Romans: Laying a Solid Foundation
The Bible Teacher's Commentary
Paul J. Bucknell
Romans 15:14-33 Handout
GOD'S WILL AND OUR WILL
A. Understanding The Basics of God’s Will (15:14-16)
| Like any good novel, the element of question and surprise is not only hinted at the beginning but is fully shown at the end. Paul wanted them to be able to understand the Lord’s will in light of what God is doing around the world. Salvation is so special and wonderful that God’s call of our lives to be Christians has a direct impact on my plans for today and tomorrow. Even Paul’s good and noble plans to go to Rome to build up the Christians stood subject to God’s desire to use Paul in His overall mission. |
- Regarding godliness (14)
- Regarding discernment (14)
- Regarding knowledge of God’s Word (14)
- Knowledge assumes fact. If something is not
factual, then it is not considered knowledge.
-
Regarding gifts and calling (15-16)
|
What about personal achievement (15:17-19)?
Making honest assessments. |
B. Discovering the Specifics of God’s Will (15:20-33)
1) God’s Will and Our Vision (20-22)
Making it Biblical
2) God’s Permissive Will (23-25)
Evaluate costs of time and resources
3) God’s Moral Directives (26-33)
Participation in missions is not
only morally proper but simply
foundational!
• Financial Participation (26-29)
• Prayer Participation (30-33)
Our desire to conform to God's will should influence our decision making habits. We should notice there is the general will of God: general goodness but there is also the specific freedom within this circle of conformity. Follow wisdom to its conclusion.
|
Biblical Foundations for Freedom