Two women happily hugging on a busy train station platform with luggage
Bible, Longing, Promises, Romans, Scripture, Waiting

BUT NOW

ROMANS 15:23

“but now, with no further place for me in these regions, and since I have had for many years a longing to come to you”

I had the privilege last year to travel down to the Dominican Republic to lead a conference for our Every Man a Warrior ministry alongside a colleague from here in the U.S. and our leader there in the D.R., Dierf Dumene. I had known Dierf for a few years but had never had the privilege of a face-to-face meeting. When he picked us up at the airport, our embrace lasted more than a little while. I had finally made it to see him. We had been praying for this for a long time.

I can relate a bit to Paul’s words in today’s verse. From the time of Paul’s first missionary journey back in A.D. 47 to the time Paul wrote this letter to the Roman church, ten years have passed. It would be a couple of more years until he actually made it there and would arrive as a prisoner under house arrest. Not exactly the way he probably wanted to get there. Paul knew his journeys were at the will of the Father, so he has waited patiently.

APPLICATION

Maybe you have had some of those “but now” moments when at long last you were able to go somewhere or do something you had been longing for. You may have wanted to get married for years, and when you finally do, you are so excited. Maybe it’s the longing for a baby. You have planned and planned, and the day finally arrives. You are a mom or a dad! Now what? Yea, now the fun begins, lol.

Paul wasn’t trying to run away from where he was at the time. He had a fruitful ministry in Corinth and had been able to teach and train others to carry on the ministry there. Now his sights were set once again on Rome. He had heard plenty about the believers there and wanted to be with them and encourage them. Paul had a shepherd’s heart. His desire was always pointed heavenward. He knew he could be of service to the Roman church.

They say good things come to those who wait. When Paul finally arrived in Rome as a prisoner under house arrest, he was allowed certain freedoms. He could welcome visitors to the home where he was held awaiting his hearing. Think of the countless Roman believers who made that trip to see Paul there. They were thrilled to sit and hear him teach. And those Roman soldiers who guarded him were influenced by those teachings. We know of many Roman soldiers who came to Christ, probably as a direct result of Paul’s time there.

Don’t underestimate your waiting time. God is never late and is preparing you for the right place and right time. God may have been telling you to wait, but now…

Lord, I am ready for the “but now.” Use me however You choose.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Direction, God's Will, Hindrances, Purpose, Romans, Scripture

FOR THIS REASON

ROMANS 15:22

“For this reason I have often been prevented from coming to you;”

Have you ever wondered why things happen the way they do? Often you can’t see any reason for it. You wonder if you had done something else you could have prevented it. You second guess yourself. The truth is, as followers of Christ, everything that happens in our life has a reason. I have often said that nothing can touch us that God does not allow. And if God allows it, He can see us through it.

Paul uses a little Greek conjunction at the beginning of today’s verse that ties the previous verses to these words. It’s dio which can mean “because-therefore, on account which therefore.” (HELPS Word-studies). It has the idea of two directions -backward and forward. Paul is saying because of my past actions I could not move in your direction. Barnes says Paul is saying, “I have been so entirely occupied in this leading purpose of my life, that I have not been able to come to you.”

And the word translated “been prevented” is egkóptō “(from en, ‘in’ and kóptō, ‘cut’) – properly, cut into (like blocking off a road).” (HELPS Word-studies) I was coming home the other day and when I got to the 4-way stop near my house, the whole road was blocked by utility trucks installing new power lines for a new subdivision being built. I had to turn around and go a much longer route home. What was a ¼ mile trip became a 5 mile one. That is what Paul is saying. He had roadblocks in his path to them which led to other ministry opportunities, all directed by the Lord.

APPLICATION

How can this short simple verse about Paul’s dilemma apply to us? Think back to the roadblocks in your life. I bet, if you are like me, you complained and whined. Spurgeon once said that ten minutes of praying was worth so much more than a whole year of murmuring. God has a reason for our delays. Remember, His timing is always perfect. He will place those roadblocks in your life to redirect you to the place He wants you to go. He will hinder your ideas so you will rely on His.

Now, I know that Satan will also try to change your course. He will place things in your path to entice and deceive you. However, Satan is not God’s co-equal. He does not have the power to thwart God’s will for your life if you are surrendered to it and trust. If God closes a door, look for the open window. He will not leave you with no direction wandering aimlessly. Listen to His voice.

