Theology for Everybody: Romansنموونە

Real Ministry: Planning

Scholars and theologians believe that when Paul was drafting the book of Romans, he was probably 50 years old or older and was still incredibly excited about the gospel work he had yet to do. This is remarkable, considering all the incredible difficulties the apostle had already endured for the gospel's sake. He shares some of them in 2 Corinthians 6:4–10: affliction, hardship, calamities, beatings, imprisonment, riots, sleepless nights, hunger, slander, treated as an impostor, dying, punished, sorrowful, poor, and having nothing.

In 2 Corinthians 11, Paul says he has endured “far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death” (v. 23). In Galatians 6:17, the apostle writes, “I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.” Paul received 39 lashes on five separate occasions and was beaten with rods three times. He was shipwrecked three times. Paul faced trials and tribulations everywhere, but his concern was never for himself—it was always for the churches. He had the earnest heart of a pastor.

Paul can be upheld as one of the greatest Jesus-loving men ever to walk the earth, even though he was just a man like us. We can hold him in high regard as a great testimony and witness from whom we can learn. The lesson of Paul’s life is you can retire from your job, but you should never retire from your faith. The older you become, the more helpful you become. You have life lessons, experiences, and insights to share with others. The church needs older saints.

Paul could’ve been thinking about getting older, slowing down, and retiring, but he kept going as long as God gave him time on this earth. In Romans 15:22–33, he shares his plans for future ministry: he wants to see the believers in Rome on his way to Spain. Now, some people will say that planning is unspiritual. They will say, “You just need to follow the Holy Spirit.” The Holy Spirit gave us the gift of administration (see 1 Corinthians 12:28). He wants you to make a plan. God has a plan for you, and in Ephesians 2, Paul writes that God planned good works in advance for you to do. When we make a plan, we ask God what His plan is for us and how our plan can be His plan.

Today’s Reflection

Have you ever faced opposition or persecution for the sake of the gospel?