Topic: Sharing the Blessings of Jesus Christ
Reading: Romans 15:25-29
25 At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem with aid for the saints. 26 For Macedo’nia and Acha’ia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem; 27 they were pleased to do it, and indeed they are in debt to them, for if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. 28 When therefore I have completed this, and have delivered to them what has been raised, I shall go on by way of you to Spain; 29 and I know that when I come to you I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of Christ.
Introduction and Overview
One of the key points of Christianity is sharing the blessings of Christ. Christians can and may be blessed by the Lord in many ways. The intent of Christianity is not to keep it all to ourselves. We are called to share what we have with others so that everyone is better off.
There are ministries that promote the creation of wealth. But that is not the way of the Lord. If it were, why was Jesus not counted among the wealthiest people in His time? Recall that when He was nailed up to die, all of His earthly possessions, His robe and a few pieces of clothing, were taken and distributed between the soldiers who were there (Ref: John 19:23-24). Also, why did He teach in so many places that it is so hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven? In fact He stated it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God (refer to: Matthew 19:23-24)
Wealth in the possessions of this world is not the point of Christianity. But some people are blessed with wealth. Some people live comfortably because they earn and use what they have been blessed with wisely. But the purpose of the Lord is that we love one another, and that means that if we have the world’s goods, we ought to share them with those who have none. We don’t have to go into need, or want, or poverty ourselves to do this, but as we have something we can share, then share it. If the Lord has blessed you in some way, then share the blessings of Jesus Christ with those who are in need.
This does not mean only physical things or the goods of this world. This is not just about monetary blessings. You may have been blessed with insights through learning or experience that you can share with others to help them in times of need. They may be going through a situation you have experienced, and you can share the blessings of Jesus Christ in knowledge and insight to help them. Or, you may be able to share your time and encouragement to others when they are in need or suffering. There are lots of ways we can share the blessings of the Lord, and this scripture is pointing this out.
Key points from reading:
- Be willing to share your knowledge and insights with those around you
- Be willing to share your surplus in worldly goods to those in need
- Do these things because we are called to love one another, and these are acts of love.
Discussion:
- Scripture: Romans 15:25-26
- Paul was speaking about the mission he was on to deliver physical aid to the church in Jerusalem. It had been prophesied by some of the prophets in the church that there would be a great famine over Jerusalem and Judea. I believe it was because of this that the Gentile churches had offered to help with food and goods for the brethren in Jerusalem, and Paul was delivering their gift.
- This is how the church ought to operate. If one person or group has an abundance, then it is good to share that abundance with those who have nothing or are in lack. This is the essence of sharing the blessings of Jesus Christ.
- There are many churches that collect donations to help the poor, and that is a good thing to do too. In this case the collections were going to the church in Judea so that they could distribute to the poor both in the church and maybe outside as well, although the scripture does not mention that point. Naturally, a famine affects the whole population, so there would be many in want.
- Scripture: Romans 15:27
- Paul states here that the Gentile churches were pleased to help the poor in the Jerusalem church. He shows that there was a reciprocal relationship between the churches.
- Many of the Gentile churches only existed because of the message carried to them from Jerusalem. They had received the gift of life through the gospel of Jesus Christ that the various apostles and disciples from Jerusalem, where the church began, preached to them. And we must remember, travelling great distances was not as easy then as it is today. Long journeys could be gruelling and challenging, even dangerous. And yet still the preachers from the church went out to these far flung places to offer the word of God to those who would listen.
- It is evident that the churches were grateful for this teaching that was sharing the blessings of Jesus Christ in the spiritual sense. And in return they offered what was needed when the church was suffering from external, environmental factors.
- Scripture: Romans 15:28-29
- We gain some insight into Paul’s plans for the sharing of the gospel in these words. He planned to travel by way of the church in Rome, up into Spain to continue the spread of the gospel. We ar not told whether he reached Spain or not in the scriptures, but it is highly likely that he did. Paul was the Apostle to the Gentiles and it was hill desire and commission to spread the word to as many people in the known world as he could.
- Furthermore, Paul was aware that he was not doing this work alone. It was not just his own will and desire that was taking him even further afield. He stated that he was coming in the full blessing of Jesus Christ. The Lord had prepared him for this work, and was guiding him where The Lord wanted him to go. Every opportunity for sharing the blessings of Jesus Christ was taken by Paul.
- And there is a message there for us today. We too need to be sharing the blessings of Jesus Christ to anyone we can. Whether that is only our own immediate family, or whether the Lord gives us a ministry to share His word and His blessings to the whole world. Always be prepared to share what you have.
Prayer Points
- Pray and ask the Lord to provide for you so that you too can share the blessings of Jesus Christ with those around you. And don’t feel limited if you do not have the resources or finances of this world. Share what you are learning and give that to others, and pray for the Lord to bring you the right opportunities to do so.
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