Worship Preparation - August 27, 2023
Sunday, August 27, 2023
Read the sermon text: Romans 15:22-33
Read the sermon summary: In this passage, Paul outlines his itinerary for his travel to Rome and beyond. He is propelled by his ambition to preach the gospel and plant churches where Christ had not been named. Interestingly, this spiritual ambition doesn’t exclude his desire to impart a material blessing (the gift from Gentile Christians) to the Christians in Jerusalem. Paul’s plans show us that he envisions a true unity and partnership among Jewish and Gentile Christians, including the sharing of spiritual and material blessings. He doesn’t view his ambition as simply an individual pursuit. Rather, he is a part of what Christ is working in his people for the glory of God. The Christians in Jerusalem, Macedonia, Achaia, and Rome are all playing their respective roles in the fulfillment of the mission of God. In preparation for the sermon consider the following questions: What is the logic in verse 27b, “For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings”? What do you think it means that Paul will come “in the fullness of the blessing of Christ”? What roles does Paul want the Roman Christians to play in this mission?
Read the following song lyrics in relation to the sermon:
In Christ Alone
In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light my strength my song
This Cornerstone this solid Ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love what depths of peace
When fears are stilled when strivings cease
My Comforter my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand
In Christ alone who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
Till on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live
There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ
No guilt in life no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand
CCLI Song # 3350395
Keith Getty | Stuart Townend
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CCLI License # 11078052