Wednesday Night Bible Study Romans 15:22-33

Romans: “The just shall live by faith”

A New Stage of Ministry

Read:  Romans 15:22-33

Scripture and Key References:

“But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while.”

~ Romans 15:23-24

1 Thessalonians 5:2                       Proverbs 14:21                             Acts 12:5               1 Timothy 5:17-18                        James 2:1-4                               James 5:1

Introduction:

            While Paul derived great satisfaction out of being used by Christ as the apostle to the Gentiles, his current calling did leave him with one “disappointment”.  He longed to visit Rome.  Paul was a pioneering missionary and the Gospel had already penetrated Rome.  Paul understood that his calling was what “hindered” him from crossing the Adriatic Sea for the visit.  But today we are also told about change in Paul’s situation and a new longing for the Apostle.  Now his plans are to visit Rome.  Pay close attention as we discover why! 

Discussion and Review Questions:

1.     Read verse 22 and then look back over the previous verses.  What had hindered Paul from going to Rome?  How had his situation changed? 

2.     The church at Rome was probably excited about the upcoming apostolic visit, but Paul hopes to be ministered to by the Romans!  How so?  What were Paul’s hopes in visiting the Roman church (vs. 24)? 

3.     What are some ways that congregations can “refresh” and minister to their missionaries?  How you can you minister to missionaries as an individual?

4.     In verse 25 Paul adds a detour in his plans for traveling to Rome.  What is this detour?  Why is Paul making the detour?  Does your church make it a practice to minister to the poor within the church? 

5.     Paul has a plan for his ministry and for reaching the lost for Christ.  Do you have a plan for reaching others for Christ?  What simple steps will you take to evangelize your neighbors for Jesus?    

6.     Whose struggle could you enter into by praying for them now, and then continuing to do so daily?    What missionaries are you praying for weekly?  Monthly?