Lord, it is hard to accept some of the roadblocks You place in our lives, but I know You see the whole picture so I trust You.

 ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Gospel, Isaiah, Messages, Messenger, Messiah, Romans, Scripture

THE MYSTERY OF THE MESSAGE

ROMANS 15:21

“but just as it is written: ‘THEY WHO HAVE NOT BEEN TOLD ABOUT HIM WILL SEE, AND THEY WHO HAVE NOT HEARD WILL UNDERSTAND.’”

Okay, be honest. How is today’s verse even possible? They will see what they have not been told about and will undertand what they have not heard about? Really? How is that even possible? Have you not heard about the dreams and visions that have been happening around the world where unbelievers are coming to Christ after seeing Him in a dream? It is happening a lot in the Muslim world, but it is not limited to that. God can speak in ways we cannot even begin to comprehend.

Paul is quoting (not exactly) Isaiah 52:15 which says, “So He will sprinkle many nations, Kings will shut their mouths on account of Him; For what they had not been told, they will see, and what they had not heard, they will understand.” You really need to read the preceding two verses in Isaiah 52. “13 Behold, My Servant will prosper, He will be high and lifted up and greatly exalted. 14 Just as many were appalled at you, My people, So His appearance was marred beyond that of a man, and His form beyond the sons of mankind.”

APPLICATION

Who does that remind you of? That’s right! The crucified Christ. Jesus came to “sprinkle” many nations with the blood of the perfect Lamb of God. Through that all men may be saved. But don’t they have to hear? Paul even says back in Romans 10:14, “How then are they to call on Him in whom they have not believed? How are they to believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher?” Paul is not contradicting himself. He knows God is able to do great and mighty things well beyond his comprehension.

One of the concerns I have today among some followers of Christ is they try to put God in a box. You have to say the magic words to be saved. God only chooses certain people. God requires us to do this or do that. Don’t limit the Almighty God. Remember the context of this verse. Paul is making sure everyone knows that he is not responsible for anything he has accomplished. He is just a vessel who has been willing to be used.

Have you written certain people off of ever being saved? We have probably all done that at some point in our lives. We hear of the death of someone we knew as an unbeliever and we automatically assume they are now lost for eternity. We don’t know what happened in those last minutes of their lives. There have been a lot of deathbed confessions. Just do your part to usher in as many as you can while you have breath. God will take care of the rest.

Lord, use me to do Your will however You choose.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Calling, Foundation, Gospel, Jesus, Romans, Scripture

THE TRUE FOUNDATION

ROMANS 15:20

“And in this way I aspired to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already known by name, so that I would not build on another person’s foundation;”

I know just enough about construction to be dangerous. But I do know that you must have a strong foundation if you want your structure to stand the test of time. We have all seen buildings which have cracked foundation blocks or door jams and windows that have moved. Not good! You have literally got to start from the bottom to ensure the top remains intact.

Paul shares in verse 20 a little about his calling. He was called “to preach the gospel” to a place “not where Christ was already known” and he “would not build on another person’s foundation.” That’s pretty specific. I believe that is how God works. When He calls us to do a work for Him, He gives us all the details we need at the moment. It may not be the full picture (we probably could not handle that), but it is specific enough for us to take the next step in faith.

APPLICATION

When I read today’s verse, I instantly thought of 1 Corinthians 3:10-11. Do you know it? “10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each person must be careful how he builds on it. 11 For no one can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” That passage goes on to describe the kind of foundation that will survive the test of fire. But I want us to focus on the true foundation Paul mentions there – Jesus Christ. If we are not building our ministries on Him, they are all wood, hay and stubble.

In the previous few verses in Romans 15, Paul has been telling us to not boast about things we have done or things we have claimed as ours which someone else has done. He is continuing that thought here. Paul could only boast in Jesus and the privilege he had been given to suffer for Him in the calling he had to reach the Gentiles. He had been called to a difficult task. It wasn’t one lined with roses and tulips. It was more about stones, beatings, shipwrecks and even snake bites. God’s calling us does not mean we are isolated from dangers.

