WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.940 Please start with me in your copy of God's Word to Romans chapter 15. 00:00:05.080 --> 00:00:09.580 It looks like we may conclude the book of Romans in about a month's time. 00:00:09.580 --> 00:00:16.039 ! I think we've got today and four weeks beyond to finish up chapter 16. 00:00:16.179 --> 00:00:19.160 But I'm very excited about where we've come to today. 00:00:19.280 --> 00:00:21.440 This is a wonderful, wonderful text. 00:00:21.500 --> 00:00:26.260 We're going to look together at verses 18 through 21 of chapter 15. 00:00:26.260 --> 00:00:28.940 But let me set the stage for you just a little bit before we read this together. 00:00:28.940 --> 00:00:33.200 Paul has finished now his doctrinal treatise. 00:00:33.359 --> 00:00:38.260 He's laid out for us this salvation, grace alone through faith alone and Christ alone forever. 00:00:38.260 --> 00:00:41.240 And he then talked about how that should be practically working out in our lives. 00:00:41.500 --> 00:00:45.000 How our lives should be a natural response to these great truths. 00:00:45.100 --> 00:00:48.560 The gospel working in us should work out of us into the way we live. 00:00:48.600 --> 00:00:51.400 The way we treat the world and the way we interact with one another. 00:00:52.140 --> 00:00:55.640 And he's completed that now in verse 13 of chapter 15. 00:00:55.820 --> 00:00:58.120 He kind of brings that to a close. 00:00:58.119 --> 00:01:03.339 And now we have kind of his concluding remarks in the remainder of the chapter. 00:01:03.339 --> 00:01:07.359 But there's so much good value in all of that together. 00:01:07.359 --> 00:01:10.379 And we looked last week at verses 14 through 17. 00:01:10.719 --> 00:01:14.420 But I'm going to begin reading in 14 and take us through 21. 00:01:14.679 --> 00:01:15.340 So let's look together. 00:01:15.599 --> 00:01:19.019 Romans chapter 15, beginning in verse 14. 00:01:19.019 --> 00:01:28.359 I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another. 00:01:28.799 --> 00:01:38.679 But on some points I've written to you very boldly by way of reminder because of the grace given me by God to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God. 00:01:38.680 --> 00:01:43.360 So that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 00:01:43.359 --> 00:01:47.599 In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God. 00:01:47.980 --> 00:01:58.640 For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience by word and deed, by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God. 00:01:58.640 --> 00:02:05.319 So that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum, I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ. 00:02:05.680 --> 00:02:12.280 And thus make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else's foundation. 00:02:12.699 --> 00:02:18.699 But as it is written, those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand. 00:02:19.360 --> 00:02:20.240 Let's pray together. 00:02:20.240 --> 00:02:36.980 Father God, despite all of my preparation, and despite all of our ability to tune in and really key in and to take notes and really pay attention to what's happening here, we need you to intervene. 00:02:37.100 --> 00:02:42.660 It is always a miracle of God when the word of God is planted in our hearts. 00:02:43.120 --> 00:02:48.700 And so we plead with you this morning to do that by your Spirit, that I pray exists in all of us. 00:02:48.699 --> 00:02:56.719 That you will apply these truths, that you will work it into us, that you will soften us where we need to be softened, and harden us where we need to be hardened. 00:02:56.839 --> 00:03:02.619 That the natural outcome of this time together will be a life lived for your glory and praise. 00:03:03.159 --> 00:03:04.579 We pray all this in Christ's name. 00:03:05.359 --> 00:03:05.659 Amen. 00:03:06.699 --> 00:03:12.579 So, last week I showed you from verses 14 through 17 some characteristic of Paul's ministry. 00:03:14.319 --> 00:03:18.439 Firstly, I pointed out his satisfaction, and we see that beginning in verse 14. 00:03:18.699 --> 00:03:20.899 He talks about how he's satisfied with the believers. 00:03:21.259 --> 00:03:28.699 And we've just gotten to this conclusion of him bringing all of this correction, making sure that they really understood that they were proceeding in the truth as they ought to. 00:03:28.759 --> 00:03:35.659 And then here he says that he's satisfied with them, that they have these qualities that are working out into godliness in their lives. 00:03:35.659 --> 00:03:42.719 And so I proposed to you that his satisfaction was ultimately in God's sovereign goodness in sanctifying the church. 00:03:42.840 --> 00:03:48.800 That he knew that this church that he had not yet visited yet was being guided along by the Spirit. 00:03:48.879 --> 00:03:52.259 That God was in control of their ultimate perfection. 00:03:53.180 --> 00:03:58.620 And we also talked about Paul's boldness in his part in the sanctification of the church. 00:03:58.620 --> 00:04:02.340 He says here that he's bold in his presentation of the gospel. 00:04:02.560 --> 00:04:09.819 He's actually making a bit of a defense for his ministry as he's writing such bold words to the Romans that he hadn't yet to meet at this time. 00:04:10.180 --> 00:04:17.939 And so we see that he also knew, though, that even though God is sovereign and in control of the perfecting of the church, he was meant to play a part. 00:04:17.939 --> 00:04:26.060 And the fact that he knows that God is in control of that is what gave him the boldness to press into the ministry that he was called to. 00:04:26.959 --> 00:04:30.959 And flowing out of that, and today I want to show you some other characteristics. 00:04:31.040 --> 00:04:38.560 I want to show you Paul's humility, Paul's activity, what he was actually about the work of doing, and Paul's ambition. 00:04:39.360 --> 00:04:43.420 So look at the beginning of verse 18 at his humility. 00:04:43.420 --> 00:04:51.120 He says, for I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience. 00:04:51.699 --> 00:04:56.319 He recognizes that it's by the power of God that people come to saving faith. 00:04:56.540 --> 00:05:08.259 And therefore, this word venture means that he wouldn't press on and that he wouldn't dare to be so bold as to claim that anything that has been accomplished in the obedience of the Gentiles was his doing. 00:05:09.379 --> 00:05:11.000 Well, he's just said that he plays a part in it, right? 00:05:11.040 --> 00:05:13.200 He's just said that he's bold in his call to ministry. 00:05:13.199 --> 00:05:16.800 He knows that he must preach the gospel, right? 00:05:16.899 --> 00:05:18.259 Far be it from him not to. 00:05:18.420 --> 00:05:26.740 He's spurred on to preach the gospel, but he recognizes here and he exhorts us to recognize that God is in fact control. 00:05:26.860 --> 00:05:31.680 And the only thing that we can boast in is in Christ himself. 