The Apostle’s Plans

Romans 15:22-29
[22] This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you. [23] But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, [24] I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while. [25] At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. [26] For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. [27] For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. [28] When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected, I will leave for Spain by way of you. [29] I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.

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.