Scripture to Read: Romans 15:25–27
God has had us examining Paul’s ministry and how Paul had desired to go to Rome to meet his brothers and sisters in Christ there. God had Paul share with the believers in Rome that God was opening a door for him to be able to come to Rome but before getting to Rome, God had Paul go to Jerusalem. God had opened the door for Paul to go to Jerusalem to serve his Jewish brothers and sisters in Christ. God had Paul share why going to Jerusalem was so important in Romans 15:26, “For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.” So, we’re reminded that the Gentile believers in Macedonia and Achaia had given Paul a gift to be used to help the Jewish believers in Jerusalem who were struggling financially. What a great reminder for all of us that since we are a body of believers, we are to share what we have to help other believers in need. But then God had Paul shed a little more light on why the Gentile believers in Macedonia and Achaia had such a special place in their hearts for the Jewish believers in Jerusalem. We read in Romans 15:27, “Yes, 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 minister to them also in material things.” The Gentile believers came to know Christ because of the Jewish believers in Jerusalem, so they felt compelled to share their material blessings.
Challenge & Application
How has God used you to help bless someone else with either a financial gift or giving of your time and talents?
How has God used other believers in your life to bless you financially or with their help in some other way?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!