Paul's Outline for Life in Christ

            My Sunday School class has spent over a year studying the book of Romans. As we approach the end of the letter, Paul begins to reveal more about his character and motives.  When you examine his life, there is much we can learn about the kind of people we should be as we also serve Christ.

            He begins by reminding the Romans that they know the Gospel and the points that he has emphasized to them.  If we claim to be Christians, then we also know the basic Gospel message, and we are also competent, through the leading of the Holy Spirit, to share that message with others.

            He speaks of his calling to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles but makes it clear that whatever he may have accomplished, it is only by the grace of God.  His humility is an example to us.  Whatever talents, abilities, or opportunities we may have, Christ is the source.  It is only through His grace that we are empowered to be His witnesses.

            Paul then speaks of his ambition.  Please note that his ambition was not to be famous or rich or handsome or well-liked or honored.  His ambition was to preach the Gospel where it had never been preached.  The Church was still in its infancy, and there was still much of the then-known world that had never heard the Message.  Paul desired to reach them, no matter the risk or the cost.  Today, there are still over 6,000 unreached people groups who have not yet heard the Gospel Message.  Who will have the ambition to take the Message to them?  Will we even have the ambition to take the Message to those around us, who have probably heard but never encountered the saving grace of Christ?

            Paul’s life is a perfect example of a “risk taker”.  Everywhere he went, he encountered opposition.  There were Jews who saw his teaching as blasphemy, and there were Gentiles who saw their livelihoods challenged by his condemnation of idol worship.  He was beaten and jailed multiple times, and he ultimately gave his life for the cause of Christ.  During all of that, he never wavered from his faith or his ambition. 

            As he brings the letter to the Romans to an end, he commends those who have partnered with him in the Gospel, and he encourages them by reminding them that Satan will ultimately be doomed.  He also urges them to be on guard against false teachings and to seek unity among the body of Christ.

            Perhaps his words can serve as an outline for us: Every Christian is competent and has a duty to spread the Gospel; Be humble, recognizing that God is the source of all our gifts; Make it our life goal to share the Gospel, regardless of the risk; Commend those who join us in the journey; Take heart knowing we win in the end; and Guard our hearts and our teachings that we may be unified in Christ. 

            What is your ambition in life?  Paul was very clear about his.  May we be the same!

                                                    Romans 15: 14 – 16:27 

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