Righteous Living (2)

The Power of Purposeful Mission

Bible Passage: Romans 15:22–29

Intro: 5 Minutes

In cities everywhere, parks often become meeting grounds for people from all walks of life. In one such park, there's often an elderly figure tending to a garden, planting trees or flowers with great care. Observers might wonder why someone would invest so much effort into plants that will take years to mature, long after they might be around to enjoy them.

The answer lies in this simple truth: those who plant understand they are part of something bigger, a mission that extends beyond themselves. The act of planting is filled with hope and purpose, contributing to a future they may not personally witness. It's an intentional commitment to leave the world a better place, embodying patience, generosity, and vision.

Today, as we continue our study through Romans, we arrive at Romans 15:22-29, where Paul shares his mission strategy. This passage not only showcases his determination to fulfill God's calling but also highlights a blueprint for us in living a purpose-driven life. Paul had a clear vision fueled by profound patience, generosity, and a pursuit for God's blessings. By examining this, we can understand how having a defined mission and purpose makes us more effective in serving God and impacting the lives around us. We will uncover three key truths in this passage that provide clarity and direction for our own missions: Patience with Purpose, Prompting with Generosity, and Pursuit with Blessing.

Today we will find three truths that will help us with clarity in our mission.

1. Patience with Purpose

Romans 15:22–24

(10 Minutes)

I have often been prevented…

Being prevented produced patience in Paul

What type of prevention

Good reasons- There is a need for the Gospel

Romans 1:13 “13 I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that often I have planned to come to you (and have been prevented so far) so that I may obtain some fruit among you also, even as among the rest of the Gentiles.”

Not planned reasons

1 Thessalonians 2:18 “18 For we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, more than once—and yet Satan hindered us.”

How does Satan hinder?

Doubt turned to disbelief

Things happen in your family

You can add so much more.

What do we do when we find ourselves hindered?

Reach out, pray, dig deeper into the word and fellowship

many years a longing to come to you-

Paul’s passions never suffered was just put on hold, until the opportune time

Longing for the Romans church- Father in the faith

Discipleship builds relationship

See- sense of wonder- The work of His church is wonderment

the work of the obedient! Spectator

Help- give aid in travel

financially, food, but also of good news

Acts 15:3 “3 Therefore, being sent on their way by the church, they were passing through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and were bringing great joy to all the brethren.”

Enjoyed- be filled

Romans 1:12 “12 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.”

From Paul’s encouragement we find the results of a group of believers who live by faith

TO US:

What is the purpose at foothills calvary?

love God, love others, make disciples.

Let us always be focused on Christ in our purpose

delays can happen for good and not in our control reasons

How does this spark

wonder

going with me

fill us up

2. Prompting with Generosity

Romans 15:25–27

10 Minutes

Good reason for delay

Divine interruptions

I love these!

Jerusalem- why?

Cost was great for the believers!

Serve- render assistance

Matthew 20:28 “28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.””

Saints- obedient ones in the faith

Jesus example prompts us

The world thinks that happiness is the result of others serving us, but real joy comes when we serve others in the name of Christ.

Warren W. Wiersbe

Good News is contagious and powerful

(Macedonia and Achaia)

2 Corinthians 9:2 “for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the Macedonians, namely, that Achaia has been prepared since last year, and your zeal has stirred up most of them.”

Achaia- didn't have a great reputation

Acts 18:12

Rose up against Paul

Just a healthy reminder, the Gospel is the answer!

In the midst of coming against, nothing else can change man.

Pleased

take pleasure in

gives us insight into giving

we are compelled by the Gospel and we can take pleasure in our generosity becuase of the need.

are we compassionate people- or do we give to receive?

do we believe there is a need, is there a need for the Gospel, is there a need for this church to be here?

find joy in your church, and the fellowship with the saints.

there need was public

If you are in a time of trouble let it be known.

somethings are out of your control, and somethings you must take responsibility for, yet you can ask for help.

We need one another.

Indebted-

Romans 8:12–14 “12 So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh— 13 for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” “

Spiritual- Jerusalem, from where Christianity spread, Rome was a benefactor the Gospel

Material- in turn they had something to share with their brothers in Christ

TO US:

How do you give here at foothiils calvary

with joy realizing those have come before us and we are indebted to continue the blessing of fellowship and declaring the Gospel

what we do will be known.

3. Pursuit with Blessing

Romans 15:28–29

Seal-

John 3:33 “33 He who has received His testimony has set his seal to this, that God is true.”

come in the fullness

Paul will arrive from the overflow of the Gospel to them. He will find rest in His mission!

The work of the Gospel encouraged Paul

He didn't have to do all the work but was still active and a participant

Paul- sealed, trust, I also believe this was a blessing as a father in the faith

Liam- principale award

The work of the Gospel was about more than just one fellowship of believers.

we are connected- the Gospel spreads, it reaches and it returns. there is no room for division!

Many people have come to visit our church from other places. We have encouraged them we are a welcoming church, may we remain!

Christ’ provides the blessing.

The rest for Paul

But God’s rest is something which transcends any earthly and temporal experience.

Philip Edgcumbe Hughes

This “Canaan rest” is a picture of the rest that Christian believers experience when they yield their all to Christ and claim their inheritance by faith.

Warren W. Wiersbe

The testimony of the Macedonians and Achaians and of Jerusalem

1 Thessalonians 4:10 “10 for indeed you do practice it toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, to excel still more,”

The overflow to the Romans

This will be in next weeks message.

TO US

we can know- fullness, rest, christ is glorified

As we conclude today’s message, remember the importance of having a clear understanding of our mission and purpose. Paul’s journey—marked by patience, generosity, and a pursuit for God’s blessings—serves as an exemplary model for us. Even when facing delays or obstacles, our focus on Christ and dedication to His calling should remain unwavering. We are part of a larger community of believers, connected by the Gospel which spreads, reaches, and returns with no room for division. Let us embrace this purpose and mission, ensuring that our lives reflect the overflow of the Gospel, bringing joy and encouragement to all we encounter. May we continue to excel in our faith, remaining generous and purposeful in our efforts to spread God's love and truth.

Application:

Embrace Delays with Patience and Purpose: Life can often feel like a series of interruptions and detours, much like Paul experienced in his journey. Instead of viewing delays as setbacks, consider them divine pauses that allow you to refocus and grow in patience. Use these moments to deepen your relationship with God and reaffirm your commitment to His calling. Ask yourself how these delays might be part of His greater plan for you and those around you.

Cultivate a Heart of Generosity: Paul's commitment to helping the saints in Jerusalem teaches us the importance of generosity in our mission. Reflect on how you can extend support—whether through time, resources, or encouragement—to those in your community and beyond. Let the joy of serving others in the name of Christ be your motivator, knowing that true happiness comes from giving rather than receiving. Identify areas where you can be a blessing to others, inspired by the example of Christ.

Pursue God's Blessings with Intentionality: As Paul's mission was guided by the overarching goal of spreading the Gospel, so too should our actions be driven by a pursuit of God's blessings and purposes. Ensure that your daily endeavors align with your divine purpose, seeking not just personal fulfillment but also the advancement of God's kingdom. Engage in activities that reinforce your faith and strengthen your spiritual community, always seeking to be a conduit of God's love and truth wherever you are.

Communion:

Prompts: Come during communion song, raise your hand, take back, we will take together,

1 Corinthians 11:23–26 “23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.”