Romans chapter 15, Romans chapter 15, if you would take your Bible and turn there, Romans chapter 15 verses 24 through 33 have been a section that we have been looking at for a number of weeks as we conclude the book of Romans and our study through it. And this is the 116th message in the book of Romans for us as a church. And we're nearing the end of this book of the Bible. Romans chapter 15, verse number 24, the Bible says, Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you, for I trust to see you in my journey and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company. But now I go unto Jerusalem, to minister unto the saints. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. It hath pleased them verily, and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. When therefore I have performed this and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain. I am sure that when I come unto you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessings of the gospel of Christ." And we'll look at the latter portion of this, verses 30 through 33 this coming Sunday, Lord willing, as we consider prayer and its impact in the ministry of Paul and the gospel going forward through him and others. But this morning I want us to take time to consider this portion as it relates to Paul's plan and where he is planning to go. We've already observed that Paul has a desire to go to Spain, to come through Rome on his way further to the West and to declare the gospel into regions where It has not been given yet. He wants to go through them and on their way. And we saw the importance of evangelism of the lost and the involving of this church in Rome in that area. We saw as well that Paul has the desire to come to the people in Rome and to see them edified, to see them growing in the Lord. But this morning, I want us to notice an important part that Paul tells these believers in Rome about. And it is a part of ministry that is important to the Apostle Paul and I believe he is sharing by inspiration of the Holy Spirit because it is important for them to understand it as well. Now we are approaching Thanksgiving. And I believe that Thanksgiving time is a great time for people to live in honesty. You say, how is that, Pastor? Honesty? Well, an honest opinion of how we have received anything that we do have. Thankfulness comes to God when we consider how we have received the things that we have received. That they have not come because of our efforts or our work alone, but that God has been involved in that. An honest thanksgiving towards God for what He has provided. Enabling us to work, enabling us to have health, enabling us to have resources. That kind of thanksgiving towards God will reflect itself in how I treat others, my actions toward others. And Paul's life is an illustration of that fact, that he was thankful for God's mercy on him. All the way back to Romans chapter 12, remember this practical application part of the book of Romans, He says, I beseech you by the mercies of God that you present your bodies, a living sacrifice. That our mindset about doing anything is filtered through the relationship that we have with God by his mercy. And so because of that mercy that Paul has received, he is acting out and living out as a Christian should, an attitude of gratefulness. And it's impacting what he does with his life. And we've seen that the central idea of these verses at the latter part of Romans 15 is this. Paul is sharing his desire for the evangelism of the lost, the edification of believers, and the encouragement of others by physical help. And we're gonna look at that portion this morning, the encouragement of others by physical help and means. And those people that he is interested in helping are the people in Jerusalem. And the chronological plans of his trip, we've seen he wants to go to Spain, but that's the last part of it. He wants to come to Rome on his way to Spain, that's the middle, but the very beginning part is going to Jerusalem. And his purpose in going to Jerusalem we're looking at this morning. It is to provide physical help to people who are in need. And I want to draw your attention to that as it's in our text in verses 25 through 28. The encouragement of others by physical help. And Paul shares his plan to go to Jerusalem to pass along financial gifts that others, other churches, have been giving to give to that need there. Paul has been traveling and impacting ministries throughout Asia Minor as he's writing this, likely from Corinth to the church in Rome. He has been involving himself with these churches to provide some kind of help back to the believers in Jerusalem. And I believe Paul himself was involved in that. Paul's mindset was to be a conduit of assistance to others. And why does Paul discuss that plan with this group of believers? He isn't with them, so why tell them about his plans to go to Jerusalem and to provide physical help there? Well, often I believe that we think of giving or benevolence or helping someone as something that should be done in a very private and non-discussionary level. In other words, if you're going to help someone, the Bible doesn't want you to talk about it. Well, certainly the Bible mentions the fact that we ought not give in a way that is for the purpose of boasting or pride or look what I did. But it does talk about giving, and often we kind of fall into the ditch on the other side. We don't want to talk