Romans 15:15-16, The Grace That Is Given Me
Romans 15:15-16 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, 16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
The Apostle Paul speaks of the favour of God upon him that enabled him to be His servant to the Gentile church. It is the calling of God to be His minister, to minister the gospel of God to the Gentiles, that enabled him to serve the church in Rome since his conversion. He is reminded that the strength to serve comes from God. He acknowledged that he is a weak vessel. He acknowledged the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit to convert and sanctify the lives of God’s people by the gospel. He speaks of a holy courage or boldness that gives put in writing the great doctrines of the faith from salvation to glorification. He is aware that God holds him accountable for the many lives that he stands to influence with his life and ministry. And he prays that he fulfils the charge that was given him in his lifetime.
He encourages Timothy, his spiritual son, to press on with the ministry – 2 Timothy 4:1-8 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. 6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
He speaks of the rewards of a faithful ministry. He speaks of the hearts of men who rejects the gospel and spurned warnings of spiritual dangers. He speaks of spiritual endurance against persecutors. Pray for your spiritual leaders that God’s grace abound in their lives. Amen.