Loving God’s Work

About this sermon

Introduction: How do you think about a people, most of whom you have never met, who are your brothers and sisters in Christ, and who belong to a ministry assignment that’s been entrusted to you? Or, they belong to a potential ministry opportunity? That is what Paul gives expression to in these verses. In verses 8-15 he’s introducing himself to a group of people, most of whom he’s never met. But they are the Lord’s people in the city of Rome. They are Paul’s people — Paul’s spiritual family — by virtue of salvation. They are the fruit of the preaching of the gospel. They are people for whom Paul is now responsible as an apostle, and to whom this inspired truth is being communicated. THIS IS PAUL’S CHALLENGE. AND WHAT WE READ IS PAUL’S PERSPECTIVE. But as we examine what Paul says in these verses, we face a challenge of our own. How do we think about the Lord’s church — as the Lord’s church? The question is not: How do I think about my friends at Founders? How do I think about people that I know well and have a lot in common with from a natural point of view? How do I think about a congregation that I’ve spent many years with? Rather, the question is: How do I think about God’s people as God’s work? Do I love God’s work because I love God? Do I love God’s work because it’s His work, and because it magnifies His name, and because it represents the advancement of His kingdom? DO I LOVE THE PEOPLE OF GOD AS THE WORK OF GOD? So that, as we take note of Paul’s perspective, his attitude, his mindset, with respect to the saints in Rome, we have an opportunity to examine our own attitudes and perspectives regarding the Lord’s church. Tonight, we see four ways that Paul responds to the church at Rome as the work of God. PAUL GIVES THANKS FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD (vs.8) If we rightly understand God’s work in the church, then one of the primary ways that we think about God’s people is with thanksgiving in our hearts. The church is God’s creation. The people of God are God’s miracle. God is the one who makes a people that worship Him. PAUL’S THANKS IS TO GOD PAUL’S THANKS IS THROUGH CHRIST We are reminded that Jesus is our mediator in every way. Everything that we receive from God we receive through Him, and everything acceptable that we offer to God, we offer through Him. PAUL’S THANKS IS REGARDING THEIR FAITH It is instructive that a reputation for the faith of the church at Rome is a reason to give GOD THANKS. That MUST mean that God is responsible for their faith. PAUL’S THANKS IS REGARDING THEIR TESTIMONY Their faith was famous. The fact that there was a growing community of God’s people in the most influential city in the world was something people were talking about all over the place. And Paul is giving thanks to God for His saving work in the lives of these people, and for the advancement of the gospel. THIS IS VERY KIND OF THING THAT HE PRAYED FOR NAS 2 Thessalonians 3:1 aFinally, brethren, bpray for us that cthe word of the Lord may 1spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you; 2 and that we may be adelivered from 1perverse and evil men; for not all have 2faith.

Topics

• Love & Compassion