A Servant's Journey: Paul's Commitment to God's Will

Introduction

Paul writing to the assembly in Rome. Finally in completely opposite fashion from the English way of Doing things is telling us why he wrote this letter.

He hopes/trust/desires to travel through Rome getting there help as he goes to Spain to take the gospel to the people that had been separated from God as far back as Genesis 10.

Romans 15:23-33

Romans 15:23–33 NIV

23 But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to visit you, 24 I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25 Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the Lord’s people there. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem. 27 They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings. 28 So after I have completed this task and have made sure that they have received this contribution, I will go to Spain and visit you on the way. 29 I know that when I come to you, I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ. 30 I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. 31 Pray that I may be kept safe from the unbelievers in Judea and that the contribution I take to Jerusalem may be favorably received by the Lord’s people there, 32 so that I may come to you with joy, by God’s will, and in your company be refreshed. 33 The God of peace be with you all. Amen.

It is believed that Paul wrote the letter to the Romans, According to Acts 20:1-3, when Paul was in Greece in the vicinity of Corinth. It would have been easy for him to Deliver his letter to Rome himself and continue to Spain

Romans B. Paul, Servant of the Church (15:23–33)

Had Paul been concerned only about himself and his personal desires, he would likely have done that. Instead, his servant’s heart reveals a parallel set of priorities that would delay his arrival in Rome: the need to visit the predominantly Jewish church in Jerusalem—to deliver funds for the poor and to strengthen ties with the leaders.

A Servant’s Priority: Kingdom Over Comfort (Romans 15:23–24)

Paul knows what his heart wants.

Paul had a deep desire to visit Rome, but rather than taking the direct route from Corinth to Rome and on to Spain, he made a decision that added thousands of miles to his journey.

Why?

Because his priority was to serve not just his own desires and this needs to happen, even though his desire is a Godly and correct desire, but delivering financial aid for the poor believers in Jerusalem. Not only do those who need aid receive aid but it also strengthens the unity between Jewish and Gentile believers.

Imagine if we were in Paul’s shoes.

How tempting would it be to take the easier route?

But Paul understood that a true servant puts the needs of others above their own desires.

Like Paul, we are called to see the bigger picture, prioritizing God’s mission over our comfort.

In our lives, what sacrifices are we willing to make for the sake of the Gospel?

Are we willing to set aside personal plans to meet the needs of others?

A true servant’s heart, like Paul’s, seeks first the Kingdom of God and trusts Him to guide their path (Proverbs 16:9)

Proverbs 16:9 NASB95

9 The mind of man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.

The Cost of Serving Others

The Cost of Serving Others (Romans 15:25–29)

Paul’s journey to Jerusalem came at a great personal cost. The distance alone was over three thousand miles by ship—an arduous and dangerous journey, especially considering Paul’s previous shipwrecks and hardships.

But Paul’s decision was not just about delivering money; it was about showing solidarity with the Jewish church and demonstrating the unity of the body of Christ.

When we are called to serve, are we willing to count the cost?

Serving others—whether through time, energy, or resources—may come with difficulties, but like Paul, we are called to follow Christ’s example of giving everything for the sake of others.

If you have a family, Serving your family cost you.

If you have a Job, serving others cost you.

If you have wealth, serving others cost you.

There will always be those who ask more of you than you can give. More than God has called you to give. You should give me that because I want it and don’t want to work for it myself.

Or people that will want your God given ministries to come after their needs. Such as sacrifice your family for the church, or so that I can get my Iphone. Boundaries help us keep our priorities straight as we worship God and the ministries he has given us.

But Christ has died for us. we have a debt of gratitude how can we not care for others, whom God has also loved.

In our modern world, we often think of giving in terms of what we can afford or what we feel obligated to do.

But Paul’s teaching reminds us that giving is a privilege and an act of love.

Acts 20:35 CSB

35 In every way I’ve shown you that it is necessary to help the weak by laboring like this and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, because he said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

As Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

We give not out of obligation, but out of a deep sense of gratitude for all that Christ has done for us.

The Power of Prayer and Partnership

(Romans 15:30–33)

Paul ends this passage by appealing to the Roman believers to join him in prayer. He asks for prayer for protection from the unbelievers in Judea and for his service to be accepted by the saints in Jerusalem.

Paul knew that even the best-laid plans would only succeed through the power of God and the prayers of the Church.

How often do we see prayer as a vital part of our service to others?

We may not be able to physically join someone on a mission trip or serve in every ministry, but we can partner with them in prayer, striving together in faith for God’s will to be done.

Despite the challenges and uncertainty, Paul knew that the will of God is always a cause for joy. Even though Paul’s journey to Rome would include imprisonment, shipwreck, and trials, he remained joyful because his life was aligned with God’s will.

This is the joy of a true servant of Christ—knowing that obedience to God brings lasting fulfillment and peace.

Paul’s journey to Rome was not what he had initially planned, but his heart as a servant kept him focused on God’s will and the needs of others. His life is a powerful example for us today, reminding us that serving the Church, sacrificing for others, and trusting in God’s plans are marks of a true servant of Christ.

Next Steps

As we reflect on Paul’s example, may we be challenged to live as servants of the Kingdom, joyfully giving of ourselves for the sake of others and trusting in God’s perfect will.

Embrace a Servant’s Heart: Like Paul, evaluate your life and ask where God is calling you to serve. It could be within the church, your community, or even beyond. Service may involve sacrifice, but it also brings spiritual fulfillment.

Give Generously: Reflect on how you can be a blessing to others. Just as the Gentile churches supported the Jewish believers, think about how your time, talents, and resources can help build unity in the body of Christ.

Commit to Prayer: Start praying regularly for others, especially those serving on the frontlines of ministry or those in difficult circumstances. Prayer isn’t just for our own needs but is an essential way we join in God’s mission.

Seek God’s Will Above All: In your plans and ambitions, submit everything to God. Ask Him to guide your steps and trust that His plan, though it may be different from yours, is always for your good and His glory.

Endure with Joy: No matter the challenges you face in life, remember that joy is found in being faithful to God’s will. Paul endured countless trials but was filled with joy because he was walking in obedience to Christ.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of the Apostle Paul, who showed us what it means to live as a true servant of Christ. Help us to follow his example, putting the needs of others above our own desires and trusting in Your plans for our lives. May we find joy in serving You and Your Church, knowing that in Your will, there is always peace and fulfillment. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

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

What were Paul's primary reasons for wanting to visit Rome before traveling to Spain?

How does Paul's journey reflect a servant's heart in prioritizing others' needs over personal comfort?

In what ways can we apply Paul's understanding of sacrifice in our own lives and communities?

What personal plans might you need to set aside to serve others, as Paul did?

What were the challenges Paul anticipated facing on his journey to Jerusalem and how did he prepare for them?