SUBJ: The record and example of Paul’s ministry to other Gentiles with special attention to the fact that he had strived for the purity of the Gospel and for the spread of the Gospel.

AIM: That we might understand and fully embrace the necessity of the Gospel; that we be found partaking of the pure word of God and not the polluted offerings of the world.

INTR: Paul has reached the end of the message with which he would assure the Romans of his care for them and would now commend the fact and experience of his previous labors among other Gentiles.
1. In that some glorying in what had gone before was unavoidable, Paul shows the needed wisdom in declaring it.
2. He didn’t hesitate to acknowledge the propriety of glorying in Christ – He would honor Christ and rejoice in having a part in the work of Christ and delighting in its success.
3. We would in this study further explore Paul’s fixation on the purity of the Gospel and its necessity in all things.

THESIS: The Gospel, as it is given us in Scripture, is ever the theme of all revelation of God and the things of God – it is the revelation of the person of God and His purpose in Christ and the foundation of all Christian endeavor.

I. Paul’s Reason to Glory (vv. 17-19)
1. We would first be reminded of his previous claim to ministry and the grace of God that placed him in it – his purpose was the divine acceptance of Gentile worship.
2. His glorying is in Christ and reflects thoughts of privilege (as well as the knowledge of Christ) and the delight in being the slave of Christ:
1) He would not venture beyond the idea of the worthiness of Christ and would
2) See himself as fully dependent: But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 1 Corinthians 1:30.
3. Of things that pertain to God: the Gospel and the preaching of it, the furtherance of it, the spread of it, the recommending of it to others; these things would further embrace the worship of God and the manner of it; it would included the ordinances; it would include the grace of God in salvation and the magnifying of grace in all we do; and so to all things that ultimately are to the praise and glory of God in Christ.
4. What he would not do is take any credit for anything that had happened – men may engage in accolades to other men, but Paul knew who had done it all, and a lot had been done.
1) He would be careful to assure that he did not give the appearance of having done it himself,
2) And he would not do as other men had and continue to do – speak of the things they do.
5. If it is not done in Christ, by faith, and for His glory it is null and void, being corrupted with sin!
6. We note that the objective was to bring the Gentiles to embrace (obey) what he had in his conversion: 19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: 20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. Acts 26:19-20.
7. The Gospel fully preached (v. 19)
1) There had been mighty signs and wonders that the presence and power of God might be confirmed.
2) It was evident to him and those to whom he preached that it was of the Spirit of God: See And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 1 Corinthians 2:4.
3) It was widespread and effectual in every place—the area is vast even by today’s reckoning
4) It was the same Gospel in every place as it must be today!

II. Paul’s Reason to Strive (vv. 20-21)
1. The fact of his striving indicates that there was opposition to it even as now (from others and from within us – the old nature).
2. The word indicates that it was in pursuit of honor (not his but Christ’s)
3. The Gospel ever remains the foundation upon which he would build all things from churches to relationships. It is declared: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8
1) This was the commission he had from the Lord – to preach this and
2) There has never been a departure from it.
3) It is to be believed and received as the only hope of salvation from this present evil world and from judgment that is to come.
4. In v. 21 he quotes the prophet: So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider. Isaiah 52:15 and we note:
1) People that had never heard of Christ would see Him and
2) They that have not heard shall understand and
3) That by way of opened hearts – we pray that it may be so with you!!