Paul’s Holy Ambition
Scripture Texts: Romans 15:14-21
Introduction.
We are turning the final corner in our stretch to the end of Paul’s letter to the church in Rome. The end is now in sight. Paul gets more personal here at the end.
Paul is aware he has been pretty bold, pretty hard on the church in Rome, especially confronting their division and strife. He has rebuked the boasting of the Jews and the arrogance of the Gentiles. He shows his pastor’s heart by now offering some encouragement, some positive affirmations.
Some accuse Paul of using flattery here. No, this is Paul being a good pastor showing his warm-hearted affection for the people. He looks for evidence of good in the people and he affirms it.
Paul speaks the truth, but he speaks it in love. Even in speaking so strongly he wants them to know he doesn’t doubt their faith, wisdom, goodness or knowledge of the truth. He doesn’t want them to misinterpret his boldness to suggest he thinks they are weak or foolish.