November 22, 2018
Satisfaction Guaranteed!
Romans 15:14–16
Lucina Thompson
Central Truth
God has given you everything you need to be a minister of His grace. He's satisfied with you, not because of anything you've done, but because of what He did for you.
Romans 15:14–16
Paul the Minister to the Gentiles
14 I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, 1 15:14 Or brothers and sisters; also verse 30 that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another. 15 But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
Dive Deeper | Romans 15:14–16
In my professional life, I was a marketing director. I loved hunting for the just the right words to communicate who we were as a company. That's why learning about the slogan "satisfaction guaranteed or your money back" fascinated me. It was coined by a Montgomery Ward copywriter and launched America’s service-obsessed culture. We want to be satisfied or else. The sad thing is we rarely are.
That's what makes Paul's words to these Roman believers so remarkable. He says he IS satisfied with them. And he cites three reasons why:
1. They are full of goodness.
2. They are filled with all knowledge.
3. They are able to instruct one another.
The words Paul uses are comprehensive: full, filled, and all. They indicate there’s no need for more. When something is "filled," it means its capacity has been reached. It’s the opposite of empty.
How can Paul make such a bold claim, especially when God’s standard is perfection? Throughout Romans, we’ve learned that none of us meets God’s standard (Romans 3:23). But trusting Christ means God no longer judges me by my résumé of good or bad deeds. Instead, I’m judged by what Christ has already done for me. Now when God sees me, He looks through Christ’s sacrifice and is SATISFIED. That’s incredible, and satisfaction can have a powerful effect in the recipient’s life.
Over the last 20 years, Kyle and I have had over 50 young adults live with us. Those who grew up in homes filled with dissatisfaction are easily identifiable. They’re riddled with insecurity, anxiety, and depression. Yet those who grew up in homes with parents that were satisfied with them are confident, secure, and focused on others. It’s a stark contrast.
I love that Paul reminds these Roman believers (and us!) of "whose" they are so they can be confident, filled to capacity, and ready to instruct others. If you have trusted Christ, this message is for YOU. Never forget YOU have a Heavenly Father who loves YOU and is fully satisfied (Psalm 46:10), which means you can relax. Go teach that to someone today!
This month's memory verse
14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
– Romans 13:14
Discussion Questions
1. How satisfied do you think God is with you? If you struggle with trying to please God, read back through these verses and trust what Christ has done for you: Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:8, and 10:9.
2. When was the last time you told someone how satisfied you are with them? Follow Paul’s example and text or write someone today, specifically telling them why you are satisfied.
3. Are you able to instruct others? The Bible is the only source you need for "life and godliness." You can learn your Bible through the many classes available in Watermark’s Equipping Ministry. Jump online and check out the options so you can be equipped to teach others what you know.