Serving From Here To There

SERVING FROM HERE TO THERE

Romans 15:23-33

INTRODUCTION: This passage provides for us a remarkable description of the ministry involved in being a messenger of God. What is at issue is not what kind of messenger of God you are – teacher, preacher, or a witnessing believer, but the principles that are applicable to all who are messengers!

This passages gives us five, no six principles for messengers. Each of us is a messenger!

I PRINCIPLE #1 – Messengers complete the jobs where they are. 15:23-24

A We need to resist the temptation to move on while there is still work where we are

B Paul stayed where he was until the gospel had been introduced.

1 Churches were established

2 Churches would continue the work

C There will always be problems

1 Ministry struggles

2 Personal attacks

D Paul had a desire to move on, but no definite time to do it – movement was dependent on the task.

1 When – indefinite, “Whenever”

II PRINCIPLE #2 – Messengers have a vision bigger than where they are. 15:24

A We should always have a desire to reach father than where we are

1 There will always be a place for the message we have

2 We need to avoid thinking there is no place left for the message

B We need to be consumed with a passion for the gospel

C We should expect help from other believers

1 Those who can do – DO!

2 Those who cannot do – SUPPORT

III PRINCIPLE #3 – Messengers confirm the foundation as they move forward. 15:25-28

A Paul saw the immediate needs

1 We need to meet the true needs of our ministry

a Paul had a responsibility to deliver the contribution – “share with them”

b Paul had a responsibility to see it through – “made sure … received this fruit”

2 Pattern is “out from Jerusalem”

B Serving the saint – ministering to the saints is more than an obligation

1 Notice – twice Paul used the phrase, “were pleased”

2 Others rightly saw these as opportunities of fellowship, not obligations of guilt

IV PRINCIPLE #4 – Messengers realize who and what they serve. 15:28-29

A Serve the gospel

Mark 16:15 He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.

1 Cor. 1:23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,

B Keep the vision despite the pressures of what you are doing

C There is no more important message in this world than the message we carry!

V PRINCIPLE #5 – Messengers beg for prayer. 15:30-32

A Prayer delivers us from those who do not obey the truth

B Prayer satisfies those who we serve – “be acceptable”

Col. 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

1 Prayer is not something we can afford to do sporadically

2 If we do not pray we have nothing to watch for

3 If we do not pray we will have nothing to be thankful for

C Prayer enlarges our vision

1 Interesting to note that:

a Paul desired (prayed) to get to Rome

b Paul got arrested in Jerusalem

c Arrest got him what he prayed for – just not the manner he anticipated!

D Prayer can only be accomplished effectively through the reception of divine love

1 The love of God in us motivates us to pray

VI PRINCIPLE #6 – Messengers set the example. 15:33

A Paul prays the peace of God to the church at Rome and to us

1 God who brought about peace/reconciliation with Himself

2 God who brought about peace/reconciliation with others

3 God who brought about peace/reconciliation with all believers

Out of all of this, five important things to remember:

-- A Biblical Ministry Is A Valid Ministry Based On Biblical Principles

-- A Biblical Ministry Is A Balanced Ministry

-- A Biblical Ministry Is A Ministry Of Priorities

-- A Biblical Ministry Is A Ministry Of Planning

-- A Biblical Ministry Is A Ministry Undergirded With Prayer