ROMANS 15: 14-21
MINISTRY MOTIVATION
[Acts 28:28-33]
ANDREW CARNEGIE, a poor Scottish immigrant turned powerful industrialist, became one of the richest men of the nineteenth century-and one of the most generous. It's estimated he gave nine out of every ten dollars he earned in oil, railroads, and steel to charity, an astounding total of $350 million over his lifetime. A strong supporter of free libraries and education, he believed that the rich had a moral responsibility to use their wealth to benefit others.
Carnegie spread his wealth around, making philanthropy his life's priority. Paul made his life's priority spreading the good news of the riches of eternal life. Because his life was filled with Christ, so were his words and actions. Paul, the masterful theologian, teacher, pastor, and apostle, was always the evangelist and church planter. The legacy of his sharing of the gospel and starting churches will span time into eternity. There can be no greater benefit to a man or mankind.
There can be no doubt that Paul was an astounding theologian, teacher, pastor & apostle, but His first calling was as an evangelist to the lost & missionary pastor to the churches he planted. His heartbeat for those who had never heard of Christ is clearly prominent. Having opened the epistle with a statement concerning his call to the ministry of proclamation, he returns to the theme as he reveals the heart and soul of a mighty servant of God. Let's listen as the Apostle opens his heart to the Romans about his ministry motive and his past ministry (CIT).
I. MINISTRY ADVISE, 14-16.
II. MINISTRY ADVANCE/ ACCOMPLISHMENT, 17-19.
III. MINISTRY ASPIRATION, 20-21.
As the Apostle prepares to move toward a conclusion, he informs them what this letter could accomplished in the trustworthy believer. Verse 14 expresses Paul's such confidence in the readers. "And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another."
God is good. We are not good. Goodness comes only as a result of salvation and following Christ [santification]. In other words, Paul was convinced that they were following Christ and therefore were being sanctified or becoming "full of goodness," God's goodness, for only God is truly good.
They also are "filled with all knowledge." How does one get "filled with all knowledge?" I guess that means they attend church on Sunday mornings, Sunday nights, Wednesday nights, are involved with a discipleship class and do daily devotions. Over time that should fill you with the knowledge of God. Once you are filled with goodness and knowledge you can encourage others in the faith.
In verse 15 Paul admits that he has boldly advised them in spiritual matters. "But I have written very boldly to you on some points so as to remind you again, because of the grace that was given me from God,"
Paul reminded his readers that because of God's grace (Rom. 1:5) he had his special position. His advise might be considered brazen and intrusive upon their life had they not been born out of God's grace and calling. Paul's words were more that human speech. They were words of the Spirit given out of Paul's grace gift as an apostle. If we are going to offer more than man's wisdom, the advise we give to others must be born out of God's Spirit, God's Word and God's grace also.
Verse 16 tells us that as a servant minister of Jesus Christ Paul's his desire was to present those saved to God for sanctification. "to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit."
He was a minister [leitourgos, a public, civil or temple servant] to the Gentiles. [The term "liturgy" is related to this word.] This ministry was carried out as a priestly duty [hierourgounta means "to work in sacred things"]. Paul's sacred work or ministry involved his proclaiming the gospel of God (1:2-4).
We may not relate to the "priest" designation very well because it conjures up images of bearded Old Testament men in special clothing serving in the temple. Though the O. T. priesthood has been done away with, there is a New covenant priesthood. 1 Peter 2:9 says, "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." Since we are all part of this priesthood of believers, we all are to proclaim the excellencies of God. That is why Jesus used the phrase "fishers of men" for those who followed Him.
While some believers have been called to "vocational" or "full-time" ministry, every Christian has been made a steward of the gospel. This is our real vocation, no matter how we may earn our paycheck. We are all ministers of the gospel.
Because of his sharing the good news with Gentiles they became an offering acceptable ("to God" is not in the text), sanctified (perf. tense, "having been sanctified" or "having been set apart") by the Holy Spirit (1 Peter 1:2).
II. MINISTRY ADVANCE, 17-19.
In verse 17 Paul boasts in what Jesus had accomplished through Him. "Therefore in Christ Jesus I have found reason for boasting in things pertaining to God."
Paul did not glory [exalt] or boast in what he had done, but in what God had done through him. Paul was merely a honed instrument in the hand of God. So he did not talk of what he had done, but of what Christ had done through him. Just like us, Paul was dependent on God for accomplishing his ministry task. Christ is the One who works through His servant, and in God's using such poor instruments as us is proof of His magnificent power and glory.
Being proud of God's work done in us and through us is not a sin. Depending on our attitude and motivation it can and should be praise and worship. If you are not sure whether your pride is selfish or holy, ask yourself this question: Are you just as proud of what God is doing through other people as of what he is doing through you?
