June 27, 2004
Morning Sermon Outline
“A Letter to a Good Church”
Romans 15:14-21

I. Examining Paul’s compliments

1. How NOT to interpret them:

A. Paul is not promoting the basic “goodness” of mankind
B. Paul is not saying Christians can reach a state of sinless perfection before heaven
2. How to interpret them:

A. Paul acknowledges the fruit of God’s Spirit – Galatians 5:22-23
B. Paul believes the best about people he has not met – 1 Corinthians 13
C. They were “good” by the grace of God

II. After commending their “goodness” he also commends their knowledge and ability to admonish each other

1. He does this to communicate to them his heart in writing them, it is not because of their great need (they were not ignorant)
2. They were mature knowledgeable Christians, something we should all aim at
3. They were able to effectively, powerfully admonish one another

III. In writing about the “WHY” of this letter Paul goes into an extensive explanation

1. Though he is an apostle he comes to them with the humble attitude of a brother
2. He comes not just to instruct but to remind
3. He comes with a calling to Gentiles
4. He comes with matchless credentials: signs & wonders
5. He comes not to take credit for any other person’s ministry
6. He comes to encourage “gentile” obedience
7. His ministry reaches farther than he probably imagined

Applications:

1. Though we may be mature Christians we should always aim to be teachable
2. Though we may already understand a certain doctrine, we should seek to know what we know better and better
3. Though we may be humble in regard to ourselves, we should not underestimate what God can do through us
4. Our lives and ministries “in Christ” have a great potential to live after us

Pastor Arnold Brevick