Fulfilling the Ministry of the Gospel

 

“A Minister to the Gentiles” – Romans 15:14-21

Dear Friends, as Paul draws his great letter to the Romans toward a close, he opens a very personal window into his heart and calling. In Romans 15:14-21 we see both his deep confidence in the Roman Christians and his clear understanding of the unique ministry the Lord had given him.

Paul begins with warm encouragement:

“I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another.” (Romans 15:14 ESV)

He is not writing because he thinks they are spiritually deficient. On the contrary, he is confident in their maturity. Yet he still writes boldly to them as a reminder, because of the grace God had given him to be “a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles” (v.16).

Paul describes his ministry in priestly terms — he sees himself as serving the gospel so that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit (v.16). He refuses to boast in anything except what Christ has accomplished through him:

“For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience — by word and deed, by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God — so that from Jerusalem and all the way round to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ.” (Romans 15:18-19 ESV)

This is a remarkable summary of Paul’s apostolic labour. He had preached the gospel across a vast region, not building on another man’s foundation, but striving always to reach those who had never heard the name of Christ (v.20-21). His great ambition was to proclaim the gospel where it was unknown, so that Christ would be glorified among the nations.

Pause & Pray: Take a quiet moment before the Lord. Thank Him for the grace that has been given to you — whatever your role in His church. Ask Him to help you serve with the same humility and boldness that Paul showed. Pray that our own church would be “full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another.” Ask the Lord to raise up more workers who are willing to go where Christ is not yet known, and give you opportunities this week to speak of Christ in your own sphere of life.

Verse to Remember: “For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience — by word and deed…” (Romans 15:18 ESV)

Question to Consider: Paul’s great ambition was to preach Christ where He was unknown. What is your own sphere of influence where you can speak of Christ? Are you content to leave gospel work to others, or are you actively seeking opportunities to serve in the ministry the Lord has given you? How can you grow in humble, bold obedience this week?

Article written by Shaun Fereday, Leader @SFGH Church