00:05:32.759 --> 00:05:38.339 2 Corinthians 12, verse 5, and then later in verse 9, Paul says, 00:05:38.339 --> 00:05:43.139 On my own behalf, I will not boast except of my weaknesses. 00:05:43.939 --> 00:05:50.079 Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 00:05:50.979 --> 00:05:54.259 And Galatians 6, 14, he says, and I hope you know this one, 00:05:54.459 --> 00:05:59.179 Far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:05:59.180 --> 00:06:04.100 So as Paul is carrying out this ministry, a uniquely called man, right? 00:06:04.180 --> 00:06:10.019 An apostle, an early saint, given the task of taking the gospel to the Gentiles, 00:06:10.400 --> 00:06:12.780 everyone but the Jews when you hear that term. 00:06:13.139 --> 00:06:14.360 A unique call. 00:06:14.819 --> 00:06:21.480 He recognized that ultimately it was God's work being accomplished, even as he carried it out. 00:06:21.980 --> 00:06:24.199 So Paul was humble in his ministry. 00:06:24.199 --> 00:06:31.899 Secondly, let's look at Paul's activity, the last half of 18 and through verse 19. 00:06:32.699 --> 00:06:36.839 He talks about bringing the Gentiles to obedience by word and deed, 00:06:37.039 --> 00:06:40.819 by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God. 00:06:41.459 --> 00:06:43.139 So that from Jerusalem, we get the extent there. 00:06:43.199 --> 00:06:46.519 So by the power of the Spirit of God. 00:06:46.819 --> 00:06:50.919 And I want to look at kind of three things about Paul's activity. 00:06:51.199 --> 00:06:54.099 Firstly, the centrality of the gospel. 00:06:54.199 --> 00:06:55.360 For Christian ministry. 00:06:55.979 --> 00:06:58.339 The centrality of the gospel for Christian ministry. 00:06:58.879 --> 00:07:03.459 Christian ministry includes things beyond just preaching the gospel. 00:07:03.839 --> 00:07:07.079 It includes efforts to relieve poverty. 00:07:07.339 --> 00:07:11.379 Last night, as Wes mentioned, we got together, had a banquet for the D'Alonica Care Center 00:07:11.379 --> 00:07:16.120 to raise money to fund the D'Alonica Care Center, which is about preventing abortion. 00:07:16.259 --> 00:07:17.399 That's Christian work. 00:07:17.480 --> 00:07:18.819 That's things that we should be about. 00:07:18.980 --> 00:07:22.899 We should be about feeding the poor, clothing the poor, bringing about justice. 00:07:22.899 --> 00:07:24.899 Those things are all important. 00:07:25.319 --> 00:07:29.079 But the gospel must be central. 00:07:29.399 --> 00:07:31.239 And we see that's the case here with Paul. 00:07:31.439 --> 00:07:33.919 Notice he says, word and deed. 00:07:34.399 --> 00:07:37.979 So Paul spoke and Paul acted. 00:07:38.099 --> 00:07:40.620 But the emphasis here is on word. 00:07:41.620 --> 00:07:43.099 Romans 10.17 says, 00:07:43.179 --> 00:07:47.019 So faith comes from hearing and hearing through the word of Christ. 00:07:47.139 --> 00:07:47.759 Paul knew this. 00:07:47.759 --> 00:07:49.560 He was fully aware of this. 00:07:50.180 --> 00:07:52.319 Verse 19b here in our text. 00:07:52.399 --> 00:07:54.920 It says, Paul states that he has fulfilled the ministry. 00:07:55.360 --> 00:07:56.659 Fulfilled the ministry of what? 00:07:57.240 --> 00:07:57.779 The gospel. 00:07:58.180 --> 00:07:59.560 The good news of Christ. 00:07:59.659 --> 00:08:01.899 The very word of God. 00:08:02.719 --> 00:08:04.079 The first half of verse 20. 00:08:04.539 --> 00:08:06.240 Paul's ambition is to do what? 00:08:06.360 --> 00:08:07.259 To preach. 00:08:07.920 --> 00:08:08.439 Word. 00:08:08.620 --> 00:08:09.860 Preach the gospel. 00:08:09.860 --> 00:08:11.620 Verse 21. 00:08:11.879 --> 00:08:12.900 Paul quotes from Isaiah. 00:08:13.180 --> 00:08:15.480 That those who haven't been told will be told. 00:08:16.040 --> 00:08:18.680 And those who haven't heard will hear. 00:08:19.420 --> 00:08:22.100 So again, there's an emphasis here on the word. 00:08:22.639 --> 00:08:26.080 The central part of Paul's ministry was word. 00:08:26.199 --> 00:08:28.639 To speak the gospel. 00:08:30.319 --> 00:08:32.240 But there's a supporting role of deed, right? 00:08:32.279 --> 00:08:35.279 So he says, in word and deed. 00:08:35.279 --> 00:08:37.659 And that was accompanied. 00:08:37.860 --> 00:08:39.919 The word that he brought was accompanied by miracles. 00:08:40.120 --> 00:08:40.879 By signs. 00:08:41.139 --> 00:08:42.799 We see that to be the case in Jesus' ministry. 00:08:43.199 --> 00:08:46.299 Jesus' deity was confirmed by miracles. 00:08:47.019 --> 00:08:49.100 Jesus first comes on the scene. 00:08:49.500 --> 00:08:50.620 His ministry begins. 00:08:50.980 --> 00:08:51.740 And he does what? 00:08:51.779 --> 00:08:53.360 He turns water into wine. 00:08:53.939 --> 00:08:58.519 He makes himself known as part of the Godhead by performing miracles. 00:08:59.100 --> 00:09:00.679 We see this later to be true of the apostles. 00:09:01.059 --> 00:09:02.480 Mark 16.20. 00:09:02.679 --> 00:09:05.039 The apostles went out and preached everywhere. 00:09:05.279 --> 00:09:06.740 While the Lord worked with them. 00:09:06.819 --> 00:09:08.019 And confirmed the message. 00:09:08.240 --> 00:09:10.319 By accompanying signs. 00:09:11.519 --> 00:09:12.459 So the question. 00:09:13.199 --> 00:09:14.519 For us today is. 00:09:14.959 --> 00:09:18.799 Do miraculous confirmations of ministry exist today? 00:09:19.799 --> 00:09:22.360 Is it possible that ministry is confirmed? 00:09:22.360 --> 00:09:24.139 That the messenger of God. 00:09:24.480 --> 00:09:26.000 Is shown to be the messenger of God. 00:09:26.419 --> 00:09:28.439 By miraculous acts. 00:09:29.100 --> 00:09:30.659 I'd say to you yes. 00:09:31.720 --> 00:09:32.919 But then here's my opinion. 00:09:33.120 --> 00:09:34.839 But not of the same degree. 00:09:35.279 --> 00:09:40.299 Believe that the early church days was a special time in Christian history. 00:09:40.519 --> 00:09:44.039 When God poured out lots of miraculous acts. 00:09:44.039 --> 00:09:49.679 In order to see the spread of Christianity go fast and wild the way it did. 00:09:49.679 --> 00:09:53.059 We now have the record of such things. 00:09:53.359 --> 00:09:55.919 We have a record that bears evidence of that. 00:09:55.979 --> 00:09:57.599 I do still think it happens around the world. 00:09:57.679 --> 00:10:03.099 Although I've never personally been involved in a miraculous act to confirm my ministry. 00:10:03.239 --> 00:10:04.339 I do believe that it happens. 00:10:04.500 --> 00:10:06.779 But I just believe that it happens in a different degree. 00:10:07.199 --> 00:10:07.679 For example. 00:10:07.779 --> 00:10:09.439 First Corinthians 12.8 and 10. 00:10:09.500 --> 00:10:12.159 We see miraculous gifts given to the church. 00:10:12.219 --> 00:10:13.059 Not just the apostles. 00:10:13.179 --> 00:10:13.299 Right? 00:10:13.339 --> 00:10:13.919 Given to the church. 00:10:13.919 --> 00:10:16.179 And that still exists today. 00:10:16.399 --> 00:10:19.459 So take that how you'd like. 00:10:20.159 --> 00:10:21.839 Whatever you want to do with that information. 00:10:22.719 --> 00:10:23.079 Yes. 00:10:23.179 --> 00:10:29.259 But we notice here that there's the emphasis on the word that is supported by deed. 00:10:29.379 --> 00:10:30.620 By these miraculous signs. 00:10:30.779 --> 00:10:34.819 Which are carried out by the power of the Spirit of God. 00:10:34.820 --> 00:10:37.280 And then I want you to note too. 00:10:37.379 --> 00:10:38.660 As we talk about Paul's activity. 00:10:39.180 --> 00:10:42.060 The extent of his nature. 00:10:42.400 --> 00:10:44.800 The extent of his ministry. 00:10:45.160 --> 00:10:45.260 Right? 00:10:45.920 --> 00:10:48.660 Firstly that it was thorough in nature. 00:10:49.700 --> 00:10:50.740 In verse 19 he says. 00:10:51.080 --> 00:10:54.680 I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ. 00:10:55.360 --> 00:10:57.280 As he talks about these regions that he's gone to. 00:10:57.420 --> 00:11:02.380 Has Paul brought every person who lives in this entire region. 00:11:02.380 --> 00:11:04.400 That he's traveled to faith in Christ? 00:11:04.399 --> 00:11:04.879 No. 00:11:05.459 --> 00:11:07.039 We know that's not the case. 00:11:07.159 --> 00:11:07.399 That's not what. 00:11:07.480 --> 00:11:08.419 So what does he mean when he says. 00:11:08.699 --> 00:11:11.659 I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ. 00:11:11.759 --> 00:11:13.899 And I believe what he's saying is that. 00:11:14.240 --> 00:11:18.639 He has faithfully ministered in every place to which the Lord sent him. 00:11:19.819 --> 00:11:21.459 Everywhere to this date. 00:11:22.240 --> 00:11:23.480 When he was writing this. 00:11:23.819 --> 00:11:26.100 He had gone faithfully and served. 00:11:26.259 --> 00:11:30.120 He had done exactly what God had asked him to do. 00:11:30.120 --> 00:11:31.360 And in that way. 00:11:31.360 --> 00:11:35.080 He had fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ. 00:11:36.279 --> 00:11:39.019 Paul was not deterred by anything. 00:11:39.539 --> 00:11:40.919 Put yourself in Paul's shoes. 00:11:41.179 --> 00:11:46.139 Being led around a range of about 1400 miles at this point. 00:11:46.379 --> 00:11:47.019 That he had traveled. 00:11:47.480 --> 00:11:50.279 Three different trips that he's gone on so far. 00:11:51.460 --> 00:11:53.539 And note 2 Corinthians chapter 11. 00:11:53.980 --> 00:11:54.879 Verse 23 to 20. 00:11:54.960 --> 00:11:56.840 Listen to the things that Paul's experiencing. 00:11:56.980 --> 00:11:57.860 None of these things deterred him. 00:11:57.860 --> 00:12:00.820 He had gone and been obedient to all that God had asked of him. 00:12:01.580 --> 00:12:02.960 In light of all this. 00:12:03.379 --> 00:12:03.580 It says. 00:12:04.120 --> 00:12:04.840 Far greater labors. 00:12:05.159 --> 00:12:06.139 Far more imprisonments. 00:12:06.620 --> 00:12:07.940 With countless beatings. 00:12:07.980 --> 00:12:09.060 And often near death. 00:12:09.539 --> 00:12:12.279 Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the 40 lashes. 00:12:12.419 --> 00:12:13.000 Less one. 00:12:13.519 --> 00:12:14.180 39 lashes. 00:12:14.320 --> 00:12:16.340 Three times I was beaten with rods. 00:12:16.720 --> 00:12:18.259 Once I was stoned. 00:12:18.700 --> 00:12:19.919 Three times I was shipwrecked. 00:12:19.960 --> 00:12:21.800 A night and a day I was adrift at sea. 00:12:22.039 --> 00:12:23.000 On frequent journeys. 00:12:23.139 --> 00:12:24.060 In danger from raiders. 00:12:24.259 --> 00:12:25.080 Danger from robbers. 00:12:25.420 --> 00:12:26.600 Danger from my own people. 00:12:26.940 --> 00:12:27.840 Danger from Gentiles. 00:12:27.960 --> 00:12:28.700 Danger in the city. 00:12:28.920 --> 00:12:29.639 Danger in the wilderness. 00:12:30.100 --> 00:12:30.820 Danger at sea. 00:12:31.180 --> 00:12:32.240 Danger from false brothers. 00:12:32.399 --> 00:12:33.360 In toil and hardship. 00:12:33.680 --> 00:12:34.860 Through many a sleepless night. 00:12:34.960 --> 00:12:35.940 In hunger and thirst. 00:12:36.259 --> 00:12:37.220 Often without food. 00:12:37.340 --> 00:12:38.680 In cold and exposure. 00:12:40.120 --> 00:12:41.240 Paul's life. 00:12:41.759 --> 00:12:42.840 Since he met Christ. 00:12:43.800 --> 00:12:45.259 Traveling and preaching the gospel. 00:12:45.480 --> 00:12:46.240 To these places. 00:12:46.399 --> 00:12:48.440 Where people hadn't yet heard the gospel. 00:12:48.440 --> 00:12:49.680 And I think most of us. 00:12:49.759 --> 00:12:51.480 If we picked any one of these things. 00:12:51.639 --> 00:12:53.440 We would have taken a long sabbatical. 00:12:54.500 --> 00:12:54.780 After that. 00:12:54.779 --> 00:12:55.179 Right. 00:12:56.459 --> 00:12:56.779 Stoned. 00:12:56.899 --> 00:12:57.059 I mean. 00:12:57.159 --> 00:12:58.980 He was intended to be killed. 00:12:59.100 --> 00:13:00.259 Like they thought he was dead. 00:13:00.259 --> 00:13:01.539 When they stopped throwing stones at him. 00:13:01.799 --> 00:13:02.939 And yet he lived. 00:13:03.159 --> 00:13:03.259 Right. 00:13:03.779 --> 00:13:05.019 A day and a half. 00:13:05.299 --> 00:13:05.919 Adrift at sea. 00:13:06.019 --> 00:13:06.139 Oh. 00:13:06.199 --> 00:13:06.740 A night and a day. 00:13:06.799 --> 00:13:07.159 Excuse me. 00:13:07.199 --> 00:13:07.519 That's like. 00:13:07.919 --> 00:13:08.699 That's a full day. 00:13:08.879 --> 00:13:09.100 Right. 00:13:09.819 --> 00:13:10.959 Adrift at sea. 00:13:11.679 --> 00:13:13.539 I'm taking a vacation after that. 00:13:13.539 --> 00:13:14.099 But God. 00:13:14.959 --> 00:13:17.459 Moved in him to faithfully serve. 00:13:18.179 --> 00:13:20.059 So the extent of his ministry was. 00:13:20.199 --> 00:13:21.259 Was thorough. 00:13:21.860 --> 00:13:23.259 In nature. 00:13:24.459 --> 00:13:26.199 It was also expansive. 00:13:26.919 --> 00:13:28.079 I mentioned a minute ago. 00:13:28.599 --> 00:13:30.319 Fourteen hundred miles. 00:13:30.419 --> 00:13:30.860 He had traveled. 00:13:30.860 --> 00:13:31.579 So far. 00:13:31.899 --> 00:13:32.539 From Jerusalem. 00:13:33.199 --> 00:13:34.059 In the west. 00:13:34.500 --> 00:13:34.699 Till. 00:13:36.379 --> 00:13:36.819 Illichorum. 00:13:36.919 --> 00:13:38.319 I've been practicing this all morning. 00:13:39.480 --> 00:13:40.240 You get it. 00:13:40.259 --> 00:13:40.459 Right. 00:13:40.799 --> 00:13:41.419 You can read it. 00:13:41.819 --> 00:13:42.219 Okay. 00:13:42.220 --> 00:13:42.519 Okay. 00:13:42.720 --> 00:13:43.259 Which is. 00:13:43.500 --> 00:13:44.500 Near Macedonia. 00:13:44.960 --> 00:13:46.720 This is the only place that is mentioned in the scriptures. 00:13:46.840 --> 00:13:47.620 Not mentioned in Acts. 00:13:47.639 --> 00:13:48.279 That he traveled there. 00:13:48.480 --> 00:13:49.340 But it's near Macedonia. 00:13:49.460 --> 00:13:50.019 So it's. 00:13:50.460 --> 00:13:51.940 Supposed that he went on over. 00:13:52.040 --> 00:13:52.700 A little bit further. 00:13:52.820 --> 00:13:54.040 He pressed a little bit further. 00:13:54.340 --> 00:13:54.779 West. 00:13:55.060 --> 00:13:55.720 To this town. 00:13:56.540 --> 00:13:57.379 It's modern day. 00:13:57.779 --> 00:13:58.220 Slovenia. 