Guided by Grace: The Church in Action
Guided by Grace • Sermon • Submitted
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and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation, but as it is written,
“Those who have never been told of him will see,
and those who have never heard will understand.”
22-29
This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you. But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while. At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected, I will leave for Spain by way of you. I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.
Have you gone on a mission trip? Do you know any missionaries? Many of them give up the comforts and ease of home to serve Christ and his church. Have you ever asked them why?
We get a glimpse of the missionary mindset as Paul reflects on his ministry. His deep desire was to spread the gospel in places where it had not yet been heard (v. 20). In his discussion on gifts (Roman 12:3-8), Paul was very clear that God has given each believer a gift for the sake of the church. Paul’s gift was to proclaim the gospel of grace, especially among the Gentiles. The gift became his “ambition,” his calling, and his lifelong passion.
Ambition
used only three times in the NT
Here in v. 20, again in
So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.
for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you,
What’s your greatest passion or calling?
1 thess 4:10-11
2 cor
What’s your greatest passion or calling?
Paul also was driven to meet people’s needs. Using the metaphor of a building, he explains his desire to go where a foundation needs to be laid, where people still need to hear the good news about Jesus (15:20-21; compare , ). quotes from Isaiah 52:21—a passage in which the prophet envisions the servant of the Lord bringing the message of salvation to people who have not heard or understood. This day had come in Christ Jesus, and Paul saw himself as a part of the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. God, who brought salvation in Christ, was calling on servants like Paul to proclaim the gospel to everyone, especially in places where people had not yet heard the news.
In other words, God’s mission was the driving force behind Paul’s mission. What drives you? For whom do you believe.
This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you. But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while. At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected, I will leave for Spain by way of you. I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.
What is the role of the church in missions? Is evangelism primarily a job of individuals? How should the local congregation be involved? This passage offers two key takeaways...
Paul expects churches to have a global perspective. Here at the beginning of the letter, Paul indicates his desire to visit the believers in Rome. Compare 15:22-24 to 1:13-15 and make a list of Paul’s reasons for traveling to Rome (in both passages). In addition to preaching there, Paul hopes to journey on to Spain. His plans reflect the conviction that belonging to Christ involves not just a personal commitment to the gospel, but also a communal commitment to its progress in the world.
Paul hopes—perhaps expects—that the church in Rome will support his mission to Spain. Remember, Paul is writing to a church that he did not establish or visit, yet he is not hesitant to asking for their help. In 15:24 the Greek word translated “to be helped” (propemphthenai) is often used to indicate the act of supporting or equipping someone on a journey.
So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers.
I wanted to visit you on my way to Macedonia, and to come back to you from Macedonia and have you send me on my way to Judea.
Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing.
Acts
who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God.
This could involve financial and material support, but it’s possible that Paul also was looking for co-workers—people who would travel with him to Spain.
Both at home and abroad, what role can you play as the Lord raises up workers for the mission field? How is God calling you to be involved in bearing witness to the gospel in the world?
English Standard Version Chapter 15
I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.
Finally, Paul declares, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ. - v. 29b
Why are we not coming in the fullness of Christ? What does that look like in your life? Are we holding back?
75% of Christians do not read their Bible’s daily.
BIG IDEA:
BIG IDEA:
God has called us to have an outward mindset.
So What?
So What?
Are you willing to see life through the lives of others?
Ask someone of a different walk of life (ie. political, ethnic, education, financial, relationship status) to get better understand their point of view.