about giving too much, and I'll be honest, as a pastor, this isn't the topic I talk about all the time. But on the flip side of that, giving is an absolutely important part of the Christian life. And giving is, again, not just a financial giving. It is an attitude of the spirit, the desire to help others. And there are many ways by which we provide help and assistance in physical ways. And Paul is interested in teaching the church in Rome about this, even though he is not with them. And that is why he is sharing this. It is an important thing. A believer needs to understand giving correctly. If people are going to give, it is not going to be because, well, they ought to know what to do. No, just as it is with any other area of discipleship and growth, there needs to be, what does the Bible say? And anytime an assumption is made about why someone is or isn't doing something, we really ought to ask ourselves, have they been taught according to the scriptures? Remember that the apostles were to not just go, they were to go and to teach all things whatsoever I have commanded you. And there was a teaching of the future teachers who would teach others. And so this is an important part of discipleship, an understanding of giving in the New Testament church. And we're going to focus in on just one aspect of that mindset of giving. There is much more to be discussed from the scriptures, but I want to share why Paul is sharing this matter of physical help for those in need in Jerusalem. in this letter. And the very first reason I want you to observe is that giving to help those in need is important. It is important. Look at verse 25. Now, why do I say it's important from that verse? Well, Paul has already shared his desire to go to Spain, and I think a big part of the writing of this letter was that there would be a cooperation with these believers in that ministry of evangelizing, of declaring the gospel in places beyond, that there might be somewhat of a base of operations there in Rome, that people and help could go from there. But that's a big deal. Evangelizing the lost. Pastor, we're all about that. That's important. Edifying believers. That's important. We believe in that. Giving. It is so important that before he goes to edify believers and before he goes to evangelize in Spain, he is going to go to Jerusalem. To edify, yes, but to help in a physical way people with needs. And so the importance of it is seen here. Caring for the needs of others is to be on the mind of a humble, selfless, neighbor-loving Christian. You know that a Christian is to have a mindset of caring for others. And we see that theme taught in the early church. The Jerusalem church had a correct mindset about caring for others when you read in Acts 2. a definite care for the needs of others. And Paul had been involved in that care. In fact, if you look over in Acts chapter 11, verses 29 through 30, in that early part of Paul's ministry, while he's still called Saul, he's with Barnabas and Saul, and the Bible talks about them coming to Jerusalem with gifts to help because of a great drought or great dearth in the land that had taken place. And he's been involved in caring for these people already. Now, in his missionary journey, he has been involving others in a care for these believers. In fact, in Galatians chapter 2 and verse 9, the Bible says in Galatians 2.9, And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, Paul says, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship, that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision, or to the Jewish people. Galatians 2.10 says, In other words, they were reminding them, now while you're going out and reaching and caring for people who are heathens, who are not Jewish people, remember the people who are in need. And Paul says, I was already forward to do that. In other words, that's already on my mind. And he's already been involved in that, as Acts chapter 11 points out. But why? Why was it on his mind? Why was it an important thing for believers to care about those in need? Because Jesus Christ taught it. Jesus Christ taught that loving others was necessary. that it was part of loving God. What are the great commandments? Remember when the young man comes and says, you know, what is it that I, what is the greatest of the commandments? And love the Lord thy God, love him with all thy heart, thy mind, and love thy neighbor as thyself. And he's seeking to do what? To justify himself, said, and who is my neighbor? And Jesus, in Luke chapter 10, verses 25 through 37, gave the illustration of the good Samaritan. What's the significance of the Good Samaritan? Well, the Good Samaritan is one who is acting in benevolence and kindness on someone who it is not expected that he would show that to. And all the people who should be showing it weren't, okay, when you and I demonstrate care and love and compassion for someone who it is not expected that we would show it to, that is demonstrating the love that comes from God, the love that pleases God. And in fact, that's the kind of love that only the Holy Spirit of God can produce. that you and I would love others, and not because of what they're doing for you, or because they are part of your family, or part of your nationality, or because of your social standing, but because they are people that God would have you love. and they cannot necessarily do anything to return it back to you. That kind of