00:13:58.379 --> 00:13:59.920 If you are a geography buff. 00:14:00.899 --> 00:14:01.940 Formerly Yugoslavia. 00:14:02.440 --> 00:14:03.040 You know that area. 00:14:03.620 --> 00:14:04.620 Just to the. 00:14:04.840 --> 00:14:05.720 East of. 00:14:05.940 --> 00:14:06.180 Italy. 00:14:06.800 --> 00:14:06.899 Right. 00:14:06.899 --> 00:14:08.600 And what he was trying to communicate to them. 00:14:08.800 --> 00:14:09.240 Was that. 00:14:09.720 --> 00:14:10.879 He had traveled to the. 00:14:11.160 --> 00:14:11.860 Far end. 00:14:11.860 --> 00:14:12.919 Of the Roman Empire. 00:14:13.340 --> 00:14:14.240 To the eastern side. 00:14:14.639 --> 00:14:15.620 And that he had come now. 00:14:15.720 --> 00:14:16.019 To the. 00:14:16.419 --> 00:14:17.860 Remote part of what was considered. 00:14:18.019 --> 00:14:19.139 The eastern part of the. 00:14:19.419 --> 00:14:19.960 Roman Empire. 00:14:20.200 --> 00:14:20.639 And he was. 00:14:20.759 --> 00:14:21.300 On his way. 00:14:21.379 --> 00:14:22.159 Remember when he's writing this. 00:14:22.200 --> 00:14:23.600 He's hoping to come to Rome. 00:14:23.899 --> 00:14:25.080 And go on from there. 00:14:25.480 --> 00:14:25.879 To Spain. 00:14:25.960 --> 00:14:26.680 This is his goal. 00:14:27.180 --> 00:14:28.659 We believe he did go to Spain. 00:14:28.779 --> 00:14:29.980 There's a good chance he made it. 00:14:30.200 --> 00:14:31.100 To Great Britain. 00:14:31.240 --> 00:14:31.680 As well. 00:14:32.080 --> 00:14:32.460 As he. 00:14:32.600 --> 00:14:33.180 As he traveled. 00:14:33.300 --> 00:14:33.460 But. 00:14:33.600 --> 00:14:34.860 We know from the record here. 00:14:35.039 --> 00:14:35.960 This is where he's gone. 00:14:36.100 --> 00:14:36.600 So far. 00:14:36.659 --> 00:14:37.159 And so what he's. 00:14:37.379 --> 00:14:37.700 Saying. 00:14:37.860 --> 00:14:38.680 To the Roman believers. 00:14:38.679 --> 00:14:39.939 Is I have covered. 00:14:39.939 --> 00:14:40.939 The territory. 00:14:41.599 --> 00:14:43.239 That I've been given to cover. 00:14:43.779 --> 00:14:44.579 Until I come. 00:14:45.059 --> 00:14:45.399 To you. 00:14:45.539 --> 00:14:45.679 Right. 00:14:45.699 --> 00:14:46.879 I'm coming that next step. 00:14:47.000 --> 00:14:48.259 I'm going further beyond. 00:14:48.459 --> 00:14:48.939 I'm going to go. 00:14:49.459 --> 00:14:50.179 On beyond. 00:14:50.299 --> 00:14:50.939 Where I've gone. 00:14:51.339 --> 00:14:51.899 So far. 00:14:53.339 --> 00:14:53.899 It was. 00:14:54.059 --> 00:14:55.359 This type of ministry. 00:14:55.519 --> 00:14:56.500 This type of life. 00:14:56.620 --> 00:14:56.779 This. 00:14:57.019 --> 00:14:57.299 This. 00:14:57.839 --> 00:14:58.279 Thoroughness. 00:14:58.419 --> 00:14:58.739 And this. 00:14:59.459 --> 00:14:59.979 Expansive. 00:15:00.339 --> 00:15:00.620 Nature. 00:15:01.159 --> 00:15:02.459 That allowed Paul to say. 00:15:02.559 --> 00:15:03.019 To Timothy. 00:15:03.019 --> 00:15:04.779 As he was close to the end of his life. 00:15:05.059 --> 00:15:05.459 Second. 00:15:05.460 --> 00:15:05.560 Second. 00:15:05.660 --> 00:15:05.860 Timothy. 00:15:05.980 --> 00:15:06.180 Four. 00:15:06.259 --> 00:15:06.500 Seven. 00:15:06.920 --> 00:15:08.200 I have fought the good fight. 00:15:08.639 --> 00:15:09.900 I have finished the race. 00:15:10.600 --> 00:15:11.680 I have kept the faith. 00:15:14.000 --> 00:15:14.440 Now. 00:15:14.759 --> 00:15:15.600 For us. 00:15:15.740 --> 00:15:16.780 We may not be called. 00:15:16.900 --> 00:15:17.960 To cover an expanse of. 00:15:18.120 --> 00:15:19.120 Fourteen hundred miles. 00:15:19.840 --> 00:15:20.580 And beyond. 00:15:20.759 --> 00:15:21.480 As we believe. 00:15:21.560 --> 00:15:21.820 Paul did. 00:15:21.900 --> 00:15:22.639 That may not be. 00:15:22.740 --> 00:15:23.879 What God intends for you. 00:15:23.940 --> 00:15:25.000 But we are all called. 00:15:25.300 --> 00:15:25.740 To be. 00:15:26.120 --> 00:15:26.480 Ministers. 00:15:26.879 --> 00:15:27.480 Of the gospel. 00:15:27.740 --> 00:15:28.100 Of God. 00:15:28.379 --> 00:15:29.420 Every one of us. 00:15:30.560 --> 00:15:31.400 I stand here. 00:15:31.440 --> 00:15:32.000 As a pastor. 00:15:33.180 --> 00:15:33.580 I'm. 00:15:33.580 --> 00:15:33.620 I'm. 00:15:33.740 --> 00:15:34.460 Given the task. 00:15:34.500 --> 00:15:35.440 Of doing this very thing. 00:15:35.440 --> 00:15:36.320 But my role. 00:15:36.500 --> 00:15:37.400 Is no different. 00:15:37.720 --> 00:15:38.280 Than yours. 00:15:38.640 --> 00:15:39.320 When it comes to. 00:15:39.640 --> 00:15:40.400 Ministering the gospel. 00:15:40.540 --> 00:15:41.300 To those people. 00:15:41.680 --> 00:15:42.220 That I influence. 00:15:42.340 --> 00:15:43.000 We all. 00:15:43.320 --> 00:15:44.260 Have our spheres. 00:15:44.460 --> 00:15:45.080 Our neighborhoods. 00:15:45.340 --> 00:15:46.140 Our classrooms. 00:15:46.980 --> 00:15:48.120 Places that we live. 00:15:48.540 --> 00:15:48.640 Right. 00:15:49.080 --> 00:15:49.940 Places of work. 00:15:50.020 --> 00:15:50.720 We all have. 00:15:50.960 --> 00:15:51.720 People that we influence. 00:15:51.960 --> 00:15:52.700 We all have. 00:15:52.960 --> 00:15:53.400 Particular. 00:15:53.820 --> 00:15:54.160 Things. 00:15:54.440 --> 00:15:54.800 Set out for us. 00:15:54.820 --> 00:15:55.300 For Paul. 00:15:55.520 --> 00:15:56.260 They were cities. 00:15:57.620 --> 00:15:58.320 For you. 00:15:58.360 --> 00:15:59.320 It might be a hall. 00:15:59.500 --> 00:16:00.520 On your college campus. 00:16:01.760 --> 00:16:03.240 Recognize that we are all called. 00:16:03.400 --> 00:16:04.220 To serve in this way. 00:16:04.220 --> 00:16:05.000 And it is. 00:16:05.279 --> 00:16:06.360 A desperate prayer. 00:16:06.360 --> 00:16:06.879 Of mine. 00:16:07.000 --> 00:16:07.779 For those who come. 00:16:07.960 --> 00:16:08.460 To this building. 00:16:08.540 --> 00:16:09.180 On Sunday mornings. 00:16:09.540 --> 00:16:10.480 That at the end of our lives. 00:16:10.540 --> 00:16:11.200 We will be able to say. 00:16:11.320 --> 00:16:12.220 I have fought the good fight. 00:16:12.420 --> 00:16:13.620 I have finished the race. 00:16:13.779 --> 00:16:14.500 I have kept. 00:16:15.220 --> 00:16:15.540 The faith. 00:16:17.000 --> 00:16:18.200 So beyond this. 00:16:18.440 --> 00:16:18.600 Right. 00:16:18.639 --> 00:16:19.200 So here Paul. 00:16:19.660 --> 00:16:19.899 Sits. 00:16:20.259 --> 00:16:20.519 Writing. 00:16:20.879 --> 00:16:21.399 This letter. 00:16:21.720 --> 00:16:22.420 Beyond this though. 00:16:22.480 --> 00:16:23.379 We see his. 00:16:23.940 --> 00:16:24.340 Ambition. 00:16:24.700 --> 00:16:25.220 Verse 20. 00:16:26.100 --> 00:16:26.700 And 21. 00:16:26.700 --> 00:16:31.080 He says. 00:16:31.080 --> 00:16:32.420 And thus I make it my ambition. 00:16:32.420 --> 00:16:33.420 To preach the gospel. 00:16:33.920 --> 00:16:35.600 Not where Christ has already been named. 00:16:35.960 --> 00:16:37.360 Lest I build on someone else's foundation. 00:16:37.460 --> 00:16:38.100 But as it is written. 