What Do I Do When My Plans are Frustrated?
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What Do I Do When My Plans are Frustrated?
Living When God Hinders Your Efforts
(Romans 1:13-15)
Main Point:
Our sincere love and worship of God does not guarantee the realization of our goals.
(Romans 1:8-17)
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
Three Things We See in Romans 1:8-17 = These ten verses form one complete thought with at least three clear aspects:
1. I worship God because of you all and want to see you all. (Rom. 1:8-12)
2. Though it has been difficult, and I am not a free man, I need you to know that I still want to come to you. (Romans 1:13-15)
3. I want to come to you because I have good news that I want to proclaim to you in person!(Romans 1:16-17)
Last week we looked at the first point and the three handicaps we have in this life:
1. Spiritual: We start out lost and must be born again through the Spirit of Christ
2. Intellectual: We start out ignorant of God’s instruction and must learn it.
3. Participation (Obedience): We ALWAYS struggle to obey/respond to God.
In short, Paul desired to go to Rome because he wanted to help the Romans and be helped by the Romans.
1. He wanted to see those He prayed and praised God for
2. He wanted to encourage the church in doctrine and ministry
3. He wanted to be encouraged by the church in ministry and worship
Today, we will examine Paul’s explanation as to why he was unable to make it to Rome, and what this means for us as believers.
Again, the main point we see is…
· Our sincere love and worship of God does not guarantee the realization of our goals.
· However, GOD ALWAYS ACCOMPLISHES HIS GOALS!!!
Outline of Romans 1:13-15
13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers,
(1) that I have often intended to come to you
(but thus far have been prevented),
in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles.
(2) 14 I am under obligation
both to Greeks and to barbarians,
both to the wise and to the foolish.
(3) 15 So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.
We can summarize Paul’s statements in verses 13-15 in the following:
“Though it has been difficult—I still want to come to you!”
Paul’s main point in these verses is to inform the Roman church of why he has not yet made it to Rome to visit them: (let’s restate his justification in our own vernacular)
1. I really want to come to you, but I’ve been prevented from doing so.
2. The reason I’ve been prevented is because I’m under obligation to follow God’s plan and not my own.
3. But I am more than willing to come to Rome (and beyond)—therefore, I believe I will come shortly.
What this teaches us:
Even our godly passions are subject to God’s will and timing.
Even our godly passions are subject to God’s will and timing.
1. Verse: “13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles.”[1]
a. “Prevented” = (kolyo) = to cause something not to happen—to hinder or forbid.
b. Paul understands that, presently, God has not granted him permission to go to Rome.
i. Paul’s passion is to strengthen the Roman church and carry the gospel beyond Rome, yet he also understands that he has not been allowed to do so.
ii. We see two things in conflict from Paul’s statement:
1. Paul’s Desires = Paul wants to go to Rome
2. God’s Timing = God has not allowed Paul to go to Rome (yet)
2. Interpretation: EVEN WHEN OUR PLANS OUR GODLY AND FROM GOD—OUR TIMING MAY BE OFF!
a. What is required for our plans and acts of obedience to be godly?
i. It must not contradict the Word of God
ii. It must advance the glory of Jesus Christ
iii. It must be at God’s timing
b. I think we are greatly confused about the will of God, and become discouraged, when what we think should happen does not happen! For example…
i. Let’s go on a mission trip and encourage another church.
ii. However, when you try to join a trip you are unable to do so because: 1) there was not a open spot, 2) you could not raise the money, 3) you could not get the time off, and/or 4) you physically were unable to do so.
iii. Why could you not act upon the urge you felt you thought was from God? Do you not know God, His voice, or His leading? (it’s possible… but let’s test it out).
1. Does advancing the gospel and encouraging the body of Christ in other geographical locations contradict the Word of God?
a. No… it is exactly what Paul did, and Paul tells us to imitate him (1st Cor. 11:1)
2. Does advancing the gospel and encouraging the body of Christ in other geographical locations glorify Christ?
a. Absolutely—in fact, it is commanded in Matthew 28:18-20
3. Lastly, Does advancing the gospel and encouraging the body of Christ in other geographical locations fit within God’s timing?
a. Ahhh… No, it does not. Wait… why not?
b. If it did fit within His timing, God would have opened up the door for you to go.
c. The fact that the door was closed demonstrates that going does not fit in His timing.
d. Why does it not fit? Who knows, but here are a few suggestions:
i. You are not prepared or ready.
ii. You are not the one supposed to go there—but you can encourage others to go.
1. Jesus did not go to the Gentiles, but He sent Paul and us.
2. Peter primarily witnessed to the Jews, but encouraged Paul in his ministry to the Gentiles.
iii. They (the ones you go to) are not prepared or ready.
iv. Lastly, you’ve not finished your current assignment from God.
Our godly passions do not override our current assignment from God.
Our godly passions do not override our current assignment from God.
1. Verse: “14 I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish.”[2]
a. “Obligation” = (opheiletes) ① one who is in debt in a monetary sense, debtor. ② one who is under obligation in a moral or social sense, one under obligation, one liable for. (BDAG)
b. Paul understands that He preaches because he is under obligation/responsible for delivering the gospel to the Gentiles. Why is this such a big deal to Paul?
i. Acts 9:15 = Paul’s salvation included a call to be a missionary to the Gentiles.
