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FROM WHENCE IT CAME

ROMANS 15:26

“For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.”

I have never had a lot of money. I do dream about that sometimes though. If I suddenly fell into a huge financial blessing, I am sure my wife and I would give to a lot of needs around us. We are not into worldly possessions beyond what we need to get along. I have joked what I would do if I won the lottery. The only problem with that is you have to buy a ticket to win, right? But giving to others has always given me joy.

Paul is overjoyed that he is able to “make a contribution for the poor” in Jerusalem. This “mother” church was under constant persecution from the Jews and the Roman government. Many had lost their jobs, businesses and homes because they were followers of Christ. As I mentioned in yesterday’s blog, Paul is delivering the gifts he had been given by the Gentiles in Macedonia and Achaia to the church who had, in a sense, given them birth. Because of their faithfulness in the midst of persecution, the gospel had spread to them.

APPLICATION

Can I give you a short historical geography lesson which I think will help as we look at this verse today? Macedonia was a Greek region which contained a few important cities Paul visited. Berea was the city where they examined the Scriptures closely to make sure what Paul was preaching was true. You may have heard the expression “Be a Berean.” That’s where it came from. Philippi was also in Macedonia. We know the importance of this city, perhaps the first city where Paul started a church. And Thessaloniki was the capital city. I visited there once and was told that it is the only Macedonian city that has never been without a Christian church.

Along with Achaia, which contained Corinth, a collection was made to present to the Jerusalem saints to relieve their suffering. There is no indication that the Jerusalem saints asked for this help. The Gentiles volunteered the assistance out of love and respect for their Jewish brethren. You can read more about this in the book of Acts.

How does this apply to us? Look back to the source of your salvation. Was it a person from your hometown, college, neighborhood or a stranger on the street who witnessed to you? I attribute my coming to Christ to my former Youth Pastor, Julian Larsen, who knew what kind of kid I was but still loved on me and allowed me to be a part of a youth choir that changed my life. That’s a whole other story I would be glad to share with you sometime. Reach back and give thanks to those who influenced you, if you are able. We are where we are spiritually because of other saints who invested in us one way or the other.

Thank you, Jesus, for sending all the people in my life who have influenced my walk with You. Bless them today.

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

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Bible, Called, Calling, Isaiah, Romans, Saints, Scripture, Servant, Service

SERVING THE SAINTS

ROMANS 15:25

“but now, I am going to Jerusalem, serving the saints.”

Serving the saints is a noble cause. I am reminded of a verse in Isaiah (32:8) which says, “But the noble person devises noble plans; And by noble plans he stands.” When God gives us a task, He expects us to follow through. I have been given many opportunities to serve the saints in my lifetime. I have tried my best to do that, but I have to admit there have been a few occasions when I did not do what the Lord asked. I didn’t exactly have a Jonah experience, but He did get me back on the right track.

Paul had been given some resources to share with the saints in Jerusalem (we’ll see more on that in the next verse), and now he is planning to do that before traveling on to Rome. In Acts 19:21 we read about his plan. “Now after these things were finished, Paul resolved in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem after he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, saying, ‘After I have been there, I must also see Rome.’” Then again in Acts 24:17 we see his purpose mentioned. “‘Now after several years I came to bring charitable gifts to my nation and to present offerings,’” Paul was a noble man with a noble plan, and he planned to see it through.

APPLICATION

How can you serve the saints? My pastor recently made a plea to our church for more volunteers. We need nursery workers and children ministry workers. We need teachers in different age groups. I am sure there are a lot of other needs that he did not mention. The trouble is most of the time, twenty percent of the church winds up doing eighty percent of the work. That is not serving the saints well. Do you think?

Now, I believe strongly that God will call individuals to fill every need in the church. The problem is most aren’t picking up the phone. Is there something you know God has called you to do but you have not responded? What are you waiting for? Don’t wait for an engraved invitation. Step out and trust Him. If He has called you, He will equip you. You may have heard the expression “God does not call the qualified. He qualifies the called.” Is that you?

The ministry in which I serve is all about helping men become qualified to serve. We know that men are the key to strong churches. Men are the key to strong families. Simply put, men are the key. Then why do so few men serve the saints? I want to encourage all the men reading this blog today to ask the Lord how He wants to use them. Young men need mentors. Older men need companionship. Serve the saints in whatever way you can. You are not pleasing the pastor. You are pleasing the Lord.

Use me Lord however You choose. I want to be Your vessel in serving the saints.

