Romans 15:30-33 Now I beseech you, brothers, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit… (inaugural sermon): I. ON WHAT GROUNDS? I have come — "by the will of God." 1. In planning his own movements, Paul exercised Christian common-sense. Thus his work was distinguished from that of Peter, etc. (Galatians 2:9). Thus he abstained from Jerusalem and Corinth (2 Corinthians 1:23), and varied his plans. But he ever consulted the will of God, and found it sometimes identical with his own, and sometimes not (2 Corinthians 1:17; Acts 16:7). He was sure he ought to see Rome (Acts 19:20), and long desired it (ver. 23), and prayed for it (Romans 1:10; Romans 15:30). Yet he found that God's will was different from his as to time and manner. 2. The will of God is that which He sees best to be done, or to be, for all creatures. Every star that shines is an embodied will of God. But there is a higher region of intelligence and love. Nature is blindly obedient. Far above it are the hosts that are little miniatures of God. Christ could ask for nothing more than that, as in heaven, so on earth, God's will might be done. 3. Now, it is the privilege of a Christian not only to have the written will of God in general, but to be able also to ascertain God's will as to our separate movements. This was afforded to Israel by the "pillar of cloud and fire," and is not less so now. Let a man do three things — clear his heart of self-will; use his best judgment, aided by counsel; and pray. And is it presumptuous to believe that through the blended circumstances, the many counsels and prayers, I am here by the will of God? II. WITH WHAT PURPOSE? Note — 1. The sphere within which the effect of the ministry is to be sought. The pastor aims at an effect on the spirit of man. When the six days have run you down; when your spirit is weary, dull, and almost without holy thought or desire, you need, and I hope, will find rest and refreshment here. 2. The identity of the preacher's experience and his hearers'. I preach not a Saviour that I do not need myself. "With you" I come to "be refreshed"; with the same nature and needs, and to the same supply. In this identity lies one of the chief charms of the ministry. III. IN WHAT MOOD? "With joy." There is in the responsibilities of the ministry much to oppress. Yet I do come with joy — 1. That there is such refreshment provided for weary souls. 2. That I am permitted the honour of ministering the same, and to stand in the happy relationship which never fails to rise out of a faithful ministry. 3. That the Lord Himself will be with us. 4. In hope of the final joy of the Lord. Conclusion: All this turns on one condition. Paul did not hope for it in his case apart from prayer (vers. 30-33). (S. Hebditch.) Parallel Verses KJV: Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; |
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