Romans 15:14-17
14And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another.
15But I have written very boldly to you on some points so as to remind you again, because of the grace that was given me from God,
16to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
17Therefore in Christ Jesus I have found reason for boasting in things pertaining to God.
As Paul wraps up his letter, he shifts his focus to explain more the purpose of his letter. As my pastor mentioned a couple weeks ago, the majority of the bible is to teach us how to live saved, not to save us. Think of any other book that we refer to as our “bible” whether it be our bible for working out, dieting, fixing a car, etc. It’s not a book that accomplishes it, its a book that teaches how to accomplish it. The bible is written to teach us how to live saved. This is what Paul is breaking down. Even though it becomes a personal account from Paul, I think we can apply these things to ourselves.
He first makes sure to keep himself on the level of those he is speaking to. He wants to make sure they don’t raise him up, but rather explain that he is one of them and the glory belongs to God and Him alone. The reason he has written this letter is because it is the purpose assigned to him by God.
I enjoy this distinction because Paul is leading by example. He is not ashamed for how he spoke because it is what God has called him to do, empowered by the Holy Spirit. So then, what of our purposes given by God? Should we be hesitant of what God has called us to do? Not at all! We must boast in God’s work for and through us and we should do it boldly and proudly, while giving God the glory.