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

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Woman with camera standing beside red car near detour and Scout's Overlook signs
Appointed, Bible, Detours, Listening, Romans, Scripture

PASSING THROUGH

ROMANS 15:24

“whenever I go to Spain—for I hope to see you in passing, and to be helped on my way there by you, when I have first enjoyed your company for a while—”

Sometimes when you take a trip you plan to go through towns, cities or maybe even parks that are not your final destination. On my Google Maps app, I can add stops along the way between my departure location and where I am planning to go. Sometimes those stops may be random. You see a billboard or attraction sign that spurs your interest, so you make a detour. Unless you are in a hurry to get where you are going, allow some time on your next trip to explore those “in between” places.

Paul, as I mentioned yesterday, had been eager to visit Rome for some time. So, as he was planning his next trip to Spain or Spania as it was called in Paul’s day, he writes he would pass through Rome and visit. Little did he know his “detour” to Rome would be as a prisoner awaiting his appeal. There is actually no biblical evidence which states he made it to Spain. After his first imprisonment in Rome, we do not know exactly where he went. Tradition states he went on the undocumented fourth missionary journey which may have included Spain. I guess we will have to ask him when we see in heaven.

APPLICATION

The Greek word translated “passing” is diaporeuomai which means “to travel through, go through, journey in, pass by.” (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance). It’s only used five times in the New Testament. I love what the Topical Lexicon says about it. Diaporeuomai “expresses more than physical locomotion; each instance frames a purposeful passage that advances redemptive history. Whether describing the Messiah moving toward the cross, the apostles circulating conciliar decrees, or Paul charting a route to unreached frontiers, the verb constantly links travel with divine appointment.”

Did you catch that last thing? Divine appointment! I believe we miss out on some divine appointments because we are always too busy to get where we are going. I am guilty of that. I watch the map on my phone as I drive. I gauge the success of my trip on how fast I can get from point A to point B. I don’t think Jesus was too concerned about that, do you? He wasn’t in a hurry as He walked the dusty roads of Galilee.

Let me encourage you to slow down and smell the roses. On your next trip, allow for some divine appointments. It might be a lingering conversation with a waitress at a restaurant. God may have already mapped out your “detours” to see if you are willing to listen to His rerouting your trip.

I want to go only where You want me to go. Show me the path You have for me today.

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

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Bible, Longing, Promises, Romans, Scripture, Waiting

BUT NOW

ROMANS 15:23

“but now, with no further place for me in these regions, and since I have had for many years a longing to come to you”

I had the privilege last year to travel down to the Dominican Republic to lead a conference for our Every Man a Warrior ministry alongside a colleague from here in the U.S. and our leader there in the D.R., Dierf Dumene. I had known Dierf for a few years but had never had the privilege of a face-to-face meeting. When he picked us up at the airport, our embrace lasted more than a little while. I had finally made it to see him. We had been praying for this for a long time.

I can relate a bit to Paul’s words in today’s verse. From the time of Paul’s first missionary journey back in A.D. 47 to the time Paul wrote this letter to the Roman church, ten years have passed. It would be a couple of more years until he actually made it there and would arrive as a prisoner under house arrest. Not exactly the way he probably wanted to get there. Paul knew his journeys were at the will of the Father, so he has waited patiently.

APPLICATION

Maybe you have had some of those “but now” moments when at long last you were able to go somewhere or do something you had been longing for. You may have wanted to get married for years, and when you finally do, you are so excited. Maybe it’s the longing for a baby. You have planned and planned, and the day finally arrives. You are a mom or a dad! Now what? Yea, now the fun begins, lol.

Paul wasn’t trying to run away from where he was at the time. He had a fruitful ministry in Corinth and had been able to teach and train others to carry on the ministry there. Now his sights were set once again on Rome. He had heard plenty about the believers there and wanted to be with them and encourage them. Paul had a shepherd’s heart. His desire was always pointed heavenward. He knew he could be of service to the Roman church.

They say good things come to those who wait. When Paul finally arrived in Rome as a prisoner under house arrest, he was allowed certain freedoms. He could welcome visitors to the home where he was held awaiting his hearing. Think of the countless Roman believers who made that trip to see Paul there. They were thrilled to sit and hear him teach. And those Roman soldiers who guarded him were influenced by those teachings. We know of many Roman soldiers who came to Christ, probably as a direct result of Paul’s time there.

