Romans 15:18-21

Passage

For I will not dare to say anything of which Christ did not accomplish through me into the obedience of the Gentiles by word and by work in the power of signs and portents in the power of the Holy Spirit.  This is so that from Jerusalem and all the way to Illyricum the Gospel of Christ has been fulfilled in me.  And thus, while aspiring to proclaim the Gospel not where Christ has been known in order that I should not build upon the foundation of another.  But just as it has been written, “To whom it has not been announced regarding Him, they will see.  And the ones who have not heard will understand.”

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul makes a really neat claim here in this passage.  Paul says that he dares not to say anything about which Christ did not accomplish in him.  That’s a double negative way of saying that Paul only talks about that which Christ is doing within him.  Paul’s focus is on the work of God.  His work doesn’t matter.  In fact, his work is probably a hindrance!  What matters is what God is doing through him so that the people of this world may come to humble obedience of God.

How well do you focus upon God?  Do you tend to draw attention to your own actions?

Second Thought:

Paul then tells us a little about his own calling.  Paul speaks about proclaiming Christ where He has not been proclaimed.  Paul doesn’t want to build upon someone else’s foundation.  In this case, you might call Paul an apostle or an evangelist.  But, we should also remember the context in which Paul served.  The Gospel was spreading throughout the world for the very first time.  There was a need to focus upon people who had never heard about Christ – especially the Gentiles.  In the modern world, however, much of the world has heard about Christ.  Certainly there are people who have not heard and who need to hear the Gospel for the first time.  However, there is also a need to proclaim, restore, and reinvigorate places that have already heard.  So while Paul gives us a great model for evangelists and apostles, we should not forget the need for teachers, pastors, and prophets among the people of God as well.

Do you think Paul’s ability to focus so competently on evangelism made him successful?  Where do you think you are called the most?

Third Thought:

As we move through these verses, we discover something interesting.  There is a promise in these words.  Those who have not been told about Christ will hear.  They will understand.  God will bring His message to those who need it.  It is God’s plan; He knows who is ready to receive His Gospel of grace.

Whose plan is it to evangelize the world?  Why is this important to understanding our calling?

Passage for Tomorrow: Romans 15:22-25