December 03, 2016: SOAP #2557:  Romans 13-16

Scripture:  Romans (NIV) 15:17 Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God.  18 I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done— 19 by the power of signs and miracles, through the power of the Spirit. So, from Jerusalem all the way round to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.

Observation:   As Paul closes his letter to the Romans, he provides a quick overview of his ministry.   As Jesus was known as a teacher, so teaching was an important part Paul’s ministry.  And here Paul describes his ministry in similar terms that could be used to describe the ministry of Jesus: “the power of signs and miracles, through the power of the Spirit.”  As Jesus relied on the presence of the Holy Spirit, we see that Paul did the same.  As Jesus’ ministry was known for miracles, so Paul’s ministry was known for miracles.  I believe we can say that Paul’s ministry was a continuation of the ministry of Jesus.  The same Holy Spirit working in Jesus, was working in Paul.

Application:  The same Holy Spirit is still working through flesh and blood people today.  Believers today in whom Christ dwells by His Holy Spirit need to rely on the presence of the Holy Spirit.  I need to set myself to be an avenue through which the Holy Spirit can express Himself today.

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, May you find me a willing and useful vessel through whom you can express your presence in my world today. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!