Don’t underestimate your waiting time. God is never late and is preparing you for the right place and right time. God may have been telling you to wait, but now…

Lord, I am ready for the “but now.” Use me 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). 

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Bible, Direction, God's Will, Hindrances, Purpose, Romans, Scripture

FOR THIS REASON

ROMANS 15:22

“For this reason I have often been prevented from coming to you;”

Have you ever wondered why things happen the way they do? Often you can’t see any reason for it. You wonder if you had done something else you could have prevented it. You second guess yourself. The truth is, as followers of Christ, everything that happens in our life has a reason. I have often said that nothing can touch us that God does not allow. And if God allows it, He can see us through it.

Paul uses a little Greek conjunction at the beginning of today’s verse that ties the previous verses to these words. It’s dio which can mean “because-therefore, on account which therefore.” (HELPS Word-studies). It has the idea of two directions -backward and forward. Paul is saying because of my past actions I could not move in your direction. Barnes says Paul is saying, “I have been so entirely occupied in this leading purpose of my life, that I have not been able to come to you.”

And the word translated “been prevented” is egkóptō “(from en, ‘in’ and kóptō, ‘cut’) – properly, cut into (like blocking off a road).” (HELPS Word-studies) I was coming home the other day and when I got to the 4-way stop near my house, the whole road was blocked by utility trucks installing new power lines for a new subdivision being built. I had to turn around and go a much longer route home. What was a ¼ mile trip became a 5 mile one. That is what Paul is saying. He had roadblocks in his path to them which led to other ministry opportunities, all directed by the Lord.

APPLICATION

How can this short simple verse about Paul’s dilemma apply to us? Think back to the roadblocks in your life. I bet, if you are like me, you complained and whined. Spurgeon once said that ten minutes of praying was worth so much more than a whole year of murmuring. God has a reason for our delays. Remember, His timing is always perfect. He will place those roadblocks in your life to redirect you to the place He wants you to go. He will hinder your ideas so you will rely on His.

Now, I know that Satan will also try to change your course. He will place things in your path to entice and deceive you. However, Satan is not God’s co-equal. He does not have the power to thwart God’s will for your life if you are surrendered to it and trust. If God closes a door, look for the open window. He will not leave you with no direction wandering aimlessly. Listen to His voice.

Lord, it is hard to accept some of the roadblocks You place in our lives, but I know You see the whole picture so I trust You.

 ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Scripture, Gospel, Messages, Messiah, Messenger, Romans, Isaiah

THE MYSTERY OF THE MESSAGE

ROMANS 15:21

“but just as it is written: ‘THEY WHO HAVE NOT BEEN TOLD ABOUT HIM WILL SEE, AND THEY WHO HAVE NOT HEARD WILL UNDERSTAND.’”

Okay, be honest. How is today’s verse even possible? They will see what they have not been told about and will undertand what they have not heard about? Really? How is that even possible? Have you not heard about the dreams and visions that have been happening around the world where unbelievers are coming to Christ after seeing Him in a dream? It is happening a lot in the Muslim world, but it is not limited to that. God can speak in ways we cannot even begin to comprehend.

Paul is quoting (not exactly) Isaiah 52:15 which says, “So He will sprinkle many nations, Kings will shut their mouths on account of Him; For what they had not been told, they will see, and what they had not heard, they will understand.” You really need to read the preceding two verses in Isaiah 52. “13 Behold, My Servant will prosper, He will be high and lifted up and greatly exalted. 14 Just as many were appalled at you, My people, So His appearance was marred beyond that of a man, and His form beyond the sons of mankind.”

APPLICATION

Who does that remind you of? That’s right! The crucified Christ. Jesus came to “sprinkle” many nations with the blood of the perfect Lamb of God. Through that all men may be saved. But don’t they have to hear? Paul even says back in Romans 10:14, “How then are they to call on Him in whom they have not believed? How are they to believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher?” Paul is not contradicting himself. He knows God is able to do great and mighty things well beyond his comprehension.

One of the concerns I have today among some followers of Christ is they try to put God in a box. You have to say the magic words to be saved. God only chooses certain people. God requires us to do this or do that. Don’t limit the Almighty God. Remember the context of this verse. Paul is making sure everyone knows that he is not responsible for anything he has accomplished. He is just a vessel who has been willing to be used.

Have you written certain people off of ever being saved? We have probably all done that at some point in our lives. We hear of the death of someone we knew as an unbeliever and we automatically assume they are now lost for eternity. We don’t know what happened in those last minutes of their lives. There have been a lot of deathbed confessions. Just do your part to usher in as many as you can while you have breath. God will take care of the rest.

