In this message, Kenny emphasizes that the core of Paul's ministry and life was solely about what Christ wrought in him. He highlights that Paul’s transparency reveals a deep desire for Christ to work fully through him, resulting in the complete preaching of the gospel and the fulfillment of God's purpose among the nations. Kenny underscores that this work is not limited to Paul alone but is a model for all believers, urging us to seek Christ’s work in our lives so that His power can be fully manifested. He explains that the divine work in us is accomplished through the Holy Spirit’s power, not our own, referencing scriptures like Acts 9:17 and 2 Corinthians 4:7, which remind us that we are earthen vessels containing divine treasure. Kenny stresses the importance of yielding to the Holy Spirit, allowing God to shape us like clay on the potter’s wheel, conforming us into the image of Christ. He also shares Paul’s passionate desire to visit Rome, illustrating that genuine fellowship and love for God's people should be a hallmark of our lives. Furthermore, Kenny highlights the significance of prayer, noting Paul’s threefold requests for deliverance, acceptance of his ministry, and fellowship, all of which God answered beyond expectations. Ultimately, Kenny calls believers to surrender fully to Christ, trusting that His work in us will be complete, and His purposes fulfilled in our lives.
18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, 19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. 20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation: 21 But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.
22 For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you. 23 But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you; 24 Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company. 25 But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. 26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. 27 It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. 28 When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain. 29 And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
30 Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; 31 That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; 32 That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed. 33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: