Metaphysical Bible Interpretation of Romans Chapter 15
Metaphysically Interpreting Romans 15:14-21
15:14And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. 15:15But I write the more boldly unto you in some measure, as putting you again in remembrance, because of the grace that was given me of God, 15:16that I should be a minister of Christ Jesus unto the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be made acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 15:17I have therefore my glorifying in Christ Jesus in things pertaining to God. 15:18For I will not dare to speak of any things save those which Christ wrought through me, for the obedience of the Gentiles, by word and deed, 15:19in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of the Holy Spirit; so that from Jerusalem, and round about even unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ; 15:20yea, making it my aim so to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named, that I might not build upon another man's foundation; 15:21but, as it is written,
They shall see, to whom no tidings of him came,
And they who have not heard shall understand.
Metaphysically Interpreting Romans 15:22-33
15:22Wherefore also I was hindered these many times from coming to you: 15:23but now, having no more any place in these regions, and having these many years a longing to come unto you, 15:24whensoever I go unto Spain (for I hope to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first in some measure I shall have been satisfied with your company)-- 15:25but now, I say, I go unto Jerusalem, ministering unto the saints. 15:26For it hath been the good pleasure of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints that are at Jerusalem. 15:27Yea, it hath been their good pleasure; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, they owe it to them also to minister unto them in carnal things. 15:28When therefore I have accomplished this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will go on by you unto Spain. 15:29And I know that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of Christ.
15:30Now I beseech you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; 15:31that I may be delivered from them that are disobedient in Judaea, and that my ministration which I have for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints; 15:32that I may come unto you in joy through the will of God, and together with you find rest. 15:33Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
December 16, 1923: Romans 15:18-21
Metaphysically interpreted, the last four verses of our lesson teach the carrying of the word of Christ to those parts of our organisms to which it has never been taken before. Every atom of our being that is still in darkness must be illumined by the Word and given new life and truth.
October 4, 1936: Romans 15:18-21
Should mistakes and disappointment be given any attention by one who wishes to demonstrate power? No negative mental reaction should be allowed by anyone who wishes to demonstrate power. “I will not dare to speak of any things, save those which Christ wrought, through me.”
Why has Truth power to transform our life? It opens our mind to a greater depth of understanding, and throws new light upon all the phases of our life.
December 29, 1946: Romans 15:22-24
Why are spiritual leaders especially needed at the present time? To show us the way to world peace and good will now, instead of awaiting the slow process of transforming persons one by one into the likeness of Christ. Leaders possessed of spiritual power are needed to convert the world to the conviction that good will and brotherhood are possible on a universal scale, and that, if the world is to be formed into the kingdom of God everyone must set about doing his part in the great work now.
Sunday, September 30, 1951: Romans 15:14-29
What do the Gentiles, whose “offering up” is “sanctified by the Holy Spirit,” represent? The Gentiles represent our worldly thoughts, the unregenerate state of mind in us. These are to be transformed by the word of Truth (the preaching of Paul).
What is the significance of Paul’s divine appointment as minister to the Gentiles? Paul, first called Saul, represents the regenerated or illumined will. Under the direction of the illumined will (Paul), our worldly thoughts (Gentiles) are lifted up and spiritualized, as we learn to harmonize them with Truth through the power of the Holy Spirit.
What ground of “glorying” does the will have “in things pertaining to God”? It has power to convert the worldly thoughts and to turn worldliness to holiness.
Through what power does the illumined will accomplish its work? Through the power of the Christ Spirit. “Christ wrought through me, for the obedience of the Gentiles, by word and deed.” The illumined will not only brings the word of Truth into our being, but it also helps us to live the Christ life.
How are our worldly thoughts transformed through the influence of the regenerated will or word of Truth? Two powers may be used: the “power of signs and wonders” and “the power of the Holy Spirit.” “Signs and wonders” become possible in the experience of the one who is filled with the Holy Spirit. When a worldly-minded person shows interest in spiritual matters and begins to reform his thinking and his speech, it is a sign of the Holy Spirit’s indwelling.
How can we go “into all the world” with power to do good rather than evil? By making our thoughts constructive, and thus developing trust and confidence on the part of others, instead of their negative opposites. Those who are “full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another” can reshape the world in permanent accord, peace, and security.
Can spiritual-minded thinkers and leaders mold public opinion and world opinion today? They can, if they will develop leadership in and understanding of human relations, will think through world problems, and offer solutions in the light of the Christ wisdom and knowledge.
Transcribed by Lloyd Kinder on 10-29-2013
