Joining God in His Mission: Following the Call of Christ

Introduction

If the modern believer envied the apostle Paul in anything, it might be for the clarity of his life’s calling.

He knew exactly what he was supposed to do as a disciple of Jesus. He was to proclaim the gospel to the Gentiles. Focusing on where it had not been preached by any other.

Romans 15:14-22

Romans 15:14–22 CSB

14 My brothers and sisters, I myself am convinced about you that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to instruct one another. 15 Nevertheless, I have written to remind you more boldly on some points because of the grace given me by God 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, serving as a priest of the gospel of God. God’s purpose is that the Gentiles may be an acceptable offering, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17 Therefore I have reason to boast in Christ Jesus regarding what pertains to God. 18 For I would not dare say anything except what Christ has accomplished through me by word and deed for the obedience of the Gentiles, 19 by the power of miraculous signs and wonders, and by the power of God’s Spirit. As a result, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum. 20 My aim is to preach the gospel where Christ has not been named, so that I will not build on someone else’s foundation, 21 but, as it is written, Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand. 22 That is why I have been prevented many times from coming to you.

As Paul is Writing to the assembly In Rome he speaks well of this assembly. This is a big change from what he does to like the assembly in Corinth.

Full of Goodness

He says they are full of goodness.

Paul tells us elsewhere that goodness is a fruit of walking in the Spirit (Gal 5:22) and walking in the light (Eph 5:9).

Fruit was growing in Rome.

They were good men and women, growing in God’s Goodness. Brought even more into the light by the nature, immoral and amoral, of their home town, Rome.

Complete in Knowledge

This doesn’t seem to be knowledge because he was teaching them, but that they had quality instruction since their founding.

Interesting since he just wrote this huge letter to these people

Competent to instruct one another

The Roman believers were able, on the basis of their moral ground in the Spirit and their knowledge, to be a self-correcting entity—to admonish and counsel one another toward continued godliness and kingdom fruitfulness.

Why then did he write?

He needs their help.

And he is writing this letter to call them to action in aiding him.

Paul’s calling his mission is to take the Gospel where it had never been before. Interestingly a lot of people see Paul and want to be him. He has a clear calling. He is strong. He is a leader. He is insightful and well educated, and he is gifted.

We all want to be like that. But not everyone is Paul. Remember the gifting that we have. Some are prophets taking the word. I think Paul would have seen himself as a prophet/priest, seeing that moment where he saw the light less as a coming to Jesus moment as a moment where he was called as a prophet. He already is following YHWH that doesn’t change the only thing that changes is he realization that Jesus is the way the truth and the light. Not every one can be a prophet.

But he Knows his calling and he is to take the word of God to the nations of the Gentiles, those who had been separated since the time of Babel.

And he wants Rome to Join him in fulfilling his calling as he wants to Join with them in fulfilling their individual callings from God (Romans 1:11-12)

If the church in Rome gets in step with what Christ is doing in the world, they they will also be in step with what Paul is doing, since Paul is doing nothing more than obeying Christ.

I am reminded of a quote form Henry Blackaby’s experiencing God, when he is summing up and applying John 5:17-20.

“Watch to see where God is working and Join Him!

Blackaby, Henry; Blackaby Richard; King Claude. Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the will of God Revised and Expanded. 1990 Lifeway Press, Nashville, TN 2007, p15-16.

When we see God working join him. Isn’t that a novel statement. We often want to choose what we do for Christ, but in truth he is already at work. We need to join him. More than we need programs, or projects. We join God where he is working through the wonderful power of the Holy Spirit.

Paul is telling the Romans Join me and you will be joining where God is already at work.

What Would Paul Say To You

Paul’s words to the Roman believers reveal a crucial lesson for us today: clarity of calling is not just for apostles or prophets, but for every disciple of Jesus. While Paul had a very specific mission—to preach Christ where He had not yet been named—each of us has a unique part to play in God's larger plan. Just as Paul encouraged the Romans to step into their role, we too must be diligent in discerning where God is calling us to serve.

You have been gifted and HS is Working.

Like Paul we must take the Gospel where it has not been recieved. With the media false prophet, and false teachers abounding the truth of the Gospel has not been heard. We must take the Gospel with us in Word and in action.

As Paul highlighted 3 Characteristics of the Church in Rome may we reflect on that for our own lives.

Full of Goodness – This is not a goodness of human effort, but a goodness that comes from walking in the Spirit, bearing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).

We are called to live lives that reflect God’s goodness, showing His grace to a world in desperate need of it.

Complete in Knowledge – While the Romans had a foundation of strong teaching, it reminds us that knowledge of God and His Word is essential for growth and maturity in our faith.

But knowledge isn’t the end—it is meant to lead us to action and transformation.

Competent to Instruct – Paul saw that the Romans were capable of building each other up. This speaks to the power of a church community that holds one another accountable, offers wise counsel, and spurs each other on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Are we, like the Romans, equipped to support and instruct one another?

Next Steps: How Can We Join God?

Discern your calling – Just as Paul was clear in his mission, we too should seek clarity from God. Spend time in prayer, asking Him where He wants you to serve. Don’t compare your calling to someone else’s—God has a specific purpose for you.

Engage in the work – Once you sense where God is leading, take action. Paul wasn’t passive—he actively sought opportunities to spread the gospel. Whether it’s volunteering in your local church, sharing Christ with a coworker, or supporting missions abroad, find ways to participate in God’s work.

Support the mission – Like the Roman believers, we are called to support the larger mission of the church. Paul needed their help, and today, many missionaries, pastors, and ministries need our support—whether through prayer, financial gifts, or hands-on service.

Encourage one another – Just as Paul recognized the Romans’ ability to instruct one another, we too should be a community of encouragement, strengthening each other in the faith. Who can you build up this week? Who can you admonish toward godliness?

In closing, may we, like the Roman church, be “full of goodness, complete in knowledge, and competent to instruct one another,” as we seek to join God in His ongoing work in the world. Just as Paul’s mission was unique, so is yours. Let’s faithfully follow God’s calling, confident that wherever He leads, He is already at work.

Bibliography

W., Jackson. Reading Romans with Eastern Eyes: Honor and Shame in Paul’s Message and Mission. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic: An Imprint of InterVarsity Press, 2019.

Boa, Kenneth, and William Kruidenier. Romans. Vol. 6 of Holman New Testament Commentary. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000.

Chip, Ingram. R12 Living on the Edge Study Guide: Dare to Experience True Spirituality . New York: Howard Books, 2009.

Bruce, F. F. Romans: An Introduction and Commentary. Vol. 6 of Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1985.

Questions for Further Discussion

According to the sermon, what were the three characteristics of the church in Rome that Paul highlighted?

What did Paul urge the Roman believers to do in order to fulfill their calling?

How does the sermon emphasize the importance of discerning one's unique calling from God?

In what ways did Paul view his own calling, and how does the sermon suggest applying that to individuals today?

How can teens apply the concept of 'Joining God where He is working' in their everyday lives, based on the sermon's message?

What practical steps can teens take to discern their calling from God, as mentioned in the sermon?

How can teenagers actively participate in sharing the Gospel, as encouraged in the sermon?

In what ways can teens support the mission of the church, based on the examples given in the sermon?

What did Henry Blackaby's quote from 'Experiencing God' suggest about joining God in His work, as referenced in the sermon?

How did the sermon emphasize the concept of everyone having a unique part to play in God's larger plan, similar to Paul's mission?

YouTube Description

In this sermon, "Joining God in His Mission: Following the Call of Christ," we dive into Romans 15:14-22, where the Apostle Paul speaks to the church in Rome about their role in God’s mission. Paul describes the Roman believers as "full of goodness, complete in knowledge, and competent to instruct one another," reflecting a mature, Spirit-led community equipped to join in God's work. Using Paul's example of a life focused on spreading the gospel where it hadn’t been preached, we explore how each of us is also called to join God in His mission uniquely. Through the Holy Spirit's guidance, we can discern and fulfill our personal callings, just as Paul did. Join us as we uncover how to live a life that is aligned with God's work and purpose.

Notes Page

**Sermon Notes**

**Sermon Title:** Joining God in His Mission: Following the Call of Christ

**Scripture:** Romans 15:14-22

**Introduction:**

- Reflect on the Apostle Paul’s clarity of calling. He knew his mission—taking the gospel to the Gentiles and spreading it where it was unheard.

**Key Attributes of the Roman Believers (Romans 15:14):**

1. **Full of Goodness**

- Paul commends the Roman church’s goodness, a fruit of walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).

- They lived amid a morally dark society yet exhibited God’s goodness.

2. **Complete in Knowledge**

- The Romans were well-taught and grounded in the faith.

- Despite Paul’s extensive teaching in the letter, they had received sound instruction and maturity.

3. **Competent to Instruct One Another**

- They had the ability to guide and counsel each other, fostering a community of growth and accountability.

**Paul’s Purpose in Writing:**

- Although the Romans had strength and maturity, Paul sought their help in his mission.

- Paul’s focus: reaching the unreached. His clear calling can serve as a model, but not everyone is meant to be exactly like him.

**Every Believer’s Call to Mission:**

- We each have unique gifts and callings; while some are like Paul, others serve in different but equally vital roles.

- The call is to **"Join where God is working"** (Henry Blackaby), finding where God is already active and contributing there.

**Practical Application for Today’s Believers:**

1. **Discerning Your Calling**

- Spend time in prayer, seeking clarity. Each of us has a role in God’s kingdom.

2. **Engaging in God’s Work**

- Join God’s mission actively, whether locally or abroad. Paul’s example shows the importance of taking the gospel to those who haven’t received it.

3. **Supporting the Church’s Mission**

- Like the Romans, we’re called to support others—missionaries, pastors, or local ministries—through prayer, financial help, or direct involvement.

4. **Encouraging and Building Up One Another**

- Create a community of support and accountability to strengthen one another.

**Closing Challenge:**

- Paul’s words to the Roman church call us to join God where He is already at work.

- May we be "full of goodness, complete in knowledge, and competent to instruct" as we embrace our unique mission.

**Reflection and Discussion Questions:**

1. What were the three characteristics of the church in Rome Paul commended, and how can we embody these?

2. How does this sermon encourage us to discern our specific calling from God?

3. In what ways can teens or young adults actively participate in sharing the Gospel today?

4. How can we support the mission of the church locally and globally?

**Bibliography:**

- W. Jackson. *Reading Romans with Eastern Eyes: Honor and Shame in Paul’s Message and Mission.*

- Kenneth Boa and William Kruidenier. *Romans. Holman New Testament Commentary.*

- Chip Ingram. *R12 Living on the Edge Study Guide: Dare to Experience True Spirituality.*

- F.F. Bruce. *Romans: An Introduction and Commentary. Tyndale New Testament Commentaries.*