It is told that the CHANGE IN THE LIFE of D. L. Moody came when he went to a meeting and heard a preacher say: "If only one man would give himself entirely and without reserve to the Holy Spirit, what that Spirit might do with him!" Moody said to himself: "Why should I not be that man?" And all the world knows what the Spirit of God did with D. L. Moody. It is when a man ceases to think of what he can do and begins to think of what God can do with him, that things begin to happen.
Verse 18 reminds us that the result of Gospel salvation is obedience to God in word and deed. "For I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me, resulting in the obedience of the Gentiles by word and deed,"
The result accomplished through the preaching of the gospel is obedience. Notice that "obedience" is a synonym for coming to Christ (Rom. 1:5; 16:26; Acts 17:30; 1 Peter 1:2). "The gospel not only calls men to faith in Christ as Savior but to obedience to Him as Lord" [MacArthur, John. MacArthur NT Com. Romans 9-16. 1994, Moody: Chicago. p. 335].
Paul recognized that all credit for what the sharing of the Gospel accomplishes goes to Christ. And yet Paul was involved for God worked by what he had said and done. He had to share the gospel in the power of the Spirit so that it could accomplish its great work.
God wants to use you as His instrument also. The Word is alive and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword (Heb. 4:12). Just start sharing the Scriptures and watch and see what God does with the Word He's given to you.
Verse19 announces that the gospel had been proclaimed in power all around the eastern Mediterranean. "in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of the Spirit; so that from Jerusalem and round about as far as Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ."
The apostle had been used by God to perform signs (s meia, miracles that signify or verify theological truths) and miracles (terata, miracles that produce wonder). [Luke referred to a miracle God performed through Paul at Cyprus (Acts 13:11, making Elymas blind), "signs and wonders" at Iconium (Acts 14:3; Acts 15:12) and miracles at Lystra (Acts 14:8-10, 19-20), Ephesus (Acts 19:11-12), Troas (Acts 20:9-12), and Malta (Acts 28:1-8).] Signs, wonders, and miracles authenticated the work of the apostles (2 Cor. 12:12; Heb. 2:3-4).
All this was done through the power of the Spirit (Rom. 15:13). The power of the Spirit is what made the connection between the miracles, the message, and the converts. Anything Paul achieved that was worthy of praise had God's grace as its source, Jesus Christ as its motivation and goal, and the Holy Spirit as its energy. [Walvoord, John & Zuck, Roy. The Bible Knowledge Commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1983, S. 496.]
The Spirit allows us to work His supernatural wonders. Are you doubting your ability to work the works of God? Simply believe that the Spirit will gradually transform you into a supernatural man or woman of God.
This supernatural power is given to those who are fully conscious of the Spirit's enabling. It would be foolhearty to try to teach, lead or inspire a group of people without the empowering, indwelling or controlling of the Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit that convicts people of sin, righteousness and judgment. It is the Spirit of God who brings life to the lifeless. It is the Spirit of God that brings to bear all the power and authority of God to each person's situation. He alone, has the ability to point out a person's deepest need and lead them to the fountain of living waters. Jesus said, "He who believes in me, the works that I do, out of his inner being, will flow rivers of living water" (John 7:38). The Spirit gives us a free flow of nourishment, excitement and anticipation of all the good things that will flow out of our lives each day for the greater glory of God. [Jerry Shirley. SermonCentral.com]
[Jesus said signs and wonders shall follow them that believe (Mark 16:17). He said this in the context of evangelism. In other words, "Get going. And as you're going, I'll be flowing through you. I'll be doing signs and wonders before you."
The Holy Spirit is like steam in a locomotive. He's there to move the engine down the track—not to toot the whistle. Too many people look at the power of the Holy Spirit as a whistle-tooter, as an end in itself—but the Lord says, "You shall receive power when the Holy Ghost comes upon you to be My witnesses" (Acts 1:8). Thus, when people ask why we don't see more signs and wonders today, I say, "Go to Honduras. Go to Mexico. Go to Russia. Start evangelizing and watch and see what the Lord will do in you and the miracles that will flow through you."]
But even if you never see an external sign, wonder, or miracle, you're in good company. Jesus said of all of the men who had lived, John the Baptist was the greatest of them all. No man was greater—not Elijah who called down fire from heaven, not Elisha who raised the dead, not Moses who parted the Red Sea. Jesus said, "Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist" (Mt. 11:11). And yet John did no miracle (John 10:41). So if you've never performed a miracle or even seen a miracle, take heart. You're in good company.
