Man presenting Project X Q3 update to colleagues in an office meeting
Bible, Boasting, Honor, Jesus, Praise, Pride, Romans, Scripture

HOLD YOUR TONGUE

ROMANS 15:18

“For I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me, resulting in the obedience of the Gentiles by word and deed,

People like to take credit for things that they have not done. You see it all the time in business. An employee works long hours to put together a report for a Board of Directors only to see the boss take all the credit. Has that ever happened to you? It can be infuriating, can’t it? Paul, in today’s verse, wants to make sure he doesn’t do that.

I love what Ellicott wrote on this verse in his commentary. He writes it as if this might be what Paul was thinking. “I have a certain just and legitimate pride, but I shall not, therefore, presume to boast of successes of which others have been the instrument. All successes in the mission field are due ultimately to Christ; for some he has made use of me, for others of other men. I will confine myself to those in which I have been myself directly concerned.”

APPLICATION

Shouldn’t that be our attitude? The Greek word translated as “presume” is one which we have referred to earlier. It’s tolmáō which could be translated as “dare.” I love that. Remember The Christmas Story when the boys in school double dog dared one of the boys to stick his tongue to the frozen flagpole? We seem to not be able to resist a dare. But here, Paul doesn’t take the bait. He says he would not dare to claim credit for the Lord’s work.

We should not dare to take credit for something only God could do. I recently made a big ask of a potential donor. It was a big one, and one which only the Lord could get credit for, should it come to fruition. When you ask for God-sized things, don’t take credit when He decides to answer. We have to keep pointing upwards and directing all the praise toward Him.

That is exactly what Paul is doing. People were always trying to lift him up higher than he belonged. Remember this from Acts 14? “11 When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they raised their voice, saying in the Lycaonian language, ‘The gods have become like men and have come down to us!’ 12 And they began calling Barnabas, Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, since he was the chief speaker.” Paul immediately denied those remarks and pointed only to Jesus. Let’s do likewise.

Father, I want all the glory and honor to go to You and You alone.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

Standard
Woman expressing admiration to a smiling young man in a community room
Bible, Boasting, Others, Pride, Romans, Scripture, Service

BOAST IN GOD

ROMANS 15:17

“Therefore in Christ Jesus I have found reason for boasting in things pertaining to God.”

When we think of boasting, it usually has a negative connotation. And that is justified. I have known some extreme braggarts in my lifetime. I bet you have also. But I have also known some who only brag on Jesus. That’s a good kind of boasting. They attribute everything good to Him. They don’t want any credit or praise. That’s what Paul is referring to in today’s verse.

The Greek word for “boasting” is kaúxēsis which means boasting of self-achievements or God’s. Barnes says, “It means also ‘praise, thanksgiving,’ and ‘joy. This is its meaning here, that the apostle had great cause of ‘rejoicing’ or ‘praise’ that he had been so highly honored in the appointment to this office, and in his success in it.” Let’s look at some other verses where this word is used this way.

APPLICATION

In 1 Corinthians 15:31 Paul writes, “I affirm, brothers and sisters, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, that I die daily.” Paul uses kaúxēsis three times in 2 Corinthians (1:12; 7:4 and 8:24). In 7:4 Paul boasts again in the Corinthians, “My confidence in you is great; my boasting in your behalf is great.” Once again in 1 Thessalonians 2:19 Paul boasts in the recipients of his letter. He says, “For who is our hope, or joy or crown of pride, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? Or is it not indeed you?” The word “pride” there is kaúxēsis.

What does this mean for us? I think it is pretty clear. Boast in others. Boast in Jesus. Don’t boast on yourself. If you deserve recognition for something, let others boast on you. I have always found it hard to receive praise from others. Whether it was a remark concerning a message I gave, a song I sang or some project I completed, I always felt unworthy of such praise. I know that the only reason I can do any of those things is Jesus.

Let me encourage you this week to find a reason to boast on someone else. You may have a neighbor who always keeps their yard looking nice. Tell them you appreciate their efforts. You may observe a stranger helping someone in need. Tell them you are thankful for them. And if someone brags on you, point upward and give God praise. Use that moment as a chance to brag on Jesus.

I give You praise, O Lord, for all You have done in and through me.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

Standard
Person with raised arms facing sunlight breaking through cloudy sky on mountain peak
Ministry, Holy Spirit, Bible, Scripture, Service, Servant, Minister, Romans

BE A MINISTER

ROMANS 15:16

“to 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.”

