The Book of Romans - The Faith to Obey - 31 August 2025

In this sermon from Romans 15:23–29 and 16:1–27, Ruth Smith closes our series in Romans by asking the searching question: Do you have the faith to obey God in all things? Drawing from Paul’s missionary plans, his appeal for generosity, and his personal greetings, Ruth highlights how obedience flows from genuine faith. She points to Paul’s example of raising funds for believers in need, his commendation of faithful co-workers—both men and women like Phoebe, Priscilla, Aquila, and Junia—and his reminder that true faith is not just belief but a life of obedience. Ruth challenges us to consider what it looks like to trust Jesus enough to obey him with our money, our relationships, our speech, our desires, and our daily devotion, reminding us that obedience is our greatest act of worship and the pathway to true freedom in Christ. 5 Questions to Think About: What does Paul’s collection for the poor in Jerusalem (Romans 15:25–28) teach us about generosity and obedience with our finances? How does the example of women like Phoebe, Priscilla, and Junia (Romans 16:1–7) challenge or encourage your view of serving in God’s mission? In what areas of your life is it hardest to trust Jesus enough to obey him? How do Paul’s final words about “the obedience that comes from faith” (Romans 16:26) shape your understanding of the Christian life? Do you see obedience as a burden, or as freedom and worship? How might the Spirit need to reshape your view? 3 Takeaways from the Message: Faith and obedience are inseparable—true trust in Jesus is shown in living for him daily (Romans 1:5; 16:26). Generosity and service are acts of obedience—from financial giving to gospel partnership, God calls us to offer our “first fruits,” not leftovers (Romans 15:25–28). Obedience is worship and freedom—to obey Jesus is not slavery to rules but the joyful path of life as a “slave to righteousness” (Romans 6:18; 16:27).