love is biblical. It is right and it is necessary. It is important. Giving to help those in need is absolutely important. This matter of helping these believers in Jerusalem I find to be interesting because you can hardly call them neighbors. There are believers all throughout Asia Minor who are sending gifts to their neighbors in Jerusalem. Who's their neighbor? Well, it's the ones who are in need, who are even a great distance away. And I believe that that emphasizes, once again, the importance of giving. But let me give you a second reason that this passage, I believe, points out the matter of giving to help those in need. Giving to help those in need is important. That's the first thing. But secondly, giving to help those in need is practiced by others. It is practiced by others. And Paul brings that out in verse 26 of Romans chapter 15. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem." Now, why does he bring up what other people are doing? Paul talks about what others are doing in other places for a very, very practical reason. to encourage emulation or imitation of their practice. If they're doing a good thing with the right mindset, you can be involved in that too. And while there is not a direct plea to them, I hope that you will be involved. He is sharing the mindset of other believers so that it becomes the normal and expected and biblical mindset for these believers in Rome. When he's going to come and minister with them, if they're going to help in ministry in other places, they are going to have to think in a way that involves care of others. And talking of what is taking place in other places is something Paul does often. And it's not to guilt trip people into action. It is to illustrate normal, normative Christian living. This is what Christians do. And you can be involved in this also. Why is Paul so focused on this? In 1 Corinthians 16, he speaks of giving. In 2 Corinthians 8-9, in Acts 11, it was something that the most remote of churches were doing and involved in and saw responsibility to because, now note this, they were taught it. They were taught it. Those people were taught it and they needed to be involved in it. Look over at 2 Corinthians 8 with me. 2 Corinthians 8. 2 Corinthians 8 verses 1 and 2. 2 Corinthians 8 verses 1 and 2. Moreover, brethren, we do you to wed, or to know, of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia. I want you to know how God has worked in these people, how that in a great trial of affliction, the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. We are not to give because of pressure or guilt or manipulation. There are those who do that. The televangelists in particular have been well noted for that kind of send in your seed of faith. That is not what Paul is doing here with these believers in Corinth or with the believers in Rome. What is he emphasizing? that the grace of God has been known by these people, even through times of difficulty themselves, they have had care for others. That is the emphasis. That is the emphasis, not the amount that was given even, but that there was an abundance because their attitude was towards God. God, you've been gracious. I want to be involved in the care of others. When we hear of the sacrifices of others, we can better gauge our own capacity for involvement. Sometimes people are very little involved in giving because they think they really can't do much. There really is a mindset that's kind of keeping people from involvement at all in many levels because I'm not talented enough, I don't have enough money, I can't really do much, and we tell ourselves things that are not true. If Christ saved you to give you eternal life, you do know that he saved you for something else and has the power to enable that. Does he have the power to give you eternal life? Well, yes, pastor. Does he have the power to enable you to serve? Yes. So ask Him, where and how do you want me to be involved in serving? And depend upon Him for that serving just as much as you depend on Him for salvation. Sometimes people are not involved because they don't believe that really they have anything to give. You had nothing to give in your salvation. You had the grace of God that made it possible. And in serving, we have nothing of ourselves to give. We have the grace of God through which to be a conduit help to others. When we succumb to the idea of well I can't really do much, my part really isn't important. We play down the responsibility we have. Recently we had an election in our country And sometimes there's been an mindset of, well, my vote won't really matter. You've ever felt that way or thought that way, you're thinking wrong. Because whether or not you see your vote as counting, if you are taking ownership and responsibility for that which God has put in your hands, You are doing your part. You are being obedient to God in taking stewardship, well, of what He has, and get this, He has richly provided you. The freedoms as Americans, are they a freedom and a kindness, a graciousness of God? You ought to view it that way. So use your freedom in that way. In Christianity, we ought never think, well, I don't have much. No, you have a bunch. You have riches. The abundance of your inheritance in Christ, you don't even fully fathom. And you ought to be overwhelmed at His graciousness all the time and realize, I can be used of him for his glory. He desires for me to be used. And that involvement