I have said before in this blog how proud my mama was that I was a minister. If I ever got a letter in the mail addressed to Reverend Carl Willis, I knew it was from my mom. I am not sure she ever really understood what I did since my ministry wasn’t in a church for most of my career. However, if she could read this verse with me today, it would explain exactly what I have been called to do.

This verse is a prime example of why you can’t just read the English translation. The two words, “minister” and “ministering,” are two entirely different words. Paul is telling the readers of his role and his function as a minister to the Gentiles. We are all called to be ministers of the gospel, whether that involves full-time service or not. Paul’s example of his ministry shows us that. Let’s look at these two words and see how we can apply them to our lives.

APPLICATION

First, we have the Greek word leitourgos translated as “minister.” This word is five times in the New Testament in a variety of ways. It “is applied to civil authorities (Romans 13:6), an apostle’s missionary calling (Romans 15:16), a congregational delegate (Philippians 2:25), angels (Hebrews 1:7), and Christ Himself (Hebrews 8:2). Each instance presents God-appointed service offered for the common good and ultimately directed toward Him.” (Topical Lexicon) Paul is referring to his role here in today’s verse as an apostle to the Gentiles. God had given him a specific function.

The word “ministering” is the Greek word hierourgeó which only occurs here in Romans 15:16. It literally means “temple work.” Let’s just call that church work or mission work. Paul knew his job as an apostle wasn’t just a position of honor. He was called to serve, to actually do the work. I can relate to that. In my ministry, I have been asked to do a lot of things that are more work related than position related. Serving the Lord can be hard at times. It requires sacrifice. It requires dedication.

We are called a part of the royal priesthood, am I right? 1 Peter 2:9 says that. That doesn’t mean we sit back and relish in our position in Christ. No! We are called to serve. To do the ministering. That may mean you serve in VBS this year or you rock babies in the nursery. You may be a deacon or an elder in your church. Whatever you do to serve the Lord, make sure you let Him sanctify in the Holy Spirit, as Paul said at the end of our verse today. If the Holy Spirit isn’t in it, don’t do it. Do it for the glory of God and for no other reason.

I am Yours, O Lord. Use me to minister to the body of Christ however You choose.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

Standard
Military officer on horseback leading soldiers with rifles during battlefield charge with explosions and smoke
Bible, Boldness, Courage, Empowered, Gifts, Romans, Scripture

BE BOLD

ROMANS 15:15

“But I have written very boldly to you on some points so as to remind you again, because of the grace that was given to me from God,” 

Some people perceive boldness as rudeness. It’s nothing of the sort. Through my ministry I have had to be rather bold in my gospel witness or in defending someone who was being treated unfairly. I have stood up to some bullies in the church with boldness that I didn’t know I possessed. It takes courage sometimes to stand up for what you know is right.

Paul uses a Greek word here for “boldly” that is only used here in the whole New Testament. It is the comparative form of “tolmáō (from tolma, ‘bold courage’) – properly, to show daring courage necessary for a valid risk (“putting it all on the line”); courageously venture forward by putting fear behind and embracing the fruit that lies ahead for taking a necessary risk.” (HELPS Word-studies). The word used here is the adjective tolmēróteron. The Topical Lexicon says, “In Romans 15:15 Paul acknowledges that he has written ‘rather boldly’ to the believers in Rome. The comparative nuance suggests a degree of boldness surpassing what might normally be expected in ordinary correspondence. The single occurrence accents its rhetorical force, underscoring a deliberate choice to speak with heightened candor.”

APPLICATION

So, how does this apply to us? God may call on you to exercise such boldness in your Christian faith. Many of our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ have shown such boldness every day. I read every week about a pastor or his family in Nigeria or India or another country who have lost their home or perhaps even their lives because of their boldness for the Gospel. What would you do in the face of such challenges?

Paul writes in Philippians 1:14 that his suffering produced boldness in others. “and that most of the brothers and sisters, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.” The word “courage” is tolmáō. What you do can have such an impact on the action of others. Think of the General who leads his men into battle rather than staying behind and simply ordering them.

God needs our boldness. God can give us this boldness. We just have to ask and believe. When you face trials, turn to Him for the boldness to go through them. When you are defending the weak, tap into the boldness you receive from Jesus. Remember it is not your battle. It’s God’s. You are just a foot soldier following orders.

Give me boldness that surpasses the attacks of the enemy knowing You have my back. 

