A Man On A Mission Pt 2

From the moment we meet Paul in the Scriptures he was a man on a mission. At first  his mission was to exterminate Christians and destroy the church. But after his miraculous conversion, his mission completely changed. He went from wanting to squash the spread of the gospel and keep people from becoming Christians to wanting to share the gospel and help people become Christians. Here in the last section of his letter to the churches in Rome, we get a glimpse into the heart of this man whose entire life was dedicated to getting the good news to those who had yet to hear it. On the surface, it may seem like Paul was simply explaining the reason why he wrote this letter and mentioning his personal plans to come and see them along with some prayer requests. But these verses reveal his passions and priorities and purposes as a minister of the gospel. There are THREE FEATURES of a fervent, faithful ministry of the gospel.

1. PAUL’S PERSPECTIVES (vv. 15-21)

     A. A PRIEST (vv. 15-16)

     B. A POWER TOOL (vv. 17-19)

     C. A PIONEER (vv. 20-21)

2. PAUL’S PLANS (vv. 22-29)

     A. VISIT ROME (vv. 22-24)

     B. VISIT JERUSALEM (vv. 25-27)

     C. VISIT SPAIN (vv. 28-29)

3. PAUL’S PRAYERS (vv. 30-33)

     A. SAFETY (vv. 30-31a)

     B. SUCCESSFUL SERVICE (v. 31b)

     C. SPIRITUAL PEACE & REST (vv. 32-33)APPLICATION QUESTIONS

James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” These questions are designed to help you apply today’s message to your life. We encourage you to thoughtfully answer these questions and discuss your answers with others. For more information about joining a Grow Group that uses these questions as the basis for weekly discussion, prayer, and accountability, please call the church office at (936) 582-1977.

1. What is your mission in life? Take a moment and write out a personal mission or vision statement.
2. Who are you indebted to for being a Christian? Who shared the gospel with you? Who led you to Christ? Who discipled you? How have you expressed your thanks and appreciation to them?
3. Read Ephesians 6:19-20, Colossians 3:3-4, 1 Thessalonians 5:25, 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2, and Philemon 22. Do you believe in the power of prayer? Do you ask people to pray for you? When people ask you to pray for them, do you just tell them you will or do you actually pray for them?
4. Read Matthew 6:10, Luke 22:42, and 1 John 5:14. Is the goal of your prayers to get what you want or to align your heart with what God wants for your life? What does it look like practically for you to pray and plan according to God’s will (cf. Prov. 16:9)?
5. How are you supporting and partnering in the cause of Christ and the spread of the gospel both locally and globally (i.e. praying, giving, witnessing)? Are you “holding the ropes” for anyone?
6. What visions or plans do you have regarding how you can share the gospel with your unbelieving family members, neighbors, coworkers, classmates, etc?
7. Thank God for radically transforming your life through the power of the gospel so that you could be a person on a mission. Ask God to forgive you for having an apathetic, indifferent heart toward those who are lost and have never heard the gospel. Ask God to give you a passionate heart like Paul and that your entire life would be dedicated to sharing the gospel and building the church.

“We exist to glorify God by proclaiming and living the truth of His Word

so people come to know Jesus Christ and grow to be like Him.”

LBC Mission Statement