August 24, 2025

ROMANS: FINDING YOUR PURPOSE THROUGH BUILDING YOUR TEAM

August 24, 2025

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

People often ask, “How can I know God’s will or purpose for my life?” The answer is found in the Scripture: go to your Bible and search for God’s will or God’s purpose. Note all references. Beside each, write down the instruction (for instance, 1 Thess. 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you.”) Once you have conquered those, go on to more–there are over fifty in God’s word. His purpose for you is to do His will. This is not done in isolation—as a believer, you are part of a community who want to know God better, love Him more, and obey His commands. A second purpose is to help evangelize a lost world. You will not be able to obey those commands without the support and love of other believers—the same ones you will help when they are weak. We all go through valleys that threaten to swamp us, but have your armor on, stand firm against Satan, and never, ever, ever quit. You’ll overcome.

Focal Passages: Romans 15, 16.

The importance of “TEAM”:

• Read Romans 15:1-4. As this chapter opens, what do we see as a responsibility? Paul knows there are times we are ‘strong,’ as well as weak. How does he know we will go through these seasons? Read Psa. 23:2, 3, 5 and vs. 4, and John 16:33.
• Can we obey this command in vs. 1 if we live in isolation? If you keep yourself in your safe house, can you love and serve believers who are hurting, or in trouble, or in the midst of bad news? What example did Christ give us when He came to earth (Mark 10:45)?
• Read vv. 5-7. Why do these verses sound like a prayer from Paul’s heart? Do you see yourself each day weighing your faith in God against how you treat the family of God? Do you look around the congregation, mindful that you are to accept other believers as Christ accepts you? Why do we need a reality check in our relationships with fellow believers in particular, and the world in general? Why can we not love God without loving His children?

The importance of hope:

• Read Rom. 15:13. Is Paul praying for these believers again? What is he asking for? How do we get joy and peace? Why does it not come from anywhere but God?
• If we have joy and peace, how does that result in an abundance of hope? Read 1 Peter 1:8.

How would an abundance of hope change your life?

• What is Biblical hope? Why is God the only place where our hope can come from? What are the two different ways we use the word hope? Which is the Biblical view? Who gives us the hope?
• Read Eph. 3:20. Why would Paul want these believers to be abounding in hope?

The importance of purpose:

• Read Rom. 15:14-15, and Rom. 1:8. How had Paul started off his letter to the Romans back in chapter one? How do you think these believers felt, being commended so highly by the ‘great’ apostle Paul? Would his praise be a wonderful thing to have poured on you?
• What are the three positive attributes these believers have that Paul encourages to produce great results? Why would being filled with goodness and all knowledge enable them to admonish each other? When someone who loves you has to upbraid you, why are you so much more receptive to their words than if you feel they hate you?
• Can you show someone the road to take, if you are not on it yourself? What is the source of your godly counsel or knowledge of God’s word that you want to give to others? The church at Rome needed the benefit of their counsel; is this our calling also?

The importance of perseverance:

• Read Rom. 15:30-33. What does Paul beg for as he gets ready to close this letter? Why would he ask for prayers from this church? What was his request? What type of opposition did he have? Read 2 Cor. 11:23-28. Was this hatred ongoing?
• What else did Paul ask for them to pray for him? What is the greatest hindrance in our lives holding us back from sharing a need for prayer?

The importance of unity:

• Read Rom. 16:17-20. What does Paul now warn the church to beware of? What will keep our heart and soul protected against those who would tear down the body by deceit?
• Please explain what is meant by ‘being wise in what is good, and pure concerning evil.’ How does one get to this place?

The importance of confidence:

• What was the mystery kept secret since the world began? When Paul took the gospel to the Gentiles, how did the Jews react? Who was supposed to spread the gospel originally?
• Read John 3:16. How does this verse prove the inclusion of the Gentiles was God’s plan through the ages?

Close: As weeks turn into months and months turn into years, we see a shift in the world that causes us to wonder how close the ‘last days’ are. Is there a possibility of a great revival that could sweep our nation—or other nations? With the threat of advanced technology beyond anything we have ever known, we wonder what God feels as He watches humans shoved aside for the emergence of something not real usurping our jobs, our thought processes, and our social functions. We shake our heads in wonder. Then we see droves of young people coming to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, and feel hope that, perhaps, if banded together, they will make an impact upon the world that hasn’t been seen in centuries. Is there hope? It’s almost as if these young people have observed the past few generations and found them wanting. As if they are thinking, ‘What you did has apparently not satisfied you, or helped, so we are trying Jesus Christ.’ Now they are finding Him faithful. Good going, young people!

By Sandy Day                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           August 24, 2025