is what Paul is encouraging. Others have been involved, and Paul is encouraging the Roman believers to look broader and see how God is working through this person, and through this person, and through this person, and say, well, if he can work in all of them, certainly he can work through me. You know, that ought to be your mindset. Wow, God, look at all the other people who are involved in serving. What could you do with me? That is biblical. Not, well, I guess I have to because they're doing it. Not peer pressure in a carnal mindset, but in a look at the grace of God enabling these people, why would I not want to know his grace to enable me? And others' involvement was what Paul was pointing out here. So we see, first of all, giving to help those in need is important. Secondly, giving to help those in need is practiced by others, and Paul is pointing that out well to them. Here's a third reason, and I believe a very doctrinally important one. In Romans 15 and verse 27, we see a statement that is very, very important. Giving to help those in need brings unity. Giving to help those in need brings unity. In Romans 15 verse 27, the Bible says, Now what does he mean by this, their duty? It hath pleased them well, he starts off with, which I think illustrates this was gracious giving. It was willing giving, not of compulsion. but it was willing because of an understanding. It was willing because the thinking was we have received spiritual blessing through Jewish people who God has worked through. Remember, the gospel came to who? To the Jew. Romans chapter one, verse 16. I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believe it. Who? the Jew first, also the Greek. What's the significance of this? The gospel was God's design and plan for his chosen people. But those people, largely as a nation, rejected their Messiah. Out of that came blessing on the whole world. The word of God is still working to save Jews and Gentiles, but those Gentiles ought to view Jewish people as their They're benefactors who they ought see positively, not negatively. By the way, any anti-Semitism that anyone could ever try to come up with out of the Bible, right here it's debunked. I really believe that there is not a mindset of the Bible, and especially in the book of Romans, that it puts any kind of attitude of we should hate people because of their rejection of Jesus. Far from it, Paul has pointed out his heart's desire and prayer for Israel is that they might be saved. And his desire was to help them even in physical things through those believers back in Jerusalem. Because of theologically and understanding, you've benefited from these people spiritually. This church in Jerusalem has sent out the gospel. They sent out Paul. we ought be involved in their lives and ministry as well. And so there is a unity between the church in Jerusalem and all these other churches. There is a unity because they are all in Christ. That is the theme. That is the recognizing theme of the early church. They are all a body, a singular body in Christ, whether Jew or Gentile in Christ. And notice the facts about this unity, unity results from such shared love, mutual care and concern for those who are different in background, but the same by the blood of Jesus Christ. And if there was any division that was developing in that church in Rome, we know that there were Jews and Gentiles, especially from the content of the book, that it addresses questions from both sides. If there were any divisions growing there, this part of Paul's plan that he is sharing about what he is doing in his plans would greatly diminish that us versus them mindset. And I believe that's one of the things that giving does. Giving has the power to mitigate and diminish It has the ability to show care for people who are in need on other sides of issues and challenges. And there was a need to be caring for these people in Jerusalem. If the believers in Rome will be prepared to take the gospel beyond, they must be united in their reason for doing so. You remember that God had a plan for Jewish converts to go out with the gospel, and they were involved in that. Already, these people in Rome would know Aquila and Priscilla, a Jewish couple who had been involved with and helped Paul in ministry, and their mindset had been clear. God wants us to take this news to others, and we are graciously doing so. And briefly, I want to point out to you, as we consider this matter of giving, okay, pastor, it's important. It's something that brings about unity. It's something that other believers are practicing, and it is showing a connection, a unity in Christ. How do we get involved in that? And just for a few moments, I want to point out to you from Scripture a passage that I think articulates this well. And if you're taking some notes, you might jot down these four things that the Bible describes about giving in 1 Corinthians 16, verse 2. So look over at 1 Corinthians 16 and verse number 2. I call this a very practical how-to passage because it outlines for us how Paul was encouraging the church in Corinth to be involved in this gift for Jerusalem, for these people in need. And while it's true it was for that specific offering that he was writing here, I think that the principles here should impact our giving in other contexts as well. And there are very practical things in 1 Corinthians 16, verse 2. And giving is very well defined here in four things. Number