Scripture to Read: Romans 15:15–16
God allowed Paul (in Romans 15:15–16) to write, “But I have written very boldly to you on some points so as to remind you again, because of the grace that was given 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.” What a great reminder to the believers in Rome and to us today that he (Paul) was called to be a minister to the Gentiles. Paul was a Jew (Galatians 1:13–14, Philippians 3:5) but God called him “to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles” (Acts 9:15, Galatians 1:15–16, Galatians 2:9). What we must not miss is that God so filled Paul that Paul desired that as all Gentiles surrender to Christ as Lord, that all of these Gentile believers would be an acceptable offering to God. In other words, Paul had the desire to present the saved Gentiles as an acceptable offering to God. Now, God saves, not us, and God transforms, not us, but Paul was thankful that God chose to use him in the transformation process of seeing the Gentiles surrender to Christ. Then God led Paul to remind all believers that we are made holy by the Holy Spirit, knowing God sanctifies all believers through His Holy Spirit. What a sweet word of encouragement that all believers are an offering to God and have been made holy through Christ and His Holy Spirit.
Challenge & Application
· God desires us to be an acceptable offering by walking in obedience to Him; so, how are you obeying our Lord each day?
· How is God’s holiness transforming how you talk, think, and act each day?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!