1. Lessons about Christ’s Work in the Life of the Servant of God Roman 15:17-21

2. Romans 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

3. Romans 15:17-19 I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. 18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, 19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. 18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, 19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum,

4. Romans 15: 19-21 20 I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation: 21 20 I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation: 21 But as it is written, But as it is written, – To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.

5. #1 God is glorified when Paul talks about Christ’s work in his life pertaining to the kingdom of God.

6. Romans 15:17 I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God. In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God. Therefore in Christ Jesus I have found reason for boasting in things pertaining to God. Therefore in Christ Jesus I have found reason for boasting in things pertaining to God.

7. Paul’s Testimony 1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

8. 2 Corinthians 3:5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Would people who know you say, you are quick to give God credit for your sufficiency?

9. #2 The Sovereign God of the Universe accomplishes His Will through His Servants.

10. Romans 15:18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, Double Negative = The only thing Paul will talk about is what Christ has done through him.

11. #3 How God glorifying is a conversion which doesn’t result in servants striving to obey their Lord?

12. Romans 15:18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,

13. Romans 1:5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for [to bring about] obedience to the faith among all nations, for [to bring about] obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: for his name:

14. Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

15. Jesus Said Matthew 5:13 Ye [disciples] are the salt of the earth: Ye [disciples] are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor [flavor], wherewith shall it be salted? but if the salt have lost his savor [flavor], wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

16. #4 Christ works in both our words and our deeds seeking to remove any accusation of hypocrisy or duplicity.

17. Romans 15:18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, Paul says, “God could use both my preaching and life.”

18. Romans 15:18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, Why wouldn’t Paul boast about the # of converts he had brought to obedience to the gospel?

19. #5 Paul understood people were saved, it wasn’t because of his charm, persuasive abilities, cleverness, etc.

20. 1 Corinthians 2:1–5 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

21. Biblical Theology Paul understood that when souls were being saved under his preaching ministry, it was ONLY because CHRIST was working in him. Paul understood that when souls were being saved under his preaching ministry, it was ONLY because CHRIST was working in him. Therefore, all he would boast about was Christ’s or the Spirit’s Work. Therefore, all he would boast about was Christ’s or the Spirit’s Work.

22. Turn to Acts 10:34-44

23. CS Lewis, Chronicles of Narnia “The Voyage of the Dawn Treader”

24. Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth [wishes], and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. (John 3:5–8) Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth [wishes], and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. (John 3:5–8)

25. Romans 15:19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. Why did the Spirit do mighty signs and wonders in word and deed in Paul’s life? Turn to Acts 14:8

26. Acts 14:8-23 Paul in L Paul and Barnabus at Lystra Acts 14:8-23

27. Question What was the purpose of the signs and wonders done by the Spirit through the Apostles?

28. Romans 15:19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. Why did the Spirit do mighty signs and wonders in word and deed in Paul’s life?

30. Look back at Acts 2 & 3

31. Romans 15:20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation: Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation: Why?

32. #6 Paul understood that God’s plan to save souls is for His servants to share the gospel.

33. 1 Corinthians 1:18–21 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God… For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God… For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

34. Romans 15:21 But as it is written (Isaiah 52:15), But as it is written (Isaiah 52:15), – To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: – and they that have not heard shall understand. This is a promise from God.

35. Jesus Said John 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. ” and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. ”