem Christians so important to Paul? How does it play into his larger work as the Apostle to the Gentiles?

References: Matthew 6:33; 1 Corinthians 11:1; Romans 1:5, 9-11, 12; James 2:15-16; 1 John 3:17; Acts 11:28-29; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8:2-4; Romans 11:17; John 4:22; Romans 15:6.