But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.
ii. 1st Timothy 2:4 = Paul’ ministry was not selective—but inclusive.
who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
iii. Romans 15:20-22 = Paul’s ambition/calling was to preach the gospel to unreached people.
and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation, but as it is written, “Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand.” This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you.
iv. 1st Corinthians 9:16-18 = Paul’s views preaching as a mandate—not optional!
For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship. What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.
v. 1st Thessalonians 2:17-20 = Paul understands that Satan resists him in advancing the gospel and glory of Christ Jesus!
But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy.
2. Interpretation:
a. Three things we need to Understand:
i. Understanding the nature and will of God helps give us clarity when our plans our frustrated
ii. Understanding our calling and purpose in God’s kingdom provides clarity when our plans are frustrated.
iii. Understanding Satan’s agenda provides clarity when our plans our frustrated
b. When hindered from doing what you want for God—do what is Godly where you are at!!! FINISH YOUR WORK!!!
i. Sometimes, I think pastors are the worst at obeying this!
1. We feel called to advance the kingdom in our communities
2. We feel called to advance the kingdom throughout the world
3. We feel called to create numerous worship opportunities
4. We feel called to foster times of prayer
5. We feel called to disciple our church
6. We feel called to raise up leaders
7. We feel called to foster fellowship and relational events
8. We feel called to participate in our local governments
9. We feel called to write books
10. We feel called to preach conferences
11. We feel called to do so many things all at the same time!
12. Yet, we become frustrated, depressed, and discouraged when we do not see fruit, success, or participation in what we felt led to do!
ii. On the other hand, Paul tried to act upon his desires to glorify God, but when these desires were frustrated, he simply labored faithfully in the context of ministry he was in!!!
This brings us to our last point…
Though we are limited in knowledge, this does not justify inactivity or non-participation
Though we are limited in knowledge, this does not justify inactivity or non-participation
1. Verse: “15 So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.” [3]
a. “Eager” = (prothymon) to being eager to be of service, ready, willing, eager, of the spirit.
b. Paul’s eagerness to preach in Rome (and then in Spain) does not keep him from performing his ministry task in Ephesus (and other areas)
A.D. 53–58—Third missionary journey.
1. A.D. 54-55—Paul writes 1 Corinthians from Ephesus. The letter does not do what Paul desired, and the bad news makes its way to Paul. Paul finds out that the Corinthians are falling apart!
2. A.D. 55—Paul visits Corinth and it is both painful and a disaster. Paul’s authority is questioned as he departs Corinth in humiliation. Paul responds and writes a bold, stinging, and forceful (lost) letter. However, Paul begins to regret his letter, and after a time in Troas, he crosses over into Macedonia and desires to hear Titus’s report on the what is happening in the Corinthians church in response to his letter.
3. A.D. 55 or 56—Titus brings Paul good news, and Paul immediately writes 2nd Corinthians. Paul then goes to Corinth and stays for three months before returning Philippi.
4. A.D. 56 or early 57—Paul writes Romans from Corinth (Rom. 16:1), before going to Jerusalem (Rom. 15:25)—which will lead to his arrest.
a. A.D. 57—Paul travels from Philippi to Troas, and then to Miletus.
b. In Miletus, Paul gives his famous farewell speech (Acts 20:18ff.)
c. Paul stops in Tyre to strengthen the Christians there.
d. Paul stops at Caesarea Maritima to visit with Philip (Acts 21:8–9).
5. A.D. 57–59—Paul arrives in Jerusalem and is arrested.
a. Paul is taken to Caesarea Maritima so that Governor Felix can deal with Paul.
b. He is in prison or house arrest situation for two years until Festus becomes governor
6. A.D. 59–60—Paul most-likely arrived in Rome by February of 60 (Acts 27–28)
7. A.D. 60–62—Paul is under house arrest in Rome, and finally sees the Roman church!
8. A.D. 64-68 Paul is executed.
Here’s the point, a time of four years passes between Paul’s letter to the Romans and his arrival in Rome. During that period Paul:
1. Finishes his ministry in Corinth
2. Ministers in Philippi
3. Ministers in Troas
4. Ministers in Miletus
5. Ministers in Tyre
6. Ministers in Jerusalem (and is arrested)
7. Ministers (in chains) in Caesarea Maritima for two years
Interpretation: Just because you cannot seem to do what you really want to do for the Lord, that does not give us the freedom not to capitalize on where we are at for the Lord.
a. The appearance of a lack of success does not necessarily equate to a lack of success!
b. Even if we cannot accomplish what we feel burdened to do, we still must advance the gospel in the areas that are open to us
i. We read and pray daily
ii. We faithfully serve the Lord in our church body
iii. We faithfully say “yes” to various avenues of ministry presented to us
iv. We study, practice, and work to develop ministry skills and to be ready for where the Lord calls us—even if we don’t know what He is calling us into.
Closing Remarks:
1. Our future areas, locations, and types of service are not nearly as important as serving where you are now.
2. “Works for the Lord” does not necessarily guarantee our worship of the Lord—ALWAYS FOCUS ON KNOWING, ABIDING IN, AND LOVING GOD first and foremost!
3. When all else seems to fail, or you seem to be utterly confused, enjoy the Lord and WORSHIP Him with His people.
[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ro 1:13.
[2] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ro 1:14.
[3] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ro 1:15.