In The Word
Read: Romans 15:14-33
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. 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, 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. 17 Therefore in Christ Jesus I have found reason for boasting in things pertaining to God. 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, 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. 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; 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.”
22 For this reason I have often been prevented from coming to you; 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 24 whenever I go to Spain—for I hope to see you in passing, and to be helped on my way there by you, when I have first enjoyed your company for a while— 25 but now, I am going to Jerusalem, serving the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. 27 For they were pleased to do so, and they are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to do them a service also in material things. 28 Therefore, when I have finished this, and have put my seal on this fruit of theirs, I will go on by way of you to Spain. 29 I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.
30 Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me, 31 that I may be rescued from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may prove acceptable to the saints; 32 so that I may come to you in joy by the will of God and relax in your company. 33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Walking In The Word
Paul gave an evaluation on how the church in Rome was doing. He stated they were filled with goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to admonish one another. These are three characteristics that are valuable enough for us as Christians to desire to have in our lives as well. First, let’s look at goodness, which is also a fruit of the Spirit. Goodness means having an upright, honorable heart and life. This is someone who walks in the integrity of the Lord. It’s one thing to have an honorable life on the outside, but to have the heart to reflect it on the inside is the difference-maker in God’s Kingdom.
Next, let’s look at being filled with all knowledge, which means for one to have an understanding or general intelligence of things a follower of Jesus Christ should or should not be a part of. This is someone who knows and understands God’s Word in such a way that they apply it to every aspect of their life. Jesus spoke directly to walking in this manner. He said anyone who hears His words and doesn’t apply them has built the foundation of their life upon sand, but those who hear and apply His words have built the foundation of their life upon a solid rock.
Finally, let’s look at admonishing one another. This is someone who is able to warn someone if their life isn’t lining up with God’s truth. To apply this, you need to be walking in the first two characteristics Paul listed. We should all desire to have these three characteristics in our lives. Pray that the Lord would reveal to you if you have strayed in any of these areas, and, if you have, then repent and get back on His Ancient Path.