As we come to the final chapters of Romans, Paul opens his heart once more with a very personal testimony. Therein, we see what it takes to have a true missionary heart. For a true missionary heart is one I daresay all believers need to have. It is not only for those who go to distant lands. Paul in these final chapters speaks with frankness concerning his mission. Through his letter, he has boldly presented the truth of the gospel perhaps with greater detail than any of his other letters. He has laid out the arguments with both a complexity and simplicity unparalleled in the other books of the Bible.
After a very personal introduction, he expounded on the absolute righteousness of God, the depravity of the human heart, and the gracious plan of salvation purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ. He explained with detail the magnificence of what it meant to be justified by faith in Jesus Christ. Then, he expounded further the marvelous work of the Holy Spirit in and through each believer. We are held securely, sealed by the Holy Spirit eternally. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit does not leave us with our scarred, wretched hearts as we were found. Rather, He works through every detail of our life to sanctify us. That is He works all things together to transform us into the image of Jesus Christ. What would be utterly impossible by our own nature and doing, He does in and through us.
Then, Paul pours forth his heart, revealing his desire and love for the Jewish nation. He reminds the Christians in Rome, that God has not abandoned the nation of Israel. Although for a moment, the mission given to Paul was the salvation of the Gentiles, establishing the church.
What Does a Redeemed Life Look Like?
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Let love be without dissimulation (hypocrisy). Abhor that which is evil and cling to that which is good. (Romans 12:1-2).
Paul details the Christ walk throughout Chapters 12 and somewhat into and through chapter 14. Yet, we do not find that Paul had to admonish the church in Rome with the same harshness of tone he did some of the other churches. Instead we find in Romans 15, his commendations of their knowledge of the truth with somewhat an apology for his boldness in writing. Yet, is not that refreshing? Thanks be to God that the church in Rome were able to eat the meat of the word and not only the milk, for how marvelous it is that we have the book of Romans. Therein lies the heart and soul of the gospel message clearly laid out; although with a complexity that requires our study of it to be with much prayer and diligence with the help of the Holy Spirit to guide us.
Characteristics of a True Missionary Heart
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Know your audience
Thereby teach them in a manner that best suits them. That is what Paul did. Some required to be feed on milk, others on meat. There were those churches who needed admonition and warnings, while others needed an abundance of grace to be taught. To the Romans Paul wrote, “I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge able also to admonish one another.” Romans 15:14 You don’t really need me; but I only want to be a reminder of how marvelous the truth of the gospel is.
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Never Forget
it is not your mission for it is God’s mission and you are His servant to go where he says go and say what He says go. “Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God” (Romans 15:15). It is God’s grace that allows us to be used for the ministry; because truly, He does not need us. Rather He shares with us this wondrous opportunity to tell others about Christ.
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Remember Where the Power Is From
Everything good that comes from the ministry is because of the power of God working through us. Every heart that is touched is touched by Jesus Christ and not the pastor, preacher, or teacher. Keep it real, here! I cannot bring anyone to Christ, only the Holy Spirit Can. “ In Christ Jesus, then, I have found [legitimate] reason for boasting in things related [to my service] to God. 18 For I will not [even] presume to speak of anything except what Christ has done through me [as an instrument in His hands], resulting in the obedience of the Gentiles [to the gospel], by word and deed, 19 with the power of signs and wonders, [and all of it] in the power of the Spirit.” Romans 15 (AMP).
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Be Willing to Go Where No One Else Has Gone Before
Accordingly, I set a goal to preach the gospel, not where Christ’s name was already known, …21 but [instead I would act on this goal] as it is written [in Scripture],
“They who had no news of Him shall see,
And they who have not heard [of Him] shall understand.” Romans 15:20-21 AMP)
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Set the Example in Giving
Although Paul wanted to go to Rome to visit the church there and to Spain to establish a church there, he was making a journey to take monetary gifts to the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem who were financially struggling. “It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. 28 When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.” Romans 15: 27-28
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Always Ask for Prayer
We all need prayer. Do not be so proud as to think yourself above prayer. Nor be afraid to speak the truth as to the trials you are facing.
30 Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;31 That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints (Romans 15:30-31
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Humility
Remember that each Brother or Sister in Christ; however weak or strong may be the one to bring you a message of hope and joy from God.
29 And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.32 That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed. Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen. (Romans 15:29, 32)
God is our source of hope and He is the God of peace, regardless of whatever chaos or storms surround us.
Concluding Thoughts
We are all called to present the true missionary heart of love with a burning desire to spread the gospel message to all whom we meet. These seven characteristics of a true missionary heart should be within each of us. To these I would add the pressing desire to know His word and Him more each day.
We must learn as Paul to say “8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings” Philippians 3:8-10.
Did you know there is a sweetness in fellowship with Christ in His sufferings?
Whatever sorrow or suffering you face today, my prayer is that you know the God of peace who will sustain you and lift you up.
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. Colossians 1:16-18
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2019
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