00:16:38.220 --> 00:16:39.900 Those who have not been told of him will see. 00:16:40.040 --> 00:16:41.440 And those who have never heard of him. 00:16:42.160 --> 00:16:43.020 Will understand. 00:16:43.860 --> 00:16:44.180 Now. 00:16:44.360 --> 00:16:45.320 Hear me very clearly. 00:16:45.740 --> 00:16:47.140 It is not wrong. 00:16:47.540 --> 00:16:48.860 To build on another's foundation. 00:16:49.740 --> 00:16:50.680 It's not wrong. 00:16:50.840 --> 00:16:52.160 To build on another's foundation. 00:16:52.480 --> 00:16:52.620 Right. 00:16:52.620 --> 00:16:55.600 That process is part of God's plan. 00:16:55.860 --> 00:16:56.899 To establish. 00:16:57.299 --> 00:16:57.919 And maintain. 00:16:58.179 --> 00:16:58.720 His church. 00:16:59.580 --> 00:16:59.659 Right. 00:16:59.899 --> 00:17:00.980 The work of ministry. 00:17:00.980 --> 00:17:02.120 Must go on. 00:17:02.220 --> 00:17:02.720 Beyond. 00:17:03.220 --> 00:17:04.380 The apostolic call. 00:17:04.480 --> 00:17:06.000 To plant new things. 00:17:06.119 --> 00:17:06.240 Right. 00:17:06.259 --> 00:17:07.880 People have to maintain those things. 00:17:08.019 --> 00:17:08.700 For the health. 00:17:08.940 --> 00:17:10.039 Of God's kingdom. 00:17:10.180 --> 00:17:11.000 It's part of the plan. 00:17:11.059 --> 00:17:11.720 First Corinthians 3. 00:17:11.740 --> 00:17:12.119 6. 00:17:12.380 --> 00:17:12.759 Paul says. 00:17:12.859 --> 00:17:13.400 I planted. 00:17:13.779 --> 00:17:14.519 Apollos water. 00:17:14.759 --> 00:17:15.660 But God gave the growth. 00:17:15.720 --> 00:17:16.440 And so here we see. 00:17:16.579 --> 00:17:17.079 Apollos. 00:17:17.200 --> 00:17:18.859 Building on Paul's. 00:17:19.359 --> 00:17:19.799 Foundation. 00:17:20.380 --> 00:17:20.539 Right. 00:17:20.539 --> 00:17:20.759 So. 00:17:20.900 --> 00:17:22.460 It's not wrong. 00:17:22.619 --> 00:17:23.359 To do this. 00:17:23.459 --> 00:17:23.739 But as. 00:17:24.159 --> 00:17:24.439 Paul. 00:17:24.739 --> 00:17:25.479 Very wisely. 00:17:25.639 --> 00:17:26.859 As he's carried along by the spirit. 00:17:27.019 --> 00:17:27.299 Quotes. 00:17:27.619 --> 00:17:28.179 From Isaiah. 00:17:28.539 --> 00:17:28.979 52. 00:17:29.439 --> 00:17:29.899 15. 00:17:30.939 --> 00:17:32.419 He recognizes that God. 00:17:32.579 --> 00:17:33.639 Has a global purpose. 00:17:33.719 --> 00:17:34.199 For his glory. 00:17:34.319 --> 00:17:35.839 He wants his praises to be sung. 00:17:36.079 --> 00:17:36.579 Amongst. 00:17:36.779 --> 00:17:37.259 The nations. 00:17:37.399 --> 00:17:38.459 And as such. 00:17:39.539 --> 00:17:41.459 Someone needs to carry the gospel. 00:17:41.779 --> 00:17:42.679 To those peoples. 00:17:43.359 --> 00:17:44.879 Those peoples who have not heard. 00:17:45.179 --> 00:17:45.500 Therefore. 00:17:46.219 --> 00:17:46.859 They cannot. 00:17:47.979 --> 00:17:48.459 Understand. 00:17:49.500 --> 00:17:50.359 Romans chapter 10. 00:17:50.739 --> 00:17:51.439 Verse 12 and 15. 00:17:51.439 --> 00:17:52.419 I keep reminding you guys. 00:17:52.420 --> 00:17:53.460 That this would have been read. 00:17:53.580 --> 00:17:54.060 In a sitting. 00:17:54.340 --> 00:17:54.420 Right. 00:17:54.440 --> 00:17:55.320 It would take about an hour. 00:17:55.860 --> 00:17:56.420 To hear this. 00:17:56.480 --> 00:17:57.420 It would have been an hour long sermon. 00:17:57.560 --> 00:17:57.680 Right. 00:17:57.720 --> 00:17:58.320 So people have this. 00:17:58.660 --> 00:17:59.340 Fresh in their minds. 00:17:59.440 --> 00:18:00.220 Romans chapter 10. 00:18:00.580 --> 00:18:02.160 Verse 12 through 15. 00:18:02.960 --> 00:18:03.640 Paul has said. 00:18:03.900 --> 00:18:04.700 For there is no distinction. 00:18:04.700 --> 00:18:05.600 Between Jew and Greek. 00:18:05.840 --> 00:18:07.140 For the same Lord is Lord of all. 00:18:07.240 --> 00:18:08.500 Bestowing his riches on all. 00:18:08.759 --> 00:18:09.560 Who call on him. 00:18:09.620 --> 00:18:11.720 There's the global purpose. 00:18:12.060 --> 00:18:13.019 For everyone who calls. 00:18:13.080 --> 00:18:13.860 On the name of the Lord. 00:18:14.120 --> 00:18:15.860 Will be saved. 00:18:16.480 --> 00:18:17.940 How then will they call on him. 00:18:17.980 --> 00:18:18.920 In whom they have not. 00:18:19.539 --> 00:18:20.100 Believed. 00:18:20.099 --> 00:18:21.559 And how are they to believe in him. 00:18:21.639 --> 00:18:23.059 And whom they have never heard. 00:18:23.539 --> 00:18:24.500 And how are they to hear. 00:18:24.639 --> 00:18:25.959 Without someone preaching. 00:18:26.379 --> 00:18:27.359 And how are they to preach. 00:18:27.459 --> 00:18:28.299 Unless they are sent. 00:18:28.379 --> 00:18:29.039 As it is written. 00:18:29.319 --> 00:18:30.759 How beautiful are the feet. 00:18:31.059 --> 00:18:31.959 Of those who preach. 00:18:32.299 --> 00:18:33.019 The good news. 00:18:34.299 --> 00:18:35.459 Paul recognized. 00:18:35.939 --> 00:18:36.299 Fully. 00:18:36.939 --> 00:18:37.079 Right. 00:18:37.259 --> 00:18:38.779 That in God's intention. 00:18:38.779 --> 00:18:39.819 To save. 00:18:39.939 --> 00:18:40.779 The nations. 00:18:41.819 --> 00:18:43.279 He employs the gospel. 00:18:43.419 --> 00:18:44.119 As the means. 00:18:44.740 --> 00:18:44.919 Right. 00:18:45.139 --> 00:18:46.399 People must hear. 00:18:46.559 --> 00:18:47.279 In order to. 00:18:47.679 --> 00:18:48.039 Believe. 00:18:48.039 --> 00:18:49.000 And so he knew. 00:18:49.519 --> 00:18:50.639 For God's glory. 00:18:51.059 --> 00:18:52.420 To advance across the earth. 00:18:52.720 --> 00:18:54.139 People needed to be. 00:18:54.799 --> 00:18:55.200 Sent. 00:18:55.940 --> 00:18:56.599 They needed to. 00:18:57.039 --> 00:18:57.339 Go. 00:18:58.079 --> 00:18:58.639 And I think. 00:18:58.759 --> 00:18:59.319 I hear. 00:18:59.980 --> 00:19:01.119 The heart behind. 00:19:01.339 --> 00:19:01.759 The statements. 00:19:01.839 --> 00:19:02.440 We hear often. 00:19:02.779 --> 00:19:02.940 You're. 00:19:03.039 --> 00:19:04.099 You're either going to be a. 00:19:04.799 --> 00:19:05.240 Goer. 00:19:05.299 --> 00:19:05.920 Or a sender. 00:19:06.059 --> 00:19:06.619 You heard that. 00:19:07.440 --> 00:19:08.139 And I think what that does. 00:19:08.180 --> 00:19:08.720 For a lot of people. 00:19:08.879 --> 00:19:09.039 Is it. 00:19:09.200 --> 00:19:09.519 Is it. 00:19:09.619 --> 00:19:10.700 It makes it comfortable. 00:19:10.700 --> 00:19:12.059 To sit in church gatherings. 00:19:12.779 --> 00:19:13.000 Right. 00:19:13.000 --> 00:19:13.720 To show up. 00:19:14.000 --> 00:19:14.619 Sit down. 00:19:14.920 --> 00:19:15.659 Listen to the sermons. 00:19:15.799 --> 00:19:16.440 Sing the songs. 00:19:16.700 --> 00:19:17.500 Give a little money. 00:19:18.140 --> 00:19:18.339 When. 00:19:19.200 --> 00:19:20.019 The offering. 00:19:20.119 --> 00:19:20.559 Comes around. 00:19:20.680 --> 00:19:21.680 For mission work. 00:19:21.859 --> 00:19:22.200 And say. 00:19:22.880 --> 00:19:23.079 Right. 00:19:23.240 --> 00:19:24.140 Played my part. 00:19:24.279 --> 00:19:25.579 In the global purposes. 