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

Standard
Young child pouring water from a jug into a mug causing a spill on the table
Admonished, Bible, Filled, Goodness, Knowledge, Romans, Scripture

GOODNESS OF OTHERS

ROMANS 15:14

“And concerning you, my brothers and sisters, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another.”

Have you ever known a truly good person? You know what I mean. Someone who seems to always think of others first. I have known a few such people in my lifetime. Their goodness just rubs off on you. They make you want to do good also. These people are selfless but also wise. They can advise you and even admonish you and you are thankful instead of resentful.

That is how Paul is describing the Roman believers who received this letter. They weren’t puffed and haughty because they were Romans. Barnes said this about, “There was indeed danger in the city of Rome of pride and haughtiness; and among the Gentile converts there might have been some reluctance to receive instruction from a foreign Jew.” But Paul did not see this in them.

APPLICATION

Paul described them as “full of goodness.” The Greek word translated as “full” is mestos and means so full nothing else can be added. Let me give you a picture of that. My grandson loves to play with his little play sink outside. He will fill up little cups and pour them into another cup. He keeps pouring until it runs over. That’s this word. Filled to overflowing. That’s a lot of goodness.

And the word “goodness” is that benevolent goodness. Agathosune only occurs four times in the New Testament and appears to be a purely biblical term not used in secular writings. In Galatians 5:22 it is listed as a fruit of the Spirit. That means every follower of Christ possesses this since they have the Spirit within them. It occurs in Ephesians 5:9 where it says, “(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth),” And the other time we see it is in 2 Thessalonians 1:11. “To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will consider you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power,”

So, let me ask you – how are you living out the goodness of God in your life? Are you thinking of others before yourself? Do you desire to see others receive blessings before you seek them yourself? There may be someone right now in your life who needs to receive some goodness from you. This week find a way to be a blessing. Find a way to bless them when they least expect it. I promise you the blessing will be all yours in the end.  

Let Your fruit of the Spirit be lived out in me today as I am truly filled with all goodness.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

Standard
Two women smiling and exchanging a wicker basket filled with wrapped gifts, a teddy bear, books, and a bottle of wine in front of a decorated Christmas tree
Abounding, Bible, Blessing, Holy Spirit, Hope, Romans, Scripture

ABOUND IN HOPE

ROMANS 15:13

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

There have been a few times in my life when I have been the recipient of an extravagant gift. I have a supporter of our ministry who has blessed us for a few years now with an amazing gift, one I am surely not worthy of. I have been gifted a truck by a widow in my previous church. You could say I have been filled beyond measure by such gifts.

Paul uses a Greek word in today’s verse which has that same idea. Perisseúō is translated “will abound” and is “(from perí, ‘all-around’ which indicates abundance or surplus) – properly, exceed, go beyond the expected measure, i.e. above and beyond (‘more than . . . ‘); ‘what goes further (more), surpasses.’” (HELPS Word-studies) Paul says the God of hope will fill us with joy and peace so we can be filled beyond measure with hope (His hope) by the Holy Spirit. What a promise!

APPLICATION

This word is used 39 times in the New Testament. Let’s take a look at some of these. This word is used in Matthew 14 and 15 when it refers to the “leftover” bread and fish that Jesus served the 5,000 and then the 4,000. There wasn’t just a little bit leftover. It was an abundance. The baskets overflowed. Jesus never does anything halfway, does He? He made sure there was plenty for all to eat and even for some to be used at a later date.

We are told in 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be firm, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” “Excelling” is the word there. We are to do more than expected, to go beyond in our labor for the Lord.

In 2 Corinthians 1:3-5, Paul talks about “the God of all comfort” and how He comforts us so we can comfort others. In verse 5 we read, “For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.” Abundance in sufferings and also in comfort. One leads to the other.

I want you to think about how God’s blessings superabound in your life. Take a minute and list ten ways God has blessed you. Then give Him praise. God’s hope overflows into our life through the power of the Holy Spirit. Cherish that. Enjoy it. God is faithful to bless us way beyond what we ask or think.

O Lord, I praise You for the abundance of hope You have given me through Christ.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

Standard
Small green plant growing from center of old tree stump in forest
Bible, Hope, Isaiah, Messiah, Romans, Scripture

THE ROOT OF JESSE

ROMANS 15:12

“Again Isaiah says, ‘THERE SHALL COME THE ROOT OF JESSE, AND HE WHO ARISES TO RULE OVER THE GENTILES, IN HIM WILL THE GENTILES HOPE.’”

