A Man With A Plan

March 17th, 2025

Passion and Plan in Ministry (Rom 15:14-33)

In our journey of faith, we often find ourselves wondering about our purpose and how we can best serve God. The life and ministry of the Apostle Paul provide a powerful example of what it means to live with passion and purpose for Christ. Through his letters, particularly in Romans, we gain insight into the heart of a man who was wholly dedicated to spreading the gospel, even in the face of challenges and setbacks.

Paul's passion for ministry shines through in his words to the Roman church. Though he had never met them in person, he expressed confidence in their goodness and knowledge of Christian doctrine. This speaks to the unifying power of the Holy Spirit, which can create bonds between believers who have never met face-to-face. It's a beautiful reminder of the connection we share as part of the body of Christ.

But Paul's passion went beyond mere words. He was a man of action, constantly seeking ways to minister and spread the gospel. His heart burned with the desire to preach Christ where He had not yet been named. This zeal is summed up perfectly in 1 Corinthians 9:16, where Paul declares, "Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!" It's a stark reminder of the urgency and importance of sharing the good news with others.

Yet, Paul was not just passionate; he was also a man with a plan. His letters reveal a strategic approach to ministry, with both short-term and long-term goals. He had intentions to visit Rome on his way to Spain, but he was also flexible enough to adjust his plans when needs arose. This balance of planning and flexibility is crucial for effective ministry.

One of the most striking aspects of Paul's ministry was his willingness to be used by God in whatever way was needed. When the opportunity arose to deliver a financial gift from the Gentile churches to the struggling believers in Jerusalem, Paul saw it as a beautiful expression of unity and gratitude. He recognized that the Gentiles, having benefited spiritually from the Jewish believers, were now able to bless them materially in return. This principle of reciprocal blessing within the body of Christ is still relevant for us today.

Paul's plans, however, didn't always unfold as he expected. He asked for prayer for safe travels and acceptance of his ministry in Jerusalem, but his journey to Rome ultimately came about through imprisonment and shipwreck. Yet even in these unexpected circumstances, Paul found ways to minister and share the gospel. His flexibility and trust in God's sovereignty allowed him to see opportunities where others might only see obstacles.

This brings us to a crucial point for our own lives: the importance of remaining flexible to God's will. As the Proverb states, "We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall" (Proverbs 16:33, NLT). Our plans, no matter how well-intentioned, must always be held loosely in submission to God's greater plan.

So how can we apply these lessons from Paul's life to our own walk with Christ?

First, we need to cultivate a passion for ministry. This doesn't necessarily mean becoming a full-time pastor or missionary. Rather, it means recognizing that every believer is called to minister in some capacity. Whether it's changing diapers in the church nursery, serving on a prayer team, or sharing the gospel with a coworker, all of these acts can be done with the same fervor and dedication that Paul displayed.

Secondly, we should be intentional about making spiritual plans. Just as we plan for our education, career, or retirement, we should also be planning for our spiritual growth and service. This might involve setting goals for Bible study, committing to regular prayer times, or seeking out opportunities to serve in our local church or community.

However, as we make these plans, we must remain spiritually focused and flexible. In our modern world, there are countless distractions vying for our attention. It's easy to become sidetracked or discouraged when things don't go as we expected. But like Paul, we need to keep our eyes fixed on Christ, trusting that even when our plans are delayed or derailed, God is still at work.

Finally, we must remember that our ultimate goal in all of this is to bring glory to God. Paul's confidence was not in his own abilities or plans, but in the "fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ" (Romans 15:29). Everything he did was aimed at exalting Christ and expanding His kingdom.

As we reflect on these truths, let's challenge ourselves to live with the same passion and purpose that characterized Paul's ministry. Are we actively seeking ways to serve and bless others? Are we flexible enough to adjust our plans when God redirects us? Are we trusting in His sovereignty even when things don't go as we expected?

Remember, God's delays are not His denials. He is always working, even when we can't see it. Our role is to remain faithful, passionate, and available, ready to be used by Him in whatever way He sees fit.

In closing, let's take inspiration from Paul's example and commit ourselves anew to serving Christ with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Whether our ministry takes us across the street or across the world, may we be found faithful in pursuing God's call on our lives. For in the end, it's not about our plans or our accomplishments, but about bringing glory to the One who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.

God Bless!