ROMANS 15:14-21 THEM THAT ARE STRONG How can I know about people that I have never met and even be able to assist them and minister to their needs? Reputation is being made constantly whether it is the reputation of an individual or a group of believers. Every action and decision have some effect on those who are affected by it. Another way I can know people is by the fact that all believers appreciate the grace of God. That is one thing all true Christians have in common. The reputation of goodness is passed on from one group of people to another as they catch the vision of the Lord's will from each other. Knowledge and honesty between us is not something to ever take for granted.
There is no question that the evidence of God's grace in brothers and sisters in Christ affects our lives in the assembly we are a part of or in the calling we have been given. Paul was known among the saints as the minister to the Gentiles. He knew part of His strength was to be a priest ministering the Gospel to the Gentiles and offering himself on their behalf by being set aside for their benefit by the Holy Spirit. To be able to tell people of the blessings of the Gospel is an amazing privilege for anyone. So, Paul was able to boldly tell others of the grace God had shown to him in allowing him to make reference to God using him in preaching the Gospel. He was not glorying in this for self-centered reasons.
As priests we too intercede for others. Paul was also a preacher of the Gospel of Christ. When anyone can speak for God, that person has been given a very responsible work for God. Not only do we represent others as a priest and seek to reach them as a preacher, but in reaching out to others areas as yet untouched, we are involved in the work of pioneering - of opening new doors for the Gospel.
Involved in being one who supposed to be strong in the Lord as a priest, preacher and pioneer - is also the need of having a stated purpose of bearing lasting fruit for the glory of God. And to this end, even the strongest believer recognizes the absolutely essential need of fervent, urgent, effective prayer. He must be committed to this and also needs the benefit of having others who will pray along with him for successful work in reaching others for the kingdom of God.
What is the work of a present-day priest? To claim power to forgive sins is a common deceit. The biblical priest is willing to offer up himself That sinners in danger will be delivered from hell.
What is the work of a preacher, what can he say - That will make people understand Jesus is the only Way? He must speak the truth in love, telling of God's grace. And charge people with the responsibility to believe in faith.
What does the pioneer do that others don't do? He reaches out to new places - and before he is through, He is sure God brought him to that place no matter what the result - Whatever God does through him, in God's name he exalts.
What is the purpose of this life I live? It is my earnest hope that to my Lord I can give Some lasting fruit from service done for Him alone - And He will be greatly glorified when my work is done.
What is the reason for praying - doesn't God already know; The outcome of every action; the fruit of every seed I sow? It is not vain activity to be in constant fellowship with God. He is the One who can add real blessing to His Word.
"Father of love and God of all grace: it is with a sense of need that I come to Thee to ask for Thy strength to be made perfect in my weakness. May I be in some way able to give some strength to others. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."