One thing I have learned about removing invasive plants is you must remove the root. Just snipping off the top won’t work. And if you want to transplant a tree or plant, you need to dig down deep enough to include the root. A tree or plant without a root won’t survive. Alright, that’s my gardening tip for the day.

Paul quotes from the book of Isaiah. Isaiah 11:1 says, “Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch from his roots will bear fruit.” And then Isaiah 11:10 reads, “Then on that day The nations will resort to the root of Jesse, Who will stand as a signal flag for the peoples; And His resting place will be glorious.” Who is this “root of Jesse”? Of course, it is Jesus, the Messiah. He rules over all and in Him there is hope.

APPLICATION

Jesse was the father of David. The people recognized Jesus as coming from the line of Judah which ran through Jesse and David. In Matthew 15:22, a Canaanite woman gave Jesus the title Son of David. “And a Canaanite woman from that region came out and began to cry out, saying, ‘Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely demon-possessed.’”

In Luke 18:39, blind Bartimaeus uses the same title. “And he called out, saying, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’” In fact, Jesus is called the “Son of David” seventeen times in the New Testament. Why is this significant? We have to go back to 
2 Samuel 7:12. This is the story of when Nathan, the prophet, delivers God’s message concerning building the temple to David. David was not allowed to build it, but God told him, “When your days are finished and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come from you, and I will establish his kingdom.” Jesus was the fulfillment of that prophecy through Jesse and David. He was indeed the “Root of Jesse.”

What is your legacy? David was told his legacy was not in his son, Solomon, or any of his other sons. His legacy would be the Messiah. I know my children and my grandchildren are a part of my legacy. I also know, if the Lord tarries His return, my future descendants will be my legacy. My prayer is that the Christian foundation I have attempted to lay will stand the test of time. There is no greater legacy than to see you children, grandchildren and great grandchildren follow Jesus. Do your part by laying the foundation.

I am eternally grateful for the Root of Jesse who came to give me hope.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

Standard
Group of people with eyes closed and hands raised singing worship songs in a church
Bible, Gentiles, Praise, Romans, Scripture, Singing

SING PRAISES

ROMANS 15:11

“And again, ‘PRAISE THE LORD ALL YOU GENTILES, AND LET ALL THE PEOPLES PRAISE HIM.’”

I can’t think of a better way to introduce today’s verse than with the hymn “God of Mercy, God of Grace.” Just take a look at these lyrics and then read our verse again.

1 God of mercy, God of grace, show the brightness of Your face.
Shine upon us, Savior, shine; fill Your world with light divine;
all Your saving health extend unto the earth’s remotest end.

2 Let the people praise You, LORD; by all living things adored.
Let the nations shout and sing glory to their gracious King;
at Your feet their tribute pay and Your holy will obey.

3 Let the people praise you, LORD; earth shall then its fruits afford.
To Your children blessings give; we to You devoted live,
all below and all above, one in joy and light and love.

Paul continues quoting the Psalms, this time quoting Psalm 117:1 which reads in the New American Standard Version, “Praise the LORD, all nations; Sing His praises, all peoples!” I like that translation. The Hebrew word translated “sing” is shabach. It’s only used eleven times in the Old Testament. The Topical Lexicon says it can mean “laudatory proclamation—public, enthusiastic praise directed toward the Lord;” That is what Paul is calling us all to do in today’s verse.

APPLICATION

I have shared before that part of my daily Quiet Time with the Lord involves singing to Him. I literally sing a hymn to Him each morning if at all possible. (I do that quietly since my wife does not want me to wake her at 5 a.m. with singing, lol). How do you praise Him? Do you read a Psalm? That’s a good way. Maybe you sing a praise chorus. That works, too. There are so many ways to praise Him. But make sure that when you do it, you are being sincere.

Some of my most cherish memories have been when I was in another country and could hear the people sing praises in their own language. If I knew the song, I would sing along in English. I once was at a conference where we asked every man there to sing in their local dialect the hymn “How Great Thou Art.” I get goosebumps just thinking about that. How the Lord must have smiled.

If you are not in the habit of singing to the Lord, try it. You do not have to be a soloist or have a great voice. After all, we are told to make a “joyful noise.” God can distinguish between the good notes and the bad ones and still be honored and glorified. As you finish this blog today, end with a song. Pick out your favorite hymn and glorify His name.

