ROMANS:THE ROAD TO RIGHTEOUSNESS
The Anatomy of a Ministry
Romans 15:14-33
Jerry A Collins
SCC
How do you
define a ministry?
What kind
of ministry can I have?
What
aspects make up a ministry?
4 men of the cloth taking a short breather from their heavy schedules were on a park bench chatting and enjoying an early spring day. “You know since all of us are such good friends” said one, “this mite be a good time to discuss problems that are disturbing us/ They all nodded in agreement. “Well I would like to share with you that I drink to excess” said one. There was a gasp from the other 3. Then another spoke up “Since you were so honest I’d like to say that my big problem is gambling. Its terrible, I know, but I can’t quit. Ive even been tempted to take money from the collection plate.” Another gasp was heard and the 3rd clergyman spoke. “Im really troubled bros because I am growing fond of a woman in my church—a married woman.” More gasps. However, the 4th man remained silent throughout. Finally, coaxed into opening up from the other 3, he said “the fact is I just don’t know how to tell you my problem.” “Its alright bro. Your secret is safe with us.” “Well its this way” he said. “You see Im an incurable gossip!” Ministry is not just reserved for ministers. It is something entrusted to each of us. Ministry has to do with serving people. But it also is an attitude not just an activity. It has to do with eternal values—looking to eternal or heavenly not temporary or earthly rewards. So, ministry is service to people with eternal values in mind. Here ends main body of letter. Next Paul gives 5 appendices or personal closings (1) His plans 15:14-33; (2) Greetings to people 16:1-16; (3) Purpose for writing to Romans 16:17-20; (4) Greetings from people 16:21-24; (5) A benediction 16:25-27. In our passage we have an anatomy of a ministry. An analysis of how a ministry is conducted and direction for us as we conduct our own ministries.
1. MINISTRY IS LIKE A PRIEST INTRODUCING PEOPLE TO GOD THEN PRESENTING
THEM LIKE AN OFFERING TO GOD 14-16
14—Here
are a group of people considered spiritually informed and spiritually mature.
Amazing that Paul knew this without ever having visited the groups of believers
in
15—So here is the purpose for writing this section. As full as they are, they still needed reminding about the ministry. And he was qualified to do this because of his special position as result of grace given by God. First, it is good to review what you already know. In college a prof said ‘read a systematic theology thru every year. Now I have had four years of college—4 years of seminary but so had he. Second, It is good to build on what you already know. I will attend a ministry conference next week and I know a pastor will be there fervently taking notes. Sitting in front row, asking questions and learning. He is nearly 80 yrs old and pastored for nearly 50.
16 This ministry was carried out as a priestly duty. A priest is one who offers sacrifice. In this case on behalf of the gospel—the gospel that is God’s. So a priest brings people to God with the gospel. Then, these believers are growing thru your ministry to them as your offering to God. God accepts them and they become further set apart to God by the HS. Positionally and progressively.
2. MINISTRY RECOGNIZES ALL CREDIT GOES TO CHRIST EVEN AS WE PARTICIPATE 17-19
Ministry is effective not because of what I do but because of what Christ does thru me.
17-18 There is grounds for boasting when ministry changes peoples lives and that boasting is in what Jesus Christ has accomplished thru us. The results are always up to Christ. We cannot manufacture them. We make ourselves available. We find something we want to do that qualifies as ministry and do it. But only Christ can bring results.
19—While recognizing that all credit goes to Christ, yet Paul
was involved and so are we. God worked by what he had said and done. In his
case it included sings and wonders that authenticated his work as an apostle so
that from
3.
20-21 It is always good to do something, go somewhere none has ever done or gone before. The desire to do pioneer missionary work grew out of zeal to preach gospel to those never heard. To go and do something no one has ever done before. The quote from Isaiah 52:15 gives him encouragement to pursue this virgin territory and new ministry. God wants newness for us. Deliberately pursue new ministry.
22-Up to this time he had always found new areas for ministry so that he had not yet felt free to look beyond Rome and Spain and had kept him away.
4. MINISTRY ENJOYS FELLOWSHIP THAT
REFRESHES ONE ANOTHER SPIRITUALLY
23-24
The Greeks had now heard the gospel so further unreached
fields appealed farther west. This coupled with the long-time desire to see
them was reason he planned to do so.
5. MINISTRY NEEDS GIFTS THAT SUSTAIN AND
ENABLE IT
25-26 Money and ministry
do go hand in hand in a good way. Contributions from groups of believers allow
ministry to carry on and enable it to do good works. You should set some of
your money aside for this. Do good works with your money.
27
The money collected was a love gift and an obligation. The givers owed it
because the gospel had come to them from Jerusalem & Judea where the money
was returning to help needy. Sharing in spiritual blessing they reciprocated
with material & financial blessing. Be a giver. Be generous. (Boy at store
asking for money for candy. I said no then returned and asked what for—a boat for grandpa and himself—I gave extra).
6. MINISTRY IS PLANNED AHEAD BUT
FLEXIBLE
28-29 His plans are
clear and he got to
7. MINISTRY NEEDS INTERCESSORY PRAYER
SUPPORT FROM OTHER BELIEVERS AND ASKS FOR IT AGAIN AND AGAIN
30
Strive together with me in your prayers to God for me! Prayer is communicating
messages to God while not visibly manifested. We need to pray.
31
Ministry is spiritual warfare but also spiritual service. It requires spiritual
resources. Since forces against it are antagonistic, prayer for it must be
energetic and specific. (1) Delivered & safe (2) Acceptable—this case money received.
32-33
The result would be a joyful arrival in