A Missions Update

Romans 15:22-28

By Pastor Craig Phelps, August 17, 2024

Introduction: In this passage, Paul is not giving theological arguments or doctrine but rather, he is sharing his heart, his struggles and his plans for them and others who have need of the gospel or further instruction. It really is sort of a missions update letter from which all of us can learn something.

22 For this reason I also have been much hindered from coming to you.

• We cannot do everything so we do what we do and then we do what we do with whatever time and resources we have left.

• What we “must do” is whatever God had you to do at that time.

23 But now no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you, 24a whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you.

• Paul had reached all the unreached in the part of the Roman Empire.

• Now, he would need to go to the part of the empire.

• Spain was a location.

24bFor I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while.

• Paul needed to get to Spain.

• His goal was the advancement of the gospel and not personal .

• He also wanted to enjoy the of the saints while there in Rome.

25 But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. 26 For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem.

• The Jewish Christians were persecution and famine while the gentiles in Macedonia and Achaia had enough to share.

• There are simply times in life where those of like faith will experience times of and others times of .

27 It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things.

• Gentiles, as a part of the body of Christ, were to share in it, materially and spiritually.

• As recipients of grace, we are all to be of grace not just locally but worldwide.

28 Therefore, when I have performed this and have sealed to them this fruit, I shall go by way of you to Spain.

• The has been set.

• Paul will soon that The best-laid schemes of mice and men go often astray.