John did no miracle but "all things John spoke of this Man were true" (John 10:41). What Man? Jesus Christ. Talking about Jesus is something I can do—and so can you. Yes, I would love to have the powerful, miraculous ministry of Paul. But in the meantime, I'll try to walk in the footsteps of John the Baptist, pointing others to the Lamb of God. [Courson, Jon: Jon Courson's Application Commentary. Nashville, TN : Thomas Nelson, 2003, S. 995]
The result was that Paul preached the gospel from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum (1,440 miles). Illyricum was a Roman territory on the Adriatic Sea between present day Italy and Greece. It covered much the same territory as Albania and Yugoslavia do today.
Paul travel everywhere, simply preaching "the Good News of Jesus Christ." The mighty preaching, the powerful living, the remarkable conversions are all attributable to the work of God in him and the flow of blessing through him.
III. MINISTRY ASPIRATION, 20-21.
Reference to the geographical extent of his ministry led Paul to declare what motivated him continually onward in gospel outreach in verse 20. "And thus I aspired to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named, so that I would not build on another man's foundation;"
In this heartfelt word about his proclamation ministry, he speaks of a deep-rooted desire or aspiration (Greek, philotimeomai, which means literally "love of honor," or "ambition"). Paul purposed to be a true pioneer evangelist, opening virgin territory to the good news of God's grace in Jesus Christ. This was so that he would not be building on someone else's foundation (1 Cor. 3:10).
In the early 19th century, US President Thomas Jefferson completed the LOUISIANA PURCHASE, expanding the borders of our fledgling republic "from sea to shining sea."
The problem, however, was that no one really knew what was in that vast expanse of land. Maps would be needed, with clear instructions for the pioneers who would travel to the Pacific. Explorers Lewis and Clark became, in effect, pioneers preparing the way for the most massive land migration in US history. They cut a new trail that others would follow.
The apostle Paul's commitment to ministry was framed by a similar priority. In Romans 15:20, he wrote, "I aspired to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named."
He aspired his to cut a new trail with the gospel and others followed. Timothy, Titus, Mark, and Silas are just a few who followed the trail Paul blazed.
Today that commitment is seen in Jesus followers who take the message of the Savior to the uttermost parts of the world. Let us pray for God's blessings on His Word as His ambassadors (2 Cor. 5:20), cut new trails in our generation.
God has given you a message to share also. Don't keep it to yourself. Have you been, working on your personal testimony with a particular person in mind? It's time to share it! Look for an opening, or just tell the other person that there's some thing you've really been wanting to share with him or her. Then move forward in faith, inspired by Paul's example. Rejoice that God will be with you as you give reasons for the hope that you have (1 Peter 3:15).
JAMES GILMORE was a member of the London Missionary Society who traveled to Mongolia in 1872. When he died 21 years later he had little to show for his effort and could point to only a handful of converts. Still, throughout his life Gilmore was driven by a passion to proclaim Christ to those who had not yet heard of Him. Early in his ministry he wrote these words in his journal: "When shall I be able to speak to the people? 0 Lord, suggest by the Spirit how I should come among them, and in preparing myself to teach the life and love of Christ Jesus."
Gilmore's desire echoes Paul's aspiration described in verse 20 to "preach the
gospel where Christ was not known." This vision propelled him into regions where others had not yet attempted to bring the good news.
It is told that when DAVID LIVINGSTONE volunteered as a missionary with the London Missionary Society they asked him where he would like to go. "Anywhere," he said, " so long as it is forward." And when he reached Africa he was haunted by the smoke of a thousand villages which he saw in the distance. It was Paul's great motivation to carry the good news of God to men who had never heard it. Paul takes a text from Isaiah 52:15 in verse 21 to tell his aspiration. "but as it is written, "They who had no news of Him shall see, And they who have not heard shall understand."
Isaiah 52:15 was Paul's Scripture confirmation for going to those who have not seen and who have not heard in order that they might see and hear and understand. This passages in its broadest application refers to the process of evangelism that began in Paul's day and will continue throughout church history until its ultimate fulfillment at Christ's return.
"People who have had no news of Christ, who have not heard the gospel, are found everywhere. They can be found in every country, every city and town, and in every community and neighborhood. God does not call every believer to be an evangelist, but He calls every believer to be a witness. It therefore should be the desire and prayer of all believers that the unsaved will be given spiritual sight to see Christ as their only hope of salvation and that they will be given spiritual hearing in order to understand the gospel and turn to Him to be saved" [MacArthur, p. 338]
[Paul wanted to visit the church at Rome, but he had delayed his visit because he had heard many good reports about the believers there and he knew they were doing well on their own. It was more important for him to preach in areas that had not yet heard the Good News.]
IN CONCLUSION
Those who see the world through God's eyes will share Paul's passion to see Christ proclaimed where He is not yet known. For a better glimpse of the work that remains to be done, spend sometime browsing the World Christian Database, a Web site sponsored by the Center for the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (www.worldchristiandatabase.org). Ask God to show you how you can be used to extend the gospel to regions where Christ is not yet known.