00:19:25.759 --> 00:19:26.099 Of God. 00:19:26.140 --> 00:19:26.880 And we should be doing. 00:19:26.880 --> 00:19:27.400 Those things. 00:19:27.660 --> 00:19:27.819 Right. 00:19:28.000 --> 00:19:29.059 Not all of us are called. 00:19:29.259 --> 00:19:29.940 As I've said before. 00:19:29.980 --> 00:19:30.799 Not all of us are called. 00:19:30.799 --> 00:19:31.640 To go to the. 00:19:31.960 --> 00:19:32.900 Unreached people groups. 00:19:33.619 --> 00:19:33.740 Right. 00:19:34.000 --> 00:19:35.259 Some of us in this room are. 00:19:35.460 --> 00:19:36.519 I know some of you. 00:19:36.559 --> 00:19:37.880 And I know that you're intended to go. 00:19:38.099 --> 00:19:39.079 You've stated that to me. 00:19:39.119 --> 00:19:39.519 Some of you. 00:19:39.680 --> 00:19:40.000 Are. 00:19:40.099 --> 00:19:41.140 And you don't know it yet. 00:19:41.220 --> 00:19:42.440 And that's going to happen in your life. 00:19:42.519 --> 00:19:43.079 God's going to. 00:19:43.180 --> 00:19:43.740 Shake you up. 00:19:43.779 --> 00:19:44.599 And send you to a people. 00:19:44.839 --> 00:19:46.160 That you've never heard of. 00:19:46.180 --> 00:19:47.019 And you don't understand. 00:19:47.019 --> 00:19:47.920 How to speak their language. 00:19:47.920 --> 00:19:48.819 And you're totally foreign. 00:19:48.879 --> 00:19:49.379 To their culture. 00:19:49.720 --> 00:19:50.259 And he's going to. 00:19:50.299 --> 00:19:50.859 Send you there. 00:19:50.879 --> 00:19:51.500 And equip you. 00:19:51.639 --> 00:19:52.359 To carry the gospel. 00:19:52.359 --> 00:19:53.079 To that place. 00:19:53.319 --> 00:19:54.319 So there's certainly people. 00:19:54.319 --> 00:19:55.420 Who are going to stay here. 00:19:55.539 --> 00:19:56.579 And we need to support you. 00:19:56.579 --> 00:19:57.980 And we need to financially support you. 00:19:58.099 --> 00:19:59.119 And prayerfully support you. 00:19:59.139 --> 00:19:59.839 And do all those things. 00:19:59.960 --> 00:20:00.900 But I just want you to hear. 00:20:01.039 --> 00:20:01.740 So carefully. 00:20:01.940 --> 00:20:02.879 That we are all. 00:20:03.139 --> 00:20:04.200 Being sent. 00:20:05.379 --> 00:20:06.720 We all have. 00:20:06.799 --> 00:20:07.519 A mission field. 00:20:07.759 --> 00:20:08.220 In front of us. 00:20:08.319 --> 00:20:09.139 We are all. 00:20:09.839 --> 00:20:10.200 Missionaries. 00:20:10.579 --> 00:20:11.139 It's okay. 00:20:11.139 --> 00:20:12.079 That we've invented a term. 00:20:12.240 --> 00:20:13.379 For full time. 00:20:13.579 --> 00:20:13.940 Vocational. 00:20:14.099 --> 00:20:14.740 For missionaries. 00:20:15.099 --> 00:20:15.859 Totally acceptable. 00:20:15.980 --> 00:20:16.559 That we've done that. 00:20:16.559 --> 00:20:17.119 But it's. 00:20:17.259 --> 00:20:18.740 Recognize that it's caused our minds. 00:20:18.740 --> 00:20:19.419 To flip around. 00:20:19.679 --> 00:20:19.940 Right? 00:20:20.379 --> 00:20:21.319 I'm a pastor. 00:20:21.460 --> 00:20:22.500 Must be my job. 00:20:22.720 --> 00:20:24.119 To share the truth. 00:20:24.279 --> 00:20:24.879 With other people. 00:20:24.919 --> 00:20:25.119 Right? 00:20:25.500 --> 00:20:26.220 Not your job. 00:20:26.279 --> 00:20:27.500 I have a special task. 00:20:27.500 --> 00:20:28.200 Of doing that. 00:20:28.759 --> 00:20:29.179 No. 00:20:29.720 --> 00:20:29.879 Right? 00:20:30.599 --> 00:20:31.039 Missionaries. 00:20:31.099 --> 00:20:31.759 Are meant to go. 00:20:31.960 --> 00:20:32.740 And plant churches. 00:20:32.859 --> 00:20:33.500 And share the gospel. 00:20:33.659 --> 00:20:34.819 And advance the gospel places. 00:20:35.740 --> 00:20:37.139 Must be that that's not my responsibility. 00:20:37.299 --> 00:20:38.359 I can't call myself a missionary. 00:20:38.899 --> 00:20:39.299 No. 00:20:39.299 --> 00:20:39.379 No. 00:20:39.980 --> 00:20:41.539 A new term that's popping up here recently. 00:20:41.539 --> 00:20:42.879 Is the term church planter. 00:20:43.619 --> 00:20:43.759 Right? 00:20:43.819 --> 00:20:44.519 Have you heard that one? 00:20:44.859 --> 00:20:46.740 Someone will label themselves a church planter. 00:20:47.460 --> 00:20:49.960 Don't you have to be both a missionary and a pastor? 00:20:50.519 --> 00:20:53.099 And an evangelist if you're going to be a church planter? 00:20:53.240 --> 00:20:53.639 Yes. 00:20:53.799 --> 00:20:54.319 You do. 00:20:54.579 --> 00:20:54.839 Right? 00:20:54.839 --> 00:20:54.879 Right? 00:20:55.119 --> 00:20:56.459 So I like to just say. 00:20:56.839 --> 00:20:58.399 How about a disciple of Christ? 00:20:59.339 --> 00:21:00.199 We're all that. 00:21:00.279 --> 00:21:01.299 How about a believer? 00:21:02.220 --> 00:21:03.480 We're all of that. 00:21:03.759 --> 00:21:04.679 These things should be natural. 00:21:04.859 --> 00:21:05.799 In what we're doing. 00:21:06.419 --> 00:21:06.799 However. 00:21:08.079 --> 00:21:09.299 Some of you are in fact. 00:21:09.379 --> 00:21:09.899 Being called. 00:21:10.119 --> 00:21:10.939 And are going to be called. 00:21:11.099 --> 00:21:11.579 To go. 00:21:11.879 --> 00:21:12.699 To some of these. 00:21:13.019 --> 00:21:13.379 Unreached. 00:21:13.379 --> 00:21:14.579 These places where there is. 00:21:14.899 --> 00:21:15.099 No. 00:21:15.579 --> 00:21:15.939 Foundation. 00:21:16.939 --> 00:21:17.299 So. 00:21:17.480 --> 00:21:18.159 Here's a little bit of. 00:21:18.720 --> 00:21:19.879 Statistical information for you. 00:21:19.899 --> 00:21:20.799 You've heard this before. 00:21:20.899 --> 00:21:21.720 If you've been here long. 00:21:22.919 --> 00:21:24.039 Unreached people groups right now. 00:21:24.039 --> 00:21:25.119 Are fairly. 00:21:25.200 --> 00:21:26.200 In a fairly standard way. 00:21:26.259 --> 00:21:27.339 Being defined as. 00:21:27.519 --> 00:21:28.920 As groups of people. 00:21:29.119 --> 00:21:29.819 Who have. 00:21:30.819 --> 00:21:32.599 Less than 2% of the population. 00:21:32.960 --> 00:21:33.859 Claims to be Christian. 00:21:33.940 --> 00:21:35.460 And recognize that's by survey. 00:21:35.619 --> 00:21:36.279 People would just say. 00:21:36.639 --> 00:21:37.079 Yeah. 00:21:37.339 --> 00:21:37.799 I'm a Christian. 00:21:38.319 --> 00:21:39.279 We don't know if that's a. 00:21:39.399 --> 00:21:40.460 A legitimate number or not. 00:21:40.500 --> 00:21:41.980 But as a way of categorizing it. 00:21:41.980 --> 00:21:43.059 So currently in the world. 00:21:43.240 --> 00:21:45.019 There are 7,162. 00:21:45.220 --> 00:21:45.659 Unreached. 00:21:46.000 --> 00:21:46.319 People groups. 00:21:46.420 --> 00:21:48.019 That's about 4.2 billion people. 00:21:49.759 --> 00:21:50.680 It's a big number. 00:21:50.960 --> 00:21:51.259 Is it not? 00:21:52.220 --> 00:21:52.920 Of that. 00:21:52.920 --> 00:21:54.720 7,162. 00:21:55.320 --> 00:21:57.340 3,040 of those people groups. 00:21:57.440 --> 00:21:58.220 Are what they label. 00:21:59.160 --> 00:21:59.600 Unengaged. 00:22:01.039 --> 00:22:01.900 Which means there's. 00:22:02.220 --> 00:22:03.800 No Christians amongst the population. 00:22:04.279 --> 00:22:06.240 And there are no plans in place. 