What has God called you to do? If you know He has called you, step out in faith and follow. He will lead you. One of my memory verses this year is Isaiah 26:3. “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in You.” That’s the key. Trust the foundation your calling is built on. Jesus Christ will never crack and shift under the weight. He is true and solid and will last for eternity. Build on that!

Father God, I know I can trust Your foundation, Jesus Christ Your Son.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Holy Spirit, Miracles, Romans, Scripture, Signs, Wonder

EMPOWERED BY THE SPIRIT

ROMANS 15:19

“in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of the Spirit; so that from Jerusalem and all around as far as Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.”

I initially titled this devotion “Signs and Wonders” but after reading the verse some more and starting my study on it, I realized it is more about the power of the Holy Spirit. After all, He is the One Who does the signs and wonders. He is the One Who gives us the words to preach far and wide. As the last verse talked about, we have to make sure we do not take credit for anything we did not accomplish ourselves. As followers of Christ, we should be pointing heavenward.

Paul recounts his life a bit in today’s verse. Most scholars agree he is referring to the signs and wonders he performed through the Spirit. What were those signs and wonders? Well, we will look at a few. And we know of his missionary journeys all around. Some of those journeys were perilous, wrought with dangers and sufferings. But through the Spirit, Paul prevailed. Let’s look a little at Paul’s life and how the Lord used him.

APPLICATION

One of those signs done by Paul is mentioned in Acts 19:11-12. “11 God was performing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, 12 so that handkerchiefs or aprons were even carried from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out.” Now, before you start a handkerchief ministry like some have done, remember this was done only through the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul wanted no credit for this.

In Acts 14:8-10 we see Paul healing a lame man in Lystra which, as I mentioned in yesterday’s blog, caused the people to proclaim Paul a god (Hermes). But before you get too excited about that, only 9 verses later Paul was dragged out of the city and stoned by these very people. How quickly miracles fade if those who observe them do not see the Holy Spirit as being the author.

One of my favorite miracles performed by Paul was the raising of Eutychus. Remember him? He was the young boy who fell asleep when Paul was preaching and fell out of a window and died. I guess Paul felt guilty for putting him to sleep and raised him from the dead, lol. Seriously, the Spirit was the One Who raised him, not Paul.

Today, make sure your actions and words are orchestrated by the Holy Spirit and not yourself. Only those things done by Him will remain. All we do on our own will quickly fade away.

Use me, Lord, as Your vessel to do great and mighty things in Your name.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Boasting, Honor, Jesus, Praise, Pride, Romans, Scripture

HOLD YOUR TONGUE

ROMANS 15:18

“For I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me, resulting in the obedience of the Gentiles by word and deed,

People like to take credit for things that they have not done. You see it all the time in business. An employee works long hours to put together a report for a Board of Directors only to see the boss take all the credit. Has that ever happened to you? It can be infuriating, can’t it? Paul, in today’s verse, wants to make sure he doesn’t do that.

I love what Ellicott wrote on this verse in his commentary. He writes it as if this might be what Paul was thinking. “I have a certain just and legitimate pride, but I shall not, therefore, presume to boast of successes of which others have been the instrument. All successes in the mission field are due ultimately to Christ; for some he has made use of me, for others of other men. I will confine myself to those in which I have been myself directly concerned.”

APPLICATION

Shouldn’t that be our attitude? The Greek word translated as “presume” is one which we have referred to earlier. It’s tolmáō which could be translated as “dare.” I love that. Remember The Christmas Story when the boys in school double dog dared one of the boys to stick his tongue to the frozen flagpole? We seem to not be able to resist a dare. But here, Paul doesn’t take the bait. He says he would not dare to claim credit for the Lord’s work.

We should not dare to take credit for something only God could do. I recently made a big ask of a potential donor. It was a big one, and one which only the Lord could get credit for, should it come to fruition. When you ask for God-sized things, don’t take credit when He decides to answer. We have to keep pointing upwards and directing all the praise toward Him.

That is exactly what Paul is doing. People were always trying to lift him up higher than he belonged. Remember this from Acts 14? “11 When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they raised their voice, saying in the Lycaonian language, ‘The gods have become like men and have come down to us!’ 12 And they began calling Barnabas, Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, since he was the chief speaker.” Paul immediately denied those remarks and pointed only to Jesus. Let’s do likewise.

