Romans Chapter 15 Message 2
Paul wrote to encourage them in that –

4. The Lord prepared His people to rest in Him. Romans 15:4

a. The Power is in His Word. “…things that were written …”
b. The Preparation is knowing His Word. “…were written aforetime…for our learning…”

We have what we need before we need it!

c. The Practical application of the power and preparation –
“…patience and comfort…”
That peace of God that passes all understanding.

1). The example of the Lord Jesus Christ when tempted and tried –

When Satan tempted Him (Matthew 4:3) “And when the tempter came to him, he said…” in the same manner three times Satan spoke to him. The Lord answered each time “…it is written…” which resulted in victory for the Lord and the departure of the Tempter “…then the Devil leaveth him….”

2). The example of the disciples when tempted and tried –

Acts 4:10-13 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. (Psalm 118:21,22) Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

The Practical application is this – Patience, not Panic! Comfort, not Confusion!

Peter learned to stand in patience and comfort when before he had acted in panic and confusion –

1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
This leads us to –

d. The Pursuit of the promises of God – looking for the expected end
“…might have hope.” Literally meaning “keep on hoping.”

Paul’s love and care for them led to –

C. The entreaty. Romans 15:5,6

1. Paul directed his prayer to the source of that which is needed.
Romans 15:5
Now the God of patience and consolation…..

Patience and consolation, exactly the same words in verse 4 (that we through patience and comfort), come from God, through His Word and the working of the Holy Spirit in us. The Lord explained that all we are flows from Him into us –

John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

and out unto the world –

Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

And because of this witness in the world –

2. Paul directed his prayer for bestowal of that which is needed –
Unity in Truth.

Romans 15:6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The church glorifying God on earth!