00:22:06.720 --> 00:22:08.080 To bring the gospel. 00:22:08.320 --> 00:22:08.840 To those places. 00:22:08.960 --> 00:22:09.480 I mean like. 00:22:10.539 --> 00:22:11.460 They're on the map. 00:22:11.640 --> 00:22:12.940 We know they exist. 00:22:13.000 --> 00:22:13.920 And that is the extent. 00:22:14.279 --> 00:22:14.920 Of our planning. 00:22:15.060 --> 00:22:15.519 For these people. 00:22:15.880 --> 00:22:16.380 Total is about. 00:22:16.460 --> 00:22:18.160 205 million people. 00:22:18.600 --> 00:22:19.300 And these statistics. 00:22:19.300 --> 00:22:20.080 Change all the time. 00:22:20.080 --> 00:22:21.240 And there's a lot of different sources on them. 00:22:21.240 --> 00:22:21.380 So. 00:22:21.839 --> 00:22:22.620 Just trying to give you the. 00:22:23.140 --> 00:22:23.900 The scope. 00:22:24.160 --> 00:22:24.960 Of what that looks like. 00:22:26.140 --> 00:22:26.460 Now. 00:22:27.200 --> 00:22:29.240 Your heart may immediately go to. 00:22:30.059 --> 00:22:31.420 205 million people. 00:22:32.160 --> 00:22:33.299 My heart breaks for them. 00:22:33.539 --> 00:22:35.359 I want people to have the life that I have in Christ. 00:22:35.440 --> 00:22:36.099 And that's a good thing. 00:22:36.140 --> 00:22:37.200 That's a good motivation to have. 00:22:37.220 --> 00:22:38.700 But I want you to have a higher motivation than that. 00:22:39.559 --> 00:22:41.059 I want you to see the heart of God. 00:22:41.160 --> 00:22:42.460 To make himself known. 00:22:42.640 --> 00:22:43.420 Amongst the nations. 00:22:43.740 --> 00:22:44.599 It's going to happen. 00:22:44.980 --> 00:22:45.099 Right. 00:22:45.099 --> 00:22:45.799 We see in Revelation. 00:22:45.799 --> 00:22:46.539 Around the throne. 00:22:46.539 --> 00:22:48.579 There's someone from every tribe. 00:22:48.799 --> 00:22:49.059 Nation. 00:22:49.259 --> 00:22:50.039 Sitting around the throne. 00:22:50.259 --> 00:22:50.799 Praising God. 00:22:50.839 --> 00:22:51.899 It is going to happen. 00:22:52.799 --> 00:22:54.000 We can be sure of that. 00:22:54.720 --> 00:22:55.839 God's global purpose. 00:22:55.960 --> 00:22:56.779 For his praise. 00:22:56.859 --> 00:22:58.559 Is what we really need to get wrapped up in. 00:22:59.139 --> 00:23:00.879 God deserves to be praised. 00:23:00.940 --> 00:23:01.500 Amongst the nations. 00:23:01.559 --> 00:23:02.159 Does he not? 00:23:02.659 --> 00:23:03.299 Our God. 00:23:03.359 --> 00:23:04.420 Who has done so much for us. 00:23:04.440 --> 00:23:05.180 Who has delivered us. 00:23:05.279 --> 00:23:06.920 From our sin and separation from him. 00:23:07.180 --> 00:23:08.299 Deserves to be praised. 00:23:08.460 --> 00:23:09.220 By all peoples. 00:23:09.819 --> 00:23:10.859 Wouldn't it bring you joy. 00:23:10.859 --> 00:23:11.379 To know. 00:23:11.379 --> 00:23:12.459 That someone. 00:23:12.919 --> 00:23:14.039 From every people group. 00:23:14.319 --> 00:23:15.079 In this world. 00:23:15.459 --> 00:23:16.539 Knew God. 00:23:16.659 --> 00:23:18.439 Had the revelation of him in Christ. 00:23:18.740 --> 00:23:19.579 And praised him for it. 00:23:20.519 --> 00:23:21.779 That gets me all excited. 00:23:22.079 --> 00:23:22.259 Right. 00:23:22.399 --> 00:23:23.939 Because I like praising God. 00:23:24.019 --> 00:23:25.579 I like heaping praises. 00:23:26.000 --> 00:23:26.659 On him. 00:23:28.099 --> 00:23:29.139 So we need to be. 00:23:29.219 --> 00:23:30.359 Aware of our neighbor. 00:23:31.019 --> 00:23:31.159 Right. 00:23:31.159 --> 00:23:33.099 We need to be aware of the people that we work with. 00:23:33.419 --> 00:23:34.439 We need to be aware of the. 00:23:35.059 --> 00:23:35.500 Unreached. 00:23:35.699 --> 00:23:36.699 But also. 00:23:37.539 --> 00:23:38.439 The unengaged. 00:23:39.139 --> 00:23:40.839 The people that there is no plan for. 00:23:41.299 --> 00:23:41.599 Yet. 00:23:42.099 --> 00:23:43.139 To carry the gospel to. 00:23:43.740 --> 00:23:45.279 I shared with you a couple of weeks ago. 00:23:45.919 --> 00:23:46.779 As we were in. 00:23:47.119 --> 00:23:47.979 Chapter 15. 00:23:48.799 --> 00:23:50.179 A people group I discovered. 00:23:50.339 --> 00:23:51.199 In the bathroom reader. 00:23:51.299 --> 00:23:52.740 Which is the weirdest place. 00:23:53.119 --> 00:23:53.199 Right. 00:23:53.240 --> 00:23:55.259 But God does things in weird ways. 00:23:55.539 --> 00:23:55.899 Sometimes. 00:23:56.839 --> 00:23:58.099 A group of people that they call. 00:23:58.219 --> 00:23:59.619 The North Sentinelese. 00:23:59.979 --> 00:24:00.679 They live on. 00:24:00.819 --> 00:24:01.659 North Sentinel Island. 00:24:01.799 --> 00:24:02.679 It's in the Bay of Bengal. 00:24:02.839 --> 00:24:04.119 Which is to the east of India. 00:24:04.479 --> 00:24:04.659 Okay. 00:24:04.659 --> 00:24:05.139 So if I could kind of. 00:24:05.299 --> 00:24:05.859 Wrap your mind. 00:24:06.179 --> 00:24:07.019 Into where that's at. 00:24:07.939 --> 00:24:08.719 It is a. 00:24:08.719 --> 00:24:09.799 A people group. 00:24:09.919 --> 00:24:10.559 That the only. 00:24:10.859 --> 00:24:11.619 Westerners. 00:24:11.619 --> 00:24:12.740 That have set foot on this island. 00:24:12.740 --> 00:24:13.659 Were killed. 00:24:13.819 --> 00:24:14.899 When they set foot on the beach. 00:24:15.240 --> 00:24:16.359 There were a lot of efforts. 00:24:16.359 --> 00:24:16.899 To try to. 00:24:17.259 --> 00:24:18.059 Connect with. 00:24:18.279 --> 00:24:18.959 The island. 00:24:19.319 --> 00:24:20.039 For a while. 00:24:20.119 --> 00:24:20.279 The. 00:24:20.479 --> 00:24:20.759 That's. 00:24:21.319 --> 00:24:22.379 Officially part of India. 00:24:22.719 --> 00:24:23.619 The Indian government. 00:24:23.619 --> 00:24:24.099 Would like. 00:24:24.339 --> 00:24:25.019 Drive boats. 00:24:25.139 --> 00:24:25.799 Into their harbor. 00:24:25.799 --> 00:24:27.259 And just throw things. 00:24:27.759 --> 00:24:28.559 Into the water. 00:24:28.759 --> 00:24:29.859 And they would shoot spear. 00:24:30.180 --> 00:24:30.759 Arrows at them. 00:24:30.799 --> 00:24:31.619 That had no tips on them. 00:24:31.659 --> 00:24:32.819 Just as a way of warning them away. 00:24:32.899 --> 00:24:33.519 And so they would leave. 00:24:33.839 --> 00:24:34.460 They finally decided. 00:24:34.539 --> 00:24:35.700 It was just a total waste of money. 00:24:35.960 --> 00:24:36.159 Why. 00:24:36.359 --> 00:24:37.619 Why are we trying to contact these people. 00:24:37.680 --> 00:24:39.019 That want nothing to do with us. 00:24:39.399 --> 00:24:40.419 And now they have a. 00:24:40.680 --> 00:24:41.940 An exclusion zone. 00:24:42.279 --> 00:24:42.519 Right. 00:24:42.599 --> 00:24:44.159 You cannot fly over the island. 00:24:44.399 --> 00:24:45.539 And you can't get near it. 00:24:45.599 --> 00:24:45.960 By boat. 00:24:45.960 --> 00:24:49.539 I like to think. 00:24:49.600 --> 00:24:50.740 I'm a pretty innovative person. 00:24:51.100 --> 00:24:52.440 So there's a little challenge here. 00:24:52.539 --> 00:24:53.140 In my mind. 00:24:53.220 --> 00:24:53.400 Right. 