Father, I want all the glory and honor to go to You and You alone.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Boasting, Others, Pride, Romans, Scripture, Service

BOAST IN GOD

ROMANS 15:17

“Therefore in Christ Jesus I have found reason for boasting in things pertaining to God.”

When we think of boasting, it usually has a negative connotation. And that is justified. I have known some extreme braggarts in my lifetime. I bet you have also. But I have also known some who only brag on Jesus. That’s a good kind of boasting. They attribute everything good to Him. They don’t want any credit or praise. That’s what Paul is referring to in today’s verse.

The Greek word for “boasting” is kaúxēsis which means boasting of self-achievements or God’s. Barnes says, “It means also ‘praise, thanksgiving,’ and ‘joy. This is its meaning here, that the apostle had great cause of ‘rejoicing’ or ‘praise’ that he had been so highly honored in the appointment to this office, and in his success in it.” Let’s look at some other verses where this word is used this way.

APPLICATION

In 1 Corinthians 15:31 Paul writes, “I affirm, brothers and sisters, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, that I die daily.” Paul uses kaúxēsis three times in 2 Corinthians (1:12; 7:4 and 8:24). In 7:4 Paul boasts again in the Corinthians, “My confidence in you is great; my boasting in your behalf is great.” Once again in 1 Thessalonians 2:19 Paul boasts in the recipients of his letter. He says, “For who is our hope, or joy or crown of pride, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? Or is it not indeed you?” The word “pride” there is kaúxēsis.

What does this mean for us? I think it is pretty clear. Boast in others. Boast in Jesus. Don’t boast on yourself. If you deserve recognition for something, let others boast on you. I have always found it hard to receive praise from others. Whether it was a remark concerning a message I gave, a song I sang or some project I completed, I always felt unworthy of such praise. I know that the only reason I can do any of those things is Jesus.

Let me encourage you this week to find a reason to boast on someone else. You may have a neighbor who always keeps their yard looking nice. Tell them you appreciate their efforts. You may observe a stranger helping someone in need. Tell them you are thankful for them. And if someone brags on you, point upward and give God praise. Use that moment as a chance to brag on Jesus.

I give You praise, O Lord, for all You have done in and through me.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Ministry, Holy Spirit, Bible, Scripture, Service, Servant, Minister, Romans

BE A MINISTER

ROMANS 15:16

“to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.”

I have said before in this blog how proud my mama was that I was a minister. If I ever got a letter in the mail addressed to Reverend Carl Willis, I knew it was from my mom. I am not sure she ever really understood what I did since my ministry wasn’t in a church for most of my career. However, if she could read this verse with me today, it would explain exactly what I have been called to do.

This verse is a prime example of why you can’t just read the English translation. The two words, “minister” and “ministering,” are two entirely different words. Paul is telling the readers of his role and his function as a minister to the Gentiles. We are all called to be ministers of the gospel, whether that involves full-time service or not. Paul’s example of his ministry shows us that. Let’s look at these two words and see how we can apply them to our lives.

APPLICATION

First, we have the Greek word leitourgos translated as “minister.” This word is five times in the New Testament in a variety of ways. It “is applied to civil authorities (Romans 13:6), an apostle’s missionary calling (Romans 15:16), a congregational delegate (Philippians 2:25), angels (Hebrews 1:7), and Christ Himself (Hebrews 8:2). Each instance presents God-appointed service offered for the common good and ultimately directed toward Him.” (Topical Lexicon) Paul is referring to his role here in today’s verse as an apostle to the Gentiles. God had given him a specific function.

The word “ministering” is the Greek word hierourgeó which only occurs here in Romans 15:16. It literally means “temple work.” Let’s just call that church work or mission work. Paul knew his job as an apostle wasn’t just a position of honor. He was called to serve, to actually do the work. I can relate to that. In my ministry, I have been asked to do a lot of things that are more work related than position related. Serving the Lord can be hard at times. It requires sacrifice. It requires dedication.

We are called a part of the royal priesthood, am I right? 1 Peter 2:9 says that. That doesn’t mean we sit back and relish in our position in Christ. No! We are called to serve. To do the ministering. That may mean you serve in VBS this year or you rock babies in the nursery. You may be a deacon or an elder in your church. Whatever you do to serve the Lord, make sure you let Him sanctify in the Holy Spirit, as Paul said at the end of our verse today. If the Holy Spirit isn’t in it, don’t do it. Do it for the glory of God and for no other reason.

