Romans 15:14: Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
Rather, Paul was confident that the spirit of goodness prevailed among these saints in Rome, and that they were people who were filled with knowledge. They did have a mature ability to teach each other and admonish each other. Paul does not give himself to idle compliments. This is a sincere compliment from the pen of the apostle which tells us something about the community of Christians that was in Rome. This was an extraordinary church. Imagine a minister honestly being able to say to his congregation—I am sure that you are full of goodness, that you are filled with knowledge, and that you are able to teach one another. There are not many congregations that could hear that kind of honest evaluation and compliment. 1
Application
- What kind of goodness fills your life?
- Encouragement comes as a compliment and at times as a correction. Are you able to receive both with the same kind of grace?
Prayer
Lord, help this verse to become a greater part of my life. Thank You.
1. Sproul, R. C. (1994). The Gospel of God: An Exposition of Romans. Great Britain: Christian Focus Publications.