I sing praises to Your name, O Lord. Praises to Your name, O Lord!

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

Standard
Group of diverse people standing on a grassy hill at sunset with raised arms and smiling faces
Bible, Family, Psalms, Rejoicing, Romans, Scripture

JOIN THE FAMILY

ROMANS 15:10

“Again he says, ‘REJOICE, YOU GENTILES, WITH HIS PEOPLE.’”

When I married my wife way back in 1985, I was immediately welcomed into her family. Her parents and seven siblings, along with their spouses and children, became my family also. Also, my wife became family to my parents, siblings and their families. We are part of the Willis/Barker union. Over these almost 41 years, we have both grown closer to the other side of the family. Sure, we may argue and disagree from time to time, but the love we have for each other is always there.

Paul quotes from the first part of Deuteronomy 32:43 in today’s verse linking the Gentiles with the Jewish nation (“with His people”). Matthew Poole says regarding this verse, “Here it is evidently implied, that the Gentiles should become the people of God, and join with the Jews in his worship and service and rejoice in the sense of his goodness and mercy to them. The partition wall is now taken away, and they both became one sheepfold under one Shepherd.”

APPLICATION

This verse may sound simple, but it wasn’t. The Jews and the Gentiles were not exactly friends. Jews considered Gentiles as unclean and unworthy of any recognition by God. Remember the story of Cornelius and Peter in Acts 10? God had to show Peter beforehand that He had declared unclean things to be clean so that Peter would understand when Cornelius asked him to come. God was rewriting who belonged in His family.

Jesus came and declared all men worthy of being called God’s children. It was the Father Who declared to Peter, “‘What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy.’” That was the message of the cross. God sent Jesus to die for all mankind. Therefore, we can say along with the Psalmist, “Rejoice, you Gentiles, with His people.”

Listen carefully! You belong in His family. Nobody can tell you otherwise. If you have yielded to the call of the Spirit and have decided to follow Jesus, you belong. I don’t care where you came from. It doesn’t matter what race or nationality you are, you are now in His family. You can rejoice along with all His saints. Satan doesn’t want you to believe that, but it’s true. So, join the chorus and sing it loud. Hosanna, to the King of kings!

Thank You for adopting me into Your family, O God.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

Standard
Wooden sign reading MERCY hanging from a wooden beam with greenery and stone buildings in background
Bible, Forgiveness, Mercy, Praise, Psalms, Romans, Scripture

HIS MERCY

ROMANS 15:9

“and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy; as it is written: ‘THEREFORE I WILL GIVE PRAISE TO YOU AMONG THE GENTILES, AND I WILL SING PRAISES TO YOUR NAME.’”

I can remember crying out to God for mercy during my last health related battle. I was undergoing chemotherapy in preparation for a stem cell transplant and was suffering greatly. Without going into great detail, let’s just say I was at the end of my physical endurance. I was trusting the Lord to heal me, but there were days when I simply begged for mercy, for relief from the pain and suffering. And God is faithful. Here I am seven years later writing to you. His mercy is sufficient.

As Paul writes these words in today’s verse about God’s mercy to the Gentiles, it seems he breaks out in song quoting Psalm 18:49. It reminds me of Psalm 2:8, “‘Ask it of Me, and I will certainly give the nations as Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth as Your possession.’” Paul, a Jew, had been given the assignment by God to reach the Gentiles with the Gospel. He desired for them to experience God’s mercy firsthand.

APPLICATION

Let me remind you that mercy is not getting what you deserve while grace is getting what you don’t deserve. The Topical Lexicon describes this Greek word like this, “eleos speaks of God’s compassionate response toward human misery and of the believer’s corresponding attitude toward others. It is more than sentiment; it is love that moves to act and to relieve. Every one of its twenty-seven New Testament occurrences carries this note of active compassion, whether describing God’s saving initiative or the believer’s ethical obligation.”

I was actually surprised that eleos was not used more than 27 times. One of my favorite verses where it is found is 1 Peter 1:3. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” Don’t you just love that? His mercy “has caused us to be born again.” It’s mercy’s fault, amen?

Another verse where Paul uses eleos is Titus 3:5. I really love this one. “He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we did in righteousness, but in accordance with His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,” There is nothing we can do to obtain this mercy on our own. His mercy is given freely and graciously. Have you received His mercy? If so, rejoice in it. If not, why not today?

Father God, Your mercy is more than enough. Thank You for showing mercy to me in the depths of my despair.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

Standard