Sermon Outline 8.24.25

Title: The Ministry God Gets Glory From
Text: Romans 15:14-21
Big Idea: Gospel ministry boasts in Christ, builds the church, and breaks new ground by the Spirit’s power.

INTRODUCTION

I. Encourage Without Flattery (v. 14)

• Paul says he is satisfied with them. This is settled confidence, not polite words. 
  • Their goodness is fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22). 
  • Their knowledge is gospel wisdom (Rom 11:33). 
  • Their ability to admonish is covenant love where the Word dwells richly (Col 3:16).

II. Boldly Remind Them of the Gospel (v. 15)

• Paul isn’t giving them new truth, but reminding them of the truth they already know.
  • If it’s new, it’s not true; if it’s true, it’s not new.
• The word “boldness” here is not arrogance but gospel frankness
  • Freedom to speak b/c Christ gives authority.
• His reminder follows the whole Deuteronomic pattern
  • Covenant life is shaped by remembering.
  • “Take care lest you forget” (Deut 6:12; 8:11).

III. Serve as a Priest of the Gospel (vv. 15b-16)

• Is 66:19-21: Isaiah promised the nations brought in as a pure offering.
• OT priests presented animals; in NT, people are made holy by the Spirit.
  • The same fire that once consumed sacrifices now purifies sinners into saints.
  • Christ Himself is the ultimate priest and the ultimate sacrifice.

IV. Depend on the Holy Spirit & Boast in Christ (vv. 16b-19)

• Paul’s ministry was word and deed.
• “Signs and wonders” echo God’s mighty acts in Exodus and Deuteronomy
  • Confirms the message of 2 Cor 12:12. The fruit belongs to the Spirit.

V. Go Where Christ Isn’t Named (vv. 20-21)

• Paul aimed for places where Christ was not known.
• Isaiah 52 promised, “those with no news will see.”
• The Servant is Christ. Paul joins His mission, and so do we.

CONCLUSION