I am Yours, O Lord. Use me to minister to the body of Christ however You choose.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Boldness, Courage, Empowered, Gifts, Romans, Scripture

BE BOLD

ROMANS 15:15

“But I have written very boldly to you on some points so as to remind you again, because of the grace that was given to me from God,” 

Some people perceive boldness as rudeness. It’s nothing of the sort. Through my ministry I have had to be rather bold in my gospel witness or in defending someone who was being treated unfairly. I have stood up to some bullies in the church with boldness that I didn’t know I possessed. It takes courage sometimes to stand up for what you know is right.

Paul uses a Greek word here for “boldly” that is only used here in the whole New Testament. It is the comparative form of “tolmáō (from tolma, ‘bold courage’) – properly, to show daring courage necessary for a valid risk (“putting it all on the line”); courageously venture forward by putting fear behind and embracing the fruit that lies ahead for taking a necessary risk.” (HELPS Word-studies). The word used here is the adjective tolmēróteron. The Topical Lexicon says, “In Romans 15:15 Paul acknowledges that he has written ‘rather boldly’ to the believers in Rome. The comparative nuance suggests a degree of boldness surpassing what might normally be expected in ordinary correspondence. The single occurrence accents its rhetorical force, underscoring a deliberate choice to speak with heightened candor.”

APPLICATION

So, how does this apply to us? God may call on you to exercise such boldness in your Christian faith. Many of our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ have shown such boldness every day. I read every week about a pastor or his family in Nigeria or India or another country who have lost their home or perhaps even their lives because of their boldness for the Gospel. What would you do in the face of such challenges?

Paul writes in Philippians 1:14 that his suffering produced boldness in others. “and that most of the brothers and sisters, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.” The word “courage” is tolmáō. What you do can have such an impact on the action of others. Think of the General who leads his men into battle rather than staying behind and simply ordering them.

God needs our boldness. God can give us this boldness. We just have to ask and believe. When you face trials, turn to Him for the boldness to go through them. When you are defending the weak, tap into the boldness you receive from Jesus. Remember it is not your battle. It’s God’s. You are just a foot soldier following orders.

Give me boldness that surpasses the attacks of the enemy knowing You have my back. 

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Young child pouring water from a jug into a mug causing a spill on the table
Admonished, Bible, Filled, Goodness, Knowledge, Romans, Scripture

GOODNESS OF OTHERS

ROMANS 15:14

“And concerning you, my brothers and sisters, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another.”

Have you ever known a truly good person? You know what I mean. Someone who seems to always think of others first. I have known a few such people in my lifetime. Their goodness just rubs off on you. They make you want to do good also. These people are selfless but also wise. They can advise you and even admonish you and you are thankful instead of resentful.

That is how Paul is describing the Roman believers who received this letter. They weren’t puffed and haughty because they were Romans. Barnes said this about, “There was indeed danger in the city of Rome of pride and haughtiness; and among the Gentile converts there might have been some reluctance to receive instruction from a foreign Jew.” But Paul did not see this in them.

APPLICATION

Paul described them as “full of goodness.” The Greek word translated as “full” is mestos and means so full nothing else can be added. Let me give you a picture of that. My grandson loves to play with his little play sink outside. He will fill up little cups and pour them into another cup. He keeps pouring until it runs over. That’s this word. Filled to overflowing. That’s a lot of goodness.

And the word “goodness” is that benevolent goodness. Agathosune only occurs four times in the New Testament and appears to be a purely biblical term not used in secular writings. In Galatians 5:22 it is listed as a fruit of the Spirit. That means every follower of Christ possesses this since they have the Spirit within them. It occurs in Ephesians 5:9 where it says, “(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth),” And the other time we see it is in 2 Thessalonians 1:11. “To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will consider you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power,”

So, let me ask you – how are you living out the goodness of God in your life? Are you thinking of others before yourself? Do you desire to see others receive blessings before you seek them yourself? There may be someone right now in your life who needs to receive some goodness from you. This week find a way to be a blessing. Find a way to bless them when they least expect it. I promise you the blessing will be all yours in the end.  

Let Your fruit of the Spirit be lived out in me today as I am truly filled with all goodness.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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