Lord, use me to do Your will 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). 

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Bible, Calling, Foundation, Gospel, Jesus, Romans, Scripture

THE TRUE FOUNDATION

ROMANS 15:20

“And in this way I aspired to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already known by name, so that I would not build on another person’s foundation;”

I know just enough about construction to be dangerous. But I do know that you must have a strong foundation if you want your structure to stand the test of time. We have all seen buildings which have cracked foundation blocks or door jams and windows that have moved. Not good! You have literally got to start from the bottom to ensure the top remains intact.

Paul shares in verse 20 a little about his calling. He was called “to preach the gospel” to a place “not where Christ was already known” and he “would not build on another person’s foundation.” That’s pretty specific. I believe that is how God works. When He calls us to do a work for Him, He gives us all the details we need at the moment. It may not be the full picture (we probably could not handle that), but it is specific enough for us to take the next step in faith.

APPLICATION

When I read today’s verse, I instantly thought of 1 Corinthians 3:10-11. Do you know it? “10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each person must be careful how he builds on it. 11 For no one can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” That passage goes on to describe the kind of foundation that will survive the test of fire. But I want us to focus on the true foundation Paul mentions there – Jesus Christ. If we are not building our ministries on Him, they are all wood, hay and stubble.

In the previous few verses in Romans 15, Paul has been telling us to not boast about things we have done or things we have claimed as ours which someone else has done. He is continuing that thought here. Paul could only boast in Jesus and the privilege he had been given to suffer for Him in the calling he had to reach the Gentiles. He had been called to a difficult task. It wasn’t one lined with roses and tulips. It was more about stones, beatings, shipwrecks and even snake bites. God’s calling us does not mean we are isolated from dangers.

What has God called you to do? If you know He has called you, step out in faith and follow. He will lead you. One of my memory verses this year is Isaiah 26:3. “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in You.” That’s the key. Trust the foundation your calling is built on. Jesus Christ will never crack and shift under the weight. He is true and solid and will last for eternity. Build on that!

Father God, I know I can trust Your foundation, Jesus Christ Your Son.

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

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An older man in brown robes comforting and shaking hands with a barefoot younger man in tattered clothing who is crouching on a sack in a village street
Bible, Holy Spirit, Miracles, Romans, Scripture, Signs, Wonder

EMPOWERED BY THE SPIRIT

ROMANS 15:19

“in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of the Spirit; so that from Jerusalem and all around as far as Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.”

I initially titled this devotion “Signs and Wonders” but after reading the verse some more and starting my study on it, I realized it is more about the power of the Holy Spirit. After all, He is the One Who does the signs and wonders. He is the One Who gives us the words to preach far and wide. As the last verse talked about, we have to make sure we do not take credit for anything we did not accomplish ourselves. As followers of Christ, we should be pointing heavenward.

Paul recounts his life a bit in today’s verse. Most scholars agree he is referring to the signs and wonders he performed through the Spirit. What were those signs and wonders? Well, we will look at a few. And we know of his missionary journeys all around. Some of those journeys were perilous, wrought with dangers and sufferings. But through the Spirit, Paul prevailed. Let’s look a little at Paul’s life and how the Lord used him.

APPLICATION

One of those signs done by Paul is mentioned in Acts 19:11-12. “11 God was performing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, 12 so that handkerchiefs or aprons were even carried from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out.” Now, before you start a handkerchief ministry like some have done, remember this was done only through the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul wanted no credit for this.

In Acts 14:8-10 we see Paul healing a lame man in Lystra which, as I mentioned in yesterday’s blog, caused the people to proclaim Paul a god (Hermes). But before you get too excited about that, only 9 verses later Paul was dragged out of the city and stoned by these very people. How quickly miracles fade if those who observe them do not see the Holy Spirit as being the author.

One of my favorite miracles performed by Paul was the raising of Eutychus. Remember him? He was the young boy who fell asleep when Paul was preaching and fell out of a window and died. I guess Paul felt guilty for putting him to sleep and raised him from the dead, lol. Seriously, the Spirit was the One Who raised him, not Paul.

Today, make sure your actions and words are orchestrated by the Holy Spirit and not yourself. Only those things done by Him will remain. All we do on our own will quickly fade away.

Use me, Lord, as Your vessel to do great and mighty things in Your name.

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

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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). 

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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). 

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