Romans 15:14-33

What ambitions drive you? What is the priority of your life? Paul had an ambition that drove him to proclaim Christ around the world. In this passage we see why he had that ambition.

It's all about grace

The priority of God's grace

To Paul, God's grace in him was what caused him to have this priority. God, out of grace, gave Paul a duty to preach His word to the nations. So it was Paul's priority to do just that to bring an offering that is pleasing to God in light of what He did for Paul. The ultimate goal for Paul was to bring glory to God.

What causes this transformation? What brings the need to worship God in such a way?

• Proclamation of the gospel
• Presentation of Jesus sacrifice
• Power of God displayed

The ambition of grace

Paul's ambition was to preach to places where no-one had heard the gospel. It was a huge undertaking, yet he went forward on a wave of praise for God, motivating himself through worship. We can go forward in confidence because of Jesus who gave us the mission and told us He would go with us. This mission is not yet finished - 42.5% of all people in the world are currently unreached. Jesus has promised us that we will be the ones to reach them. The wave is going out, the promise is being fulfilled. Will you jump on the wave, or let it pass by? You may not get sent out but you will always be called to be involved.

The partnership of grace

Paul could not do his task alone. He needed assistance, a partnership in mission with Paul. It was quite the responsibility, each with their part to play.

Paul had something to do first, something just as important. The Greek churches were being generous to the Jewish churches - and they were happy to do it! Paul insisted on going with the gift. He wanted to make sure that the gift was received properly because his great concern was that all in the church were and are united as one people under Christ. Paul was the priest offering God's people as praise to God. A united church is such a worthy offering to God. Success in mission comes from maturity in faith. Paul wanted to build that maturity out of unity amongst the believers.

We cannot do any of this work without God working through us. He chooses to do that by us asking Him in persistent prayer. Only God's presence can empower us. We need each other's prayer so much to work together for His glory and the salvation of humanity.