United in Purpose: Celebrating the Mission of the Church
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Bible Passage: Romans 15:14–33
Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God,
that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
Therefore I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God.
For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient—
in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man’s foundation,
but as it is written: “To whom He was not announced, they shall see; And those who have not heard shall understand.”
For this reason I also have been much hindered from coming to you.
But now no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you,
whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you. For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while.
But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints.
For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem.
It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things.
Therefore, when I have performed this and have sealed to them this fruit, I shall go by way of you to Spain.
But I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me,
that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints,
that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you.
Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Big Idea: The church is called to unite in purpose and mission, supporting each other as we spread the Gospel, reflecting the body of Christ to the world.
Introduction
Introduction
AG:
To be blunt, Jesus is more than a cosmic life coach, and the God of the Bible had more in mind than a list of basic spiritual coping skills when he inspired its writers.
Michael S. Heiser
Paul writes in that same bold way her in Rom 15:14-33 as he begins to wrap up his letter to the church in Rome.
Historical Context: Paul writes to the Roman church around AD 57 from Corinth during his third missionary journey. This diverse congregation of Jewish and Gentile believers has not met Paul, yet he addresses them as a maturing community poised to support his mission.
Textual Context: Following deep theology (Romans 1–11) and practical ethics (Romans 12–15:13), Paul now shares his ministry heart and plans, revealing his dependence on God and the church.
Summary: In Romans 15:14–33, the Apostle Paul expresses his confidence in the Roman believers and emphasizes the importance of unity and mutual encouragement in fulfilling the mission of the church. He recounts his own ministry to the Gentiles and his desire to visit Rome, highlighting the role of prayer and the sharing of the Gospel across diverse communities.
Theme: Living with gospel-driven purpose meets people’s needs—both in the church and the world—through encouragement, service, vision, and prayer.
Relevance: This passage teaches that Christians are called to support one another in their spiritual journeys and to engage actively in the mission of spreading the Gospel. It encourages believers to identify their unique gifts and be unified in their efforts to serve and reach others, fostering a community filled with purpose and love, which is essential in our struggles with division and isolation.
1. Confidence in the Church’s Competence (Romans 15:14-16)
1. Confidence in the Church’s Competence (Romans 15:14-16)
Scripture: Rom 15:14-16
Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God,
that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
Grammatical-Historical Insight:
Paul has confidence in them
“Confident” (Greek: pepoitha, persuaded) reflects Paul’s trust in the Romans’ maturity, likely based on reports (e.g., from Priscilla and Aquila, Romans 16:3).
He knows they are and will continue to serve the Lord in spite of their need for course correction in the issue of receiving each other without trying to change each other.
“Goodness” and “knowledge” suggest moral integrity and doctrinal understanding, equipping them to “admonish” (Greek: nouthetein, instruct or warn) one another—a mark of a healthy church.
Their knowledge refers to being doctrinally sound.
On the Primary issues (chiefly the gospel and righteous living) they were doing well in living it out and instructing others. They hated evil and loved righteousness.
That may have been were the conflict over customs and diets had arisen, a sincere desire to push each other to grow in the faith.
Paul’s “minister” role (Greek: leitourgos, a liturgical term) ties his Gentile mission to a priestly offering, historically rooted in his calling (Acts 26:17-18).
I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you,
to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’
Paul’s practice was to start with Jewish synagogues and then reach out from that base to win Gentiles because his call was specifically to the gentiles.
He didn’t turn anyone away from the gospel, but he was sent specifically to spread the gospel in the Gentile world.
Main Point: Paul affirms the church’s ability to meet its own needs while humbly offering his apostolic guidance.
Application: Believers today can trust God’s work in each other, using their gifts to encourage and correct, while leaders guide without arrogance.
Every believer is to encourage and strengthen other believers with God’s Word and you have been divinely equipped to do that very thing
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
2. Celebrating Christ’s Work Through Us (Romans 15:17-21)
2. Celebrating Christ’s Work Through Us (Romans 15:17-21)
Scripture: Rom 15:17-21
Therefore I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God.
For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient—
in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man’s foundation,
but as it is written: “To whom He was not announced, they shall see; And those who have not heard shall understand.”
Grammatical-Historical Insight:
“Glory” (Greek: kauchesis, boasting) is qualified by “in Christ Jesus,” showing Paul’s humility—he credits Christ, not himself (cf. 2 Corinthians 12:9).
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
He always acknowledged that the credit was God’s alone. He was a channel through which God worked, but God got all the glory because God was saving people and building HIS churches.
His geographic scope (Jerusalem to Illyricum) spans over 1,400 miles, reflecting a decade of labor (Acts 13–20), historically verifiable by his journeys.