one, giving individually. Notice what the Bible says in chapter 16, starting in verse number one, 1 Corinthians 16, verse 1. As I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week, let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. Now, I want you to note as well, verse three, and when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, then will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. And I think it's important, Paul was not planning to just take this money and take it all on himself with no accountability. He had a team and he was involving these churches with the taking of the gift, I believe, to Jerusalem. I think that's a necessary aspect, accountability and transparency about the methods of caring and transferring of needs. But I want you to notice four things in verse number two in particular. First of all, he emphasizes giving individually. Give on an individual level. The statement is made, let every one of you lay by him in store. Let every one of you. And it is assumed that everyone in that church could be a part. You say, but pastor, I don't have a lot. That is not the criteria for giving. The criteria is you be involved and you let the Lord direct. And we'll look at that further in a moment. But every one of us can be and it's expected or assumed that they would be involved by that passage. Give individually. Number two, give regularly. Give regularly. Notice in the passage what it says at the beginning. Verse two of 1 Corinthians 16, upon the first day of the week. upon the first day of the week, so that there was a scheduled point in time when they would collect things for this special need, for this special plan. That's a very practical thing, I would say. Why? Because there was a consistent in front of us, reminding us of this need, but also an opportunity for us to set things aside for this. You see giving in the Old Testament as a very systematic thing, where there was a plan for that which would be done. That is what is being taken place here. Whether your planning is a monthly thing, or a weekly thing, or a bi-weekly thing, based on how you receive, there ought to be a systematic mindset in the idea of a believer about how I will give. Not just a, oh, you know, it's been a while since I've thought about that. No, systematically. You put important things on your calendar because they are important. And so the systematic regular giving. Thirdly, not just individually, not just regularly, but also thirdly, give methodically. Give methodically. Say the statement, let every one of you lay by him in store. Lay by him in store. That follows somewhat of the regularity requiring thinking, but this is a preparing. It is a thing that you are doing without response to, oh, they're taking up an offering, what do I have in my pocket, that is planned ahead of my going and being a part of a gathering of believers. I am thinking about the opportunity to give. I am praying about that. And methodical giving, I believe, is necessary. your life ought be methodical. There ought be a, I am doing this and this and this, and I'm not doing this and this, so I can do this and this. And methodical giving, laying by in store, is very practical if you're in business. You have to say, I need to save this for this. I cannot buy this because I have this. Your life should not be a constant response thing. Oh, I want this. I get it. I want this. I get this. I want this. I get this. I'm hungry for this. I eat this. Your life should be, is this right? Is this good? What should I do? Methodical. And then fourthly, give proportionally. Give proportionally. He says, as God hath prospered him. as God hath prospered." Again, coming back to this mindset of thanksgiving, giving and thanksgiving go hand in hand. I give thanks to God for what He has given and I give as God has prospered. The giving of our lives to others in any way is out of our recognition of what God has given me. God has been gracious. I therefore say, God, I will give back proportionally. I believe that God wants all of us to be involved. And you may say, I just don't have enough. I don't believe that anyone is incapable of giving. You say, what? Pastor, what if someone is in great poverty? OK, even in great poverty, You may say, well, it's just a penny. It's just a dollar. That's irrelevant. It really is. You know what is very, very relevant? That I be involved in care for others and not assume that care only is certain dollar amounts or sizes of gifts or time or resources. That is not a biblical mindset. And in this church, there is no more valuable gift or more valuable giver or more valuable gift to the church or ability that God has given. They are gifts from him. So don't hold on to them and think that they are not worthy. He is worthy because he's the supplier. And so when we think of giving, giving proportionally, yes, if you've been given much, you ought to think of that as I can give much. If you have been given little in comparison to someone else, you have still been given too. And it is not right, it is not biblical to say, well, it's mine, I don't think God wants this. No, he's the one that's provided it. Recognize proportional giving. Now, one of the areas of proportional giving that I think confuses us at times is the terminology tithe or give your tithe. The Greek word that we find used of the word tithe is dekato. It's probably best known for words like decade, where we get that kind of idea. Ten. Deca, it's an indication of ten or tenth. And no New Testament passage proclaims a command to believers to specifically give a tenth. You will not find a New Testament concept of This much must be given, a very clear Old Testament teaching of the tithe. And I would point out a tithe in much more than we often think. But when you think of a New Testament passage, there's none that emphasize this matter of the tenth. I think it's a wonderful starting point to consider a tenth, but I think you ought to consider your giving in proportion as the significance of 1 Corinthians chapter 16. And I want you to look over at 2 Corinthians 9.7 because this emphasizes the right mindset that I think sometimes our ideas about tithing limit and perhaps even are incorrect. 