A Holy Ambition Romans II Series [26] Romans 15:14-21

THE EPILOGUE: PAUL’S MINISTRY, PLAN, GREETINGS & CLOSING WORDS Paul’s Apostolic Ministry [15:14-21]: Aim & Ambition Travel Plans [15:22-33]: Support Need from the Roman Church Greetings [16:1-16]: Commendations & Affections Closing Words [16:17-27]: Warnings & Doxology

THE EPILOGUE: PAUL’S MINISTRY, PLAN, GREETINGS & CLOSING WORDS Paul’s Apostolic Ministry [15:14-21]: Aim & Ambition Travel Plans [15:22-33]: Support Need from the Roman Church Greetings [16:1-16]: Commendations & Affections Closing Words [16:17-27]: Warnings & Doxology

THE EPILOGUE: PAUL’S MINISTRY, PLAN, GREETINGS & CLOSING WORDS TODAY’S FOCUS: “What are the key characteristics of Paul’s apostolic ministry—what lessons can we learn from his example?” GOD-CENTEREDNESS CLEAR MISSION/GOAL ENTHUSIASTIC JOY HOLY AMBITION

LESSONS TO BE LEARNED FROM PAUL’S APOSTOLIC MINISTRY 1)Paul’s ministry was marked by GOD-CENTEREDNESS. because of the grace given me by God… (v.15) sanctified by the Holy Spirit... (v.16) Christ accomplished through me... (v.18) by the power of the Spirit of God… (v.19)

LESSONS TO BE LEARNED FROM PAUL’S APOSTOLIC MINISTRY 1)Paul’s ministry was marked by GOD-CENTEREDNESS.  His ministry was not merely Paul’s work—it was centered on the TRIUNE GOD working through Paul.  God the Father issued the calling; God the Son produced results, and God the Holy Spirit provided the power.  All in all, it was for God’s glory, through Christ’s work, and by the power of the Spirit. For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:36

LESSONS TO BE LEARNED FROM PAUL’S APOSTOLIC MINISTRY 2)Paul’s ministry was focused by his CALLING/MISSION. 14 I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another. 15 But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. (vs.14-16)

LESSONS TO BE LEARNED FROM PAUL’S APOSTOLIC MINISTRY 2)Paul’s ministry was focused by his CALLING/MISSION.  Paul’s calling was to be a minister to the Gentiles.  Paul’s mission & goal in this calling of the priestly service was to offer the Gentiles as holy, obedient people to God.  In Paul’s work, the power to transform—i.e., making them holy and obedient to God—was generated by the Spirit. The Holy Spirit sanctified them through Paul’s work.  Paul’s calling brought focus and boldness in all he did.  Paul’s goal included also the ordinary lay people in this “priestly service” to one another—affirming them as fully competent to instruct and counsel one another (v.14b).

LESSONS TO BE LEARNED FROM PAUL’S APOSTOLIC MINISTRY 3) Paul’s ministry was charged by his ENTHUSIASTIC JOY. 17 In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God. 18 For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience —by word and deed, 19 by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ. (vs.17-19)

LESSONS TO BE LEARNED FROM PAUL’S APOSTOLIC MINISTRY 3) Paul’s ministry was charged by his ENTHUSIASTIC JOY. But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Galatians 6:14 Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.“ 1 Corinthians 1:31

LESSONS TO BE LEARNED FROM PAUL’S APOSTOLIC MINISTRY 3) Paul’s ministry was charged by his ENTHUSIASTIC JOY.  To Paul, “boasting in Christ Jesus” did not mean being arrogant or self-conceited but rejoicing enthusiastically in what Christ accomplished through using him.  Paul’s ministry was operated by word and deed [“by what I have said and done,” NIV], by the power of signs & wonders, and by the power of the Spirit of God.  Paul’s ministry was powerful—because the gospel [word] was always central and confirmed by the demonstration [deed/signs & wonders] of the power of the Spirit.  The secret of his uninhibited joy was in his clear motive and focus on Christ’s accomplishment but not his.

For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? 2 Thessalonians 2:19

LESSONS TO BE LEARNED FROM PAUL’S APOSTOLIC MINISTRY 4) Paul’s ministry was directed by a HOLY AMBITION. 20 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, 21 but as it is written, "Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand." (vs.20-21)

LESSONS TO BE LEARNED FROM PAUL’S APOSTOLIC MINISTRY 4) Paul’s ministry was directed by a HOLY AMBITION.  What is a holy ambition? It is something you really want to do that God wants you to do.  Paul’s ambition was holy because [1] it was clearly God’s will that the gospel would be preached where Christ was not named and [2] it was a clearly pure motive & passion.  This holy ambition fueled Paul’s unstoppable boldness, relentless hard work, and pioneering spirit.  Paul’s holy ambition was ignited by the “sparks” between his subjective experiences of Christ’s work and the objective confirmation of the Scriptures—as he aimed for God’s glory through his life and ministry.

Aiming to Put More into Life than Taking out of It True greatness, true leadership, is found in giving yourself in the service of others, not in coaxing or inducing others to serve you. True service is never without cost. Often it comes with a painful baptism of suffering. But the true spiritual leader is focused on the service he and she can render to God and other people, not on the residuals and perks of high office or holy title... The true spiritual leader is concerned infinitely more with the service he can render God and his fellowmen than with the benefits and pleasures he can extract from life. He aims to put more into life than he takes out of it. - J. Oswald Sanders

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS FOR OUR EVERYDAY LIFE 1.Pursue GOD-CENTEREDNESS in life and ministry.  You are NOT the center—the power & glory belong to God.  Resign from your center today—and deliberately depend on God as the center of your life and ministry. 2. Keep THE GOSPEL CENTRAL as you serve people holistically in the power of the Spirit.  Be mindful of keeping Jesus central in all you do.  Act in the power of the Spirit, asking for supernatural help. 3. Cultivate and pursue A HOLY AMBITION.  What is “your” holy ambition? If you don’t have one yet, ask God to ignite your heart with the “sparks” of the Spirit!  What might be “our” holy ambition as CrossWay?