Paul was a pioneer of the faith. A missionary.
Called specifically to “boldy go where no one had gone before.” (yes, I’m a nerd and that was a Star Trek reference)
Some are called to pastor, shepherding a local congregation as an under-shepherd following The Chief Shepherd, Jesus. Some teach and proclaim the truth to build up the disciples. Others are sent to plant new churches reaching the unreached. That was Paul’s primary purpose.
Quoting Isaiah 52:15 aligns his work with God’s redemptive plan for the nations, a key theme in first-century Jewish-Christian theology.
Main Point: Paul celebrates Christ’s accomplishments through his service, meeting the need for the gospel among the unreached.
Application: Our greatest joy comes from seeing Christ work through us—whether in small acts or bold missions—meeting others’ spiritual needs.
Always remember, it is Christ at work through us, not our own efferts that matter.
IL: It is a remarkable truth that the same God who worked “through Christ” to achieve the reconciliation now works “through us” to announce it.
John Stott
The Cross of Christ (1986)
John Robert Walmsley Stott (English Preacher)
3. Coordinating Plans for God’s Mission (Romans 15:22-29)
3. Coordinating Plans for God’s Mission (Romans 15:22-29)
Scripture: Rom 15:22-29
For this reason I also have been much hindered from coming to you.
But now no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you,
whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you. For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while.
But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints.
For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem.
It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things.
Therefore, when I have performed this and have sealed to them this fruit, I shall go by way of you to Spain.
But I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
Grammatical-Historical Insight:
“Hindered” (Greek: enkoptomai, cut off) likely refers to ministry demands or Satan’s opposition (cf. 1 Thessalonians 2:18), a historical reality of Paul’s life.
Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us.
Paul made plans, but had not yet been able to go to Rome. Some external hindrence had prevented it. Ultimately, Paul was providentially prevented by GOD.
There is as much providence in the creeping of an aphis upon a rose leaf as in the marching of an army to ravage a continent.
A Good Start, Page 94
Charles Spurgeon
His “great desire” to visit Rome (cf. Acts 19:21) shows long-term planning, with Spain as a new frontier, reflecting the Roman Empire’s western edge.
Planning doesn’t demonstrate a lack of trust in God’s providence.
BUT plans must always be subject to the Lord’s control and alteration just as Paul’s were.
A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.
The Jerusalem trip involves a collection (cf. 1 Corinthians 16:1-4), historically uniting Gentile churches with Jewish believers in need.
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also:
On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.
And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem.
But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me.
They donated to meet the needs of brothers and sisters in need even though they were strangers.
Main Point: Paul coordinates his plans to meet immediate needs and future opportunities, all for God’s mission.
Application: We should plan intentionally—balancing current responsibilities with visionary goals—to meet practical and eternal needs around us.
Have BIG goals
Make good plans
BUT always be open to accepting the providential interruptions by God.
4. Calling for United Prayer (Romans 15:30-33)
4. Calling for United Prayer (Romans 15:30-33)
Scripture: Rom 15:30-33
Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me,
that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints,
that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you.
Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Grammatical-Historical Insight:
“Strive together” (Greek: sunagonizomai, co-struggle) implies intense, united effort, fitting the danger Paul faced in Judea (Acts 21:27ff).
The whole body shares the load
“Love of the Spirit” underscores the Holy Spirit’s role in binding believers, a theological emphasis in Paul’s writings (cf. Ephesians 4:3).
endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
His hope for “joy” and “refreshment” reflects a mutual need—Paul’s for rest, the Romans’ for encouragement—historically fulfilled in part (Acts 28:15).
Main Point: Paul calls the church to unite in prayer, meeting his need for protection and strength in mission.
Many Jews in Judea rejected the gospel and were prepared to attack Paul when he returned. Aware of the trouble that awaited him (Ac 20:22–24), he wanted the Roman Christians to pray for his deliverance only so he could complete the ministry the Lord had given him.
Their prayers were answered in that he met with success in Jerusalem (Ac 21:17, 19, 20) and was delivered from death, but not imprisonment (Ac 21:10, 11; 23:11).
Application: Prayer binds us together, meeting the need for support and courage as we pursue God’s will.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Summary: Romans 15:14-33 reveals Paul’s purposeful life—confident in the church’s gifts, celebrating Christ’s work, coordinating plans, and calling for prayer—all to meet the needs of God’s people and the lost.
Challenge: How can we live with such purpose?
Encourage others
Serve humbly
Plan wisely
Pray fervently to meet the needs around us.
Invitation: Step into God’s mission today—trusting His work in you, celebrating His victories, aligning your plans with His, and leaning on the prayers of His people.