2 Corinthians 9.7 points out some very important truth regarding giving. Second Corinthians 9.7, the Bible says, every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give not grudgingly or of necessity, for God loveth a cheerful giver. Would it be possible for people to say, well, I did my job, I did the thing, I checked the box, I gave the 10th, and it not be without grudging? That's very possible. In fact, were not Old Testament laws often kept by people out of a sense of, well, I did what I was supposed to do, but not out of love or grace or thankfulness to God. God was not ever pleased by sacrifices or offerings that were made without a heart that was thankful and trusting in him. The heart that says, well, I did the thing I was supposed to do. So God bless me. That is not pleasing to God. And what you see in this verse is very clearly a attitude, not grudging, but cheerful. God, you have been gracious. I willingly and very thankfully bestow what I have to give on others. I see that and I'm grateful. in verse number 8, and God is able to make all grace abound towards you, that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work. You know, any aspect of your ministering to others, the good work that God has made believers to do, He has saved us for that purpose. He's the one that provides the sufficient grace to do it. the enabling, the powering of it. Whether it is giving or serving in some kind of area of time or ability, God's grace is abundant to supply that. And that's how I ought to view any giving at all. Now, what are some ways to be involved in physical help to others? It's needed. He pointed that out. It encourages unity. Other believers are involved in that. Okay, I see I can be involved in that individually, regularly, methodically, proportionally. What about here at New Life? How do I get involved in that? I think it's important to see that giving should be done through believers. In other words, if I'm gonna help the poor, I ought to look for believers who are helping the poor to help. In Acts 24, verse 17, when Paul is before Felix giving a defense of what he is doing, he says, now after many years, I came to bring alms to my nation and offerings. Now to Felix, he's telling him he is desiring to help who? His nation, the Jewish people. with offerings and alms. Now, this is important. I believe, to Felix, the answer needs to be, I care about people. Felix doesn't care how you care about people. He's not spiritual. But to the believers, how does he describe helping? He talks about giving to the churches. And the churches are part of the nation, but the people in that nation who are without Christ, are they to be given any help? Yes. through the church, through those believers in Jerusalem. I believe this is very important. Christians ought to be involved in giving, even to help with societal needs, whether it's relief after a flood or some other kind of help, through Christian channels, through those who have a biblical mindset and who know Christ and clearly will use those funds in a way that will honor and glorify God and declare the gospel. That, I believe, is unnecessary and ought to be on our mind thing, that giving through believers ought to be our mindset. In our church here, one of the ways we give through believers and through this church to help people in need is the Deacon Caring Fund. Here at New Life, there's a fund that people can give to, apart from regular giving, apart from missions giving, that those funds get used to help people in need, whether they are those who are widows, or those who have financial difficulties, or those who are outside of our church who come to us. You know, we have people that visit, and we'll often give a fuel card to someone that just gets them gas in their tank. Why? We have a food pantry. Why do we do those things? Because we want to give help, but we want to give them help in the ways that are best, and we want to give the gospel with that help. We want to connect them with ongoing help in the truth of Scripture. and pointing them to places like the Good News Mission. Our church is helping this month in the Faith Promise Project, the Good News Mission. Why? Because they are believers helping people in need to hear the gospel and to take care of physical needs. Those are areas and ways by which you can be involved. But I would remind you, you can be involved in helping someone. And you can be involved when you see someone and you help in an anonymous way to help someone in need. I have people at times hand me an envelope that says, a name of a person, and they say, can you give this to this person, but don't tell them who gave