Blessed Hope Bible-Presbyterian Church
500 Upper Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore 678106
He cited two reasons for his request (1) For the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake (2) For the love of the Spirit. His will has been completely surrendered to the Lord’s purpose and plan through the leading of the Holy Spirit. He said in Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Truly, the Apostle Paul is wholly given over to serve his Lord.
Ecclesiastes 3:18-22
18 I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts. 19 For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity. 20 All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again. 21 Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth? 22 Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?
The work of the gospel brings spiritual blessings from God. The Apostle Paul carries God’s blessing to the church in Rome by his coming presence with them. He imparts to them spiritual insight into God’s perspective of life on earth that will benefit them for eternity. This is the selfless work of the gospel that he brings to the churches. A blessed example. Amen.
The Apostle Paul has a heart for the furtherance of the gospel. He preached the gospel in uncharted territories. He desires to see the gospel extended to all the Gentile world. Citing Isaiah’s prophecy in Isaiah 52:15, he speaks of the mission for the conversion of Gentiles and their eventual conversion to receive Israel’s Messiah God, Jesus Christ. He was the man sent for this mission to the Gentiles fulfilling this prediction of Isaiah.
The Apostle Paul was a pioneering missionary to the Gentiles. Because God called him, God also manifested His power to save through the mighty signs and wonders in the conversion of souls throughout the Roman Empire whenever he has set foot upon. Many churches were founded because the gospel was preached and men saved.
Acts 7:1-16 Then said the high priest, Are these things so? 2 And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran, 3 And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee. 4 Then came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell.
What is Saving Faith? (Part 3)
The Westminster Confession of Faith states:
3. This faith is different in degrees, weak or strong [k]; may be often and many ways assailed, and weakened, but gets the victory [l]: growing up in many to the attainment of a full assurance through Christ [m], who is both the author and finisher of our faith [n].
The Apostle Paul speaks of the favour of God upon him that enabled him to be His servant to the Gentile church. It is the calling of God to be His minister, to minister the gospel of God to the Gentiles, that enabled him to serve the church in Rome since his conversion. He is reminded that the strength to serve comes from God. He acknowledged that he is a weak vessel. He acknowledged the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit to convert and sanctify the lives of God’s people by the gospel. He speaks of a holy courage or boldness that gives put in writing the great doctrines of the faith from salvation to glorification. He is aware that God holds him accountable for the many lives that he stands to influence with his life and ministry. And he prays that he fulfils the charge that was given him in his lifetime.
The Apostle Paul speaks of his heart burden in penning this epistle. He addresses directly now the believers in Rome till the end of this epistle. Although he has not met the believers in Rome, he has written to address the spiritual weaknesses of both individuals and groups in the church. He felt confident that the believers will grow in spiritual maturity and that the gospel work will indeed proceed from Rome and beyond.
The Apostle Paul gives the benediction, invoking God’s blessing upon the believers in Rome that they may abound in hope through the filling of the Holy Spirit. Hope invigorates and imparts strength for their present task. In this context, the brethren may live peaceably and amicably in love one toward another, forbearing and forgiving, in unity and joy!