Explore the Bible Series for Feb. 19: Assist missionaries in every way possible

Posted: 2/7/06
Explore the Bible Series for Feb. 19

Assist missionaries in every way possible

• Romans 15:14-20, 22-25, 28-32

By Trey Turner

Canyon Creek Baptist Church, Temple

There is a word gaining wider usage in church literature. It is coming to the forefront because of people’s search for purpose. “Missional” answers the question of how to connect the Great Commission with my own Christian walk.

It is not enough to consider being mission-supportive, though our church will continue to support our missionaries in our budget and then with the special offerings throughout the year. Being missional means being involved—intentional involvement.

Last May, a group of students from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor applied for a Kenyan mission trip. I was privileged to be a sponsor with two others from our church and another from First Baptist Church in Belton.

The trip was tremendous as we met University of Nairobi students and shared ministry together. We encouraged their faith, and they encouraged ours. Everyone from the mission team talked about the impact it made on our future mission involvement.

Some from our group now know they are called to a foreign mission field. Others of us know we are not but still were profoundly and eternally changed by the experience. Personally, I still am participating in ministry partnerships that began those weeks in Nairobi. It is time churches began being more deliberate about giving opportunities for mission involvement.

After the thorough theological discussion the Apostle Paul gives in Romans, he comes to a passage where he talks practically about what we would call mission involvement. There are some guidelines and principles we would do well to note.

Carry out missions activities (Romans 15:14-19)

Paul knows he is not the only one meant to carry the gospel, though he has particular gifts as an apostle. He already has challenged believers with Romans 10:14-15, urging others to bring the gospel message to those who have not heard.

Americans are in a unique place to be able to be a partner in spreading the gospel. It takes the desire Paul shows for seeing people born into the family of God (16-17). In the book The Disciple Making Church, the author asks as a part of the discipleship process, “Where is your Macedonia?” The question refers to Paul’s vision of the man who called out to Paul to come help him. Macedonia is the place you understand as your mission calling.

Use broad strategy (Romans 15:20, 22-24)

The Bible student needs to recognize Paul’s strategy of advancing the gospel. Though he was the apostle to the Gentiles, he took it first to the Jewish people. Some of them responded, and then he would take the gospel to the Gentiles. He would go to large cities and to port cities; both would be favorable to dispersing the message throughout the Roman world.

Paul’s strategy is to preach where Christ is unknown (v. 20). He even envisions taking the gospel to Spain (v. 24). Does our local church have a vision for reaching those without Christ? Do I have such a vision?

Assist missionaries (Romans 15:24-25)

Missionaries especially are gifted for their task, but they are not indestructible superheros. Troubles weigh them down as they would anyone. Missionaries get tired. They need to be encouraged and would thrive sharing the gospel alongside others. We may think of Paul as a loner, but he seems grateful for the encouragement and help others were to him.

Work within God’s will (Romans 15:28-29; 32)

Paul did not have an empty desire to visit the Romans, but knew he would eventually. One day, he would visit them, and it would be with God’s blessing and in God’s purpose. It was Paul’s intention to follow the will of God where and when he led.

We also will be most helpful to God’s purposes when we operate with deference to his agenda.

Pray for missionaries (Romans 15:30-31)

Paul expresses confidence in prayer. He does not ask the saints in Rome to lobby for him or come join him in his struggle. Instead, they should pray for him.

I have always been told by missionaries and their families that they will plan special events on their birthdays because they know Baptists are praying for them from the missionary birthday calendars. That is true confidence. You contribute to missionary success when you pray for their needs to be met. You pray for their families, fields, struggles and spiritual breakthrough.

Discussion questions

• Which of these things that Paul suggests have you done to serve people who serve God as missionaries? What are you not doing that you could add in the coming year?