it to you. Why? Because they want to give help, but they don't want it to be known that was them. That's a blessing. Believers helping one another in the context of the local church. And providing financial help is something that's a part of this, but it's greater. You ought be asking God for direction about any kind of help that you give. Time, You ought to be asking God about your abilities. How could I use these for your glory, God? How can I be involved in the helping of others? And I don't do it because I'm compelled of compulsion or some kind of fear or guilt. I want to give and I've connected that giving with prayer. We're going to look further next Sunday at this matter of prayer. And it's important role in Romans 15 of tying these people to a mission because their mind is connected with what the heart of God is in prayer. But I would ask you to consider praying even this morning. How would God want me to be involved in the care of others and their needs? And God, have I said that I don't have enough? And is that attitude honest? Is it really honest towards you, God, who have supplied what I do have? Have I been giving individually? Have I been giving regularly? Have I been giving methodically? Have I been giving proportionally? God, I want to evaluate that before you. And talk to the Lord about those things. You know, you will be encouraged in the ministry that God has for you to be involved in. the caring of others spiritually. Yeah, we want to see people saved. Yeah, we want to see people edified and growing and discipled, but we want to see people in need helped. And that help is not in conflict with any of these other things that God has called us to. And so may God encourage you this morning to consider how you would be involved in his plans for the care of others. And let me read again Romans 15, our passage, and that closing portion. He says in verse 25, and now I go into Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. The caring for those believers in Jerusalem will enable them to care for others. And we ought be in our minds thinking, Lord, I desire to minister, to serve, to care for people's needs. Would you bow with me for prayer? As we conclude this morning, I want to ask you, you may have a great desire to care for the needs of others. But I would ask you, do you know, first and foremost, how God has shown care for you? You know, it is impossible for you to actually benefit others in a eternal way. without first knowing the eternal way by which God wants you to know him through Jesus Christ. You cannot really understand giving until you really first realize your debt, your lack. And all of us begin as sinners in need of and in great need of the help and supply that only God can give. You know, the grace giving that we're talking about here is supplied by God through us. The salvation that you needed and I needed was only supplied through God, not by me. In fact, I believe that wrong thinking about how I have salvation will impact a wrong thinking about how I care for others. You may think this morning, I've been pretty good at working hard. I've done a lot of good things. So yeah, I'll give a little bit. But your mind is really incorrect about how you have what you have in a spiritual sense. You are not right with God this morning because you have been a pretty good person or done more good than bad. You're a destitute, poor, and helpless sinner in need of a savior. And that is what Jesus Christ came to accomplish, to make those who were sinners and who were lost able to be righteous. reconciled to God through what he did on the cross. Jesus said, I'm not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. And you know what? You could this morning recognize you are a sinner and a very destitute one, a very helpless and in need sinner, in need of Jesus Christ, the one who can save you from sin's penalty, which is death and hell, and give you forgiveness, give you new life, give you eternal life through Jesus, and the ability to help and help and care for others. And I pray that you'll know that gift this morning. If you have a question about that or we can help you in some way, I hope that you'll reach out to us. You can call the church or you can email us. And I hope that you will and reach out if you've trusted Christ as your Savior. We want to encourage you in that decision and help you grow in your walk with the Lord. And if you know Christ as your Savior and you recognize he wants you to be involved in the needs of others, would you ask God right now how he would want you to be involved in others and their needs for his glory? Father, we thank you for your word. We thank you for the power that it has in our lives. And I pray that this truth this morning would encourage many And I pray that you would be glorified as we see the importance of caring for others' needs, as we see that others have been involved in this to your glory, and that we can as well, and that we would see the unity that it brings. And I pray that you would be glorified through all of those aspects of our giving for your glory. And for those who don't know Christ and that that is still an area, Lord, I pray that they'll see your great love for them, your compassion toward them in their great need. when you went to the cross, when you sent Christ to the cross for them, and they would trust what your son did for them today and be saved. We'll thank you in Jesus' name. Amen.