00:24:53.460 --> 00:24:53.680 I mean. 00:24:54.279 --> 00:24:55.259 I don't believe that. 00:24:55.360 --> 00:24:56.240 God has called me. 00:24:56.340 --> 00:24:57.500 To go to the North Sentinelese. 00:24:57.539 --> 00:24:58.259 At least not at this. 00:24:58.440 --> 00:24:59.259 Stage in my life. 00:25:00.559 --> 00:25:01.660 The chances are. 00:25:01.799 --> 00:25:02.000 If a. 00:25:02.000 --> 00:25:02.340 If a. 00:25:02.579 --> 00:25:03.920 Westerner stepped foot on that island. 00:25:04.059 --> 00:25:04.579 Pretty quickly. 00:25:04.660 --> 00:25:05.360 The entire island. 00:25:05.579 --> 00:25:07.019 Would die out from disease. 00:25:07.660 --> 00:25:08.799 You have to preach the gospel. 00:25:09.120 --> 00:25:09.980 Fast and furious. 00:25:10.660 --> 00:25:11.019 Right. 00:25:12.100 --> 00:25:12.559 You might. 00:25:12.779 --> 00:25:13.420 Maybe that's the way. 00:25:13.480 --> 00:25:13.819 You show up. 00:25:13.840 --> 00:25:14.140 And you say. 00:25:14.220 --> 00:25:14.880 You are going to die. 00:25:14.920 --> 00:25:15.600 In a couple of weeks. 00:25:15.599 --> 00:25:17.019 We need to talk about your soul. 00:25:19.399 --> 00:25:21.879 But I believe. 00:25:22.019 --> 00:25:22.819 I'm confident. 00:25:22.919 --> 00:25:23.759 In the promises of God. 00:25:23.939 --> 00:25:25.019 That he intends. 00:25:25.559 --> 00:25:26.419 To save. 00:25:26.519 --> 00:25:26.899 A number. 00:25:27.039 --> 00:25:27.679 From these people. 00:25:28.399 --> 00:25:28.519 Right. 00:25:28.559 --> 00:25:29.419 That the North Sentinelese. 00:25:29.519 --> 00:25:30.299 As a people group. 00:25:30.299 --> 00:25:30.980 As a group. 00:25:31.139 --> 00:25:32.419 That gather together. 00:25:32.579 --> 00:25:33.259 On this little island. 00:25:34.439 --> 00:25:35.000 Some of them. 00:25:35.099 --> 00:25:35.859 Are going to know Christ. 00:25:36.319 --> 00:25:36.679 Someday. 00:25:36.980 --> 00:25:37.480 I don't know. 00:25:37.579 --> 00:25:38.339 How that's going to happen. 00:25:38.919 --> 00:25:39.099 Right. 00:25:39.839 --> 00:25:40.059 My. 00:25:40.139 --> 00:25:40.619 The only thing. 00:25:40.679 --> 00:25:41.039 I can think. 00:25:41.099 --> 00:25:41.719 Is that some of them. 00:25:41.819 --> 00:25:42.959 Venture off the island. 00:25:43.980 --> 00:25:44.899 Gospels preach to them. 00:25:44.900 --> 00:25:45.640 And they take it back. 00:25:45.640 --> 00:25:46.220 To their people. 00:25:46.740 --> 00:25:47.580 But I don't know. 00:25:47.700 --> 00:25:47.960 How? 00:25:48.080 --> 00:25:48.860 I do not know. 00:25:50.840 --> 00:25:52.000 I want to commit our church. 00:25:52.000 --> 00:25:52.500 To pray. 00:25:52.620 --> 00:25:53.500 For the North Sentinelese. 00:25:53.540 --> 00:25:54.400 And we're going to do some things. 00:25:54.400 --> 00:25:56.660 To make you more aware of them. 00:25:56.780 --> 00:25:57.880 But we can at least. 00:25:57.880 --> 00:25:58.519 Do that. 00:25:58.600 --> 00:25:59.680 At very least. 00:25:59.680 --> 00:26:00.300 As a church. 00:26:00.380 --> 00:26:01.280 We can begin to pray. 00:26:01.380 --> 00:26:01.900 That the gospel. 00:26:02.360 --> 00:26:02.759 Somehow. 00:26:03.280 --> 00:26:03.640 Someway. 00:26:04.320 --> 00:26:05.140 Will reach this people. 00:26:05.240 --> 00:26:05.600 And who knows. 00:26:05.640 --> 00:26:06.080 Maybe someday. 00:26:06.180 --> 00:26:06.960 We'll send somebody. 00:26:07.060 --> 00:26:07.660 From our group. 00:26:08.700 --> 00:26:10.140 Maybe to sit off the coast. 00:26:10.180 --> 00:26:10.580 In a boat. 00:26:10.680 --> 00:26:11.820 Hoping somebody tries to leave. 00:26:11.900 --> 00:26:12.840 And you can snatch them up. 00:26:12.839 --> 00:26:13.720 I don't know. 00:26:14.859 --> 00:26:16.000 How this may happen. 00:26:16.279 --> 00:26:16.379 But. 00:26:17.299 --> 00:26:18.659 But I so. 00:26:19.059 --> 00:26:19.539 Desperately. 00:26:19.720 --> 00:26:20.899 Want God to be praised. 00:26:21.039 --> 00:26:21.879 Amongst the nations. 00:26:22.079 --> 00:26:23.079 I want people. 00:26:23.959 --> 00:26:24.980 On North Sentinel Island. 00:26:24.980 --> 00:26:25.859 To know him. 00:26:26.220 --> 00:26:26.980 And sing his praises. 00:26:27.419 --> 00:26:27.500 Right. 00:26:27.579 --> 00:26:27.919 It's like. 00:26:28.139 --> 00:26:28.859 It's a dream of that. 00:26:28.919 --> 00:26:29.679 You can't even see. 00:26:29.839 --> 00:26:30.099 Into the. 00:26:30.159 --> 00:26:30.919 The island interior. 00:26:31.059 --> 00:26:31.720 It's so dense. 00:26:31.959 --> 00:26:32.480 Google Maps. 00:26:32.579 --> 00:26:32.839 It's just. 00:26:32.919 --> 00:26:33.819 It looks unoccupied. 00:26:33.859 --> 00:26:34.679 Like they live in. 00:26:35.079 --> 00:26:35.399 Forest. 00:26:35.399 --> 00:26:36.579 I want people in that forest. 00:26:36.579 --> 00:26:37.740 That we can't see from the air. 00:26:38.179 --> 00:26:38.379 Right. 00:26:38.399 --> 00:26:39.419 We can't get on the island. 00:26:39.420 --> 00:26:40.600 And I want them to sing his praises. 00:26:41.039 --> 00:26:41.340 Forever. 00:26:42.180 --> 00:26:43.240 Because I care about. 00:26:43.840 --> 00:26:44.740 The glory of our Lord. 00:26:45.279 --> 00:26:46.800 So I hope that we take some cues. 00:26:47.100 --> 00:26:47.519 From Paul. 00:26:48.039 --> 00:26:48.640 Many of us. 00:26:49.019 --> 00:26:49.420 Often. 00:26:50.480 --> 00:26:51.700 Put him in a different category. 00:26:51.800 --> 00:26:52.220 Of Christian. 00:26:52.480 --> 00:26:53.039 Like I've said. 00:26:53.160 --> 00:26:53.720 This morning. 00:26:53.779 --> 00:26:54.960 He had a special call. 00:26:55.120 --> 00:26:55.340 Right. 00:26:55.519 --> 00:26:57.100 We stick him off in a different category. 00:26:57.220 --> 00:26:57.259 Go. 00:26:57.440 --> 00:26:57.759 Oh. 00:26:57.800 --> 00:26:58.380 That was Paul. 00:26:58.460 --> 00:26:58.680 Right. 00:26:58.980 --> 00:27:00.019 Authored a bunch of the New Testament. 00:27:00.700 --> 00:27:01.920 Took the gospel to. 00:27:01.920 --> 00:27:02.940 The Gentiles. 00:27:03.279 --> 00:27:04.140 That's not me. 00:27:04.860 --> 00:27:05.000 Right. 00:27:05.460 --> 00:27:06.500 But the same God. 00:27:06.500 --> 00:27:07.720 That lived in Paul. 00:27:07.860 --> 00:27:08.500 And moved him. 00:27:08.540 --> 00:27:09.740 And accomplished much in him. 00:27:09.800 --> 00:27:11.160 Is the very same God. 00:27:11.320 --> 00:27:12.140 That lives in you. 00:27:12.840 --> 00:27:14.040 The very same God. 00:27:14.120 --> 00:27:16.140 With the very same mission. 00:27:16.680 --> 00:27:16.840 Right. 00:27:16.880 --> 00:27:18.360 And he's given all of us. 00:27:18.800 --> 00:27:19.500 To that. 00:27:20.200 --> 00:27:20.600 And so. 00:27:20.820 --> 00:27:21.920 As we pray. 00:27:22.020 --> 00:27:22.480 And transition. 00:27:22.740 --> 00:27:23.520 To the Lord's Supper. 00:27:23.680 --> 00:27:23.860 It's. 00:27:24.180 --> 00:27:25.180 It's my prayer for all of us. 00:27:25.240 --> 00:27:26.320 That we would believe that. 00:27:26.380 --> 00:27:26.820 To be true. 00:27:27.300 --> 00:27:27.500 Right. 00:27:27.500 --> 00:27:28.240 That we would know. 00:27:28.420 --> 00:27:29.060 That we