Read: Romans 15:14-24; Ephesians 6:19-20
On some points I have written to you very boldly. (Rom. 15:15)
In a letter, Protestant Reformer Martin Luther wrote, “Sin greatly, but believe still more greatly . . . . No sin will separate us from the Lamb.” Luther was emphasizing that when we are secure in the grace of Jesus Christ, we can live without fearing God’s judgment.
Similarly in today’s Bible reading, rooted in the grace of Christ, Paul wrote “very boldly.” He communicated that the gospel of Jesus Christ indicates that the Roman believers made up of Jews and Gentiles in different house churches were all part of the one body of Jesus Christ. They were to respect each other and live together as one people. Recognizing the sensitivity of the situation, Paul did not exalt himself, but referred to “what Christ has accomplished through me” (Rom. 15:18). Paul not only wrote “boldly,” but he communicated bold plans. He hoped through the unity of the church in Rome to move to new fields of mission to the west in Spain. Previously, Antioch had been the church who had sent him out in mission to the Gentiles, but Paul hoped the Roman believers would be the new sending church, “once I have enjoyed your company for a while” (v. 24).
We don’t know if Paul did take up a new mission field in Spain, but his bold writing and plans were the first step in his coming to Rome. Rooted in the grace of Jesus Christ, let us boldly make kingdom plans for new chapters in our lives, because of God’s grace (v. 15).
As you pray, consider writing down a bold plan to serve God in your station of life.
Kent Fry is a retired pastor and visiting research fellow at the Van Raalte Institute in Holland, Michigan. He and his wife, Joyce, are active members of Second Reformed Church in Zeeland, Michigan. Kent is an active cyclist, and he and Joyce enjoy time with their children and grandchildren.
