By Robert E. Jackson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
Reach
Romans 15:14–21, 30–33
Fulfill Your Calling (14–16)
Paul is convinced of the fullness of the moral goodness of the Romans and their understanding of the Christian faith, which enables them to adequately instruct each other. In using the perfect tense, Paul is convinced the Romans will continue to grow in their relationship with Christ. Nevertheless, he boldly reminds the Gentiles of some points, one being to offer themselves to God.
Gentiles, who were viewed as unclean by some Jews, are now sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In preaching to these sanctified believers, Paul remained faithful to his calling. Likewise, as followers of Christ, we need to stay true to our purpose. How can we fulfill this calling? Very simply, we must have a laser focus in offering ourselves to God. We cannot shy away from reminding others of the truthfulness of God’s word, even if they have heard it repeatedly. Like Jeremiah of old, our calling needs to be a fire burning within our bones that we cannot hold in (Jer. 20:9).
Boast About Jesus (17–19)
God’s power was with Paul, as evidenced by signs and wonders (miracles) and expansion of Christianity around the known world. Paul preached from Jerusalem, the epicenter of Christian preaching, to Illyricum’s boundary (modern Yugoslavia and Albania). Still, his boasting is in Christ Jesus. Paul was only God’s point man to carry the gospel to the Gentiles. Believers must boast about Jesus while refusing to take any of the credit.
A friend of our family was a “golden tongue” preacher. He had it all — looks, eloquence and persuasive communication. Through the years, he began to take credit for the victories in the church. What happened? He crashed and burned and left both the ministry and his family. Remember, any success in ministry is the work of God through you. Beware of pride.
Seek the Lost (20–21)
Paul’s desire not to build on someone else’s foundation is not normative for everyone. Instead, it relates to his calling to reach those people who have never heard the gospel.
Borrowing a statement from Rick Lance, executive director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, Paul believed in “equal opportunity evangelism.” He wanted everyone to have equal opportunity to hear the liberating news of Jesus Christ. Seeking the lost was not an end in itself.
Salvation is more than being a part of “the chosen frozen.” Paul wanted everyone to hear, understand and become fellow disciple-makers who would seek the lost in turn. As you seek the lost, remember evangelism is not complete until the one evangelized becomes an evangelizer.
Partner with Others (30–33)
Even though Paul was an instrument of God’s wonder-working power, he still asks for prayer. Don’t miss the significance of this request. Even Paul the Apostle, with a unique position in salvation history, needed prayer support. Think about it; serving Christ was not easy for him. Paul was beaten, often hungry, imprisoned, rejected and even shipwrecked (see 2 Cor. 11:25–33).
We, too, need prayer. Even though God has ordained your ministry, do not neglect the fact that you need prayer. A tension exists between the sovereignty of God and human responsibility.
Martin Luther and a monk agreed that Luther would go into the world and fight the battle while his friend prayed. The monk dreamed that Luther was attempting to reap an immense field by himself. Seeing this as a sign, the monk left the monastery to work and pray beside Luther.
Everyone in the body of Christ is called to partner with others in prayer. However, God desires us to partner in both prayer and effort for those who are physically and financially able. “May the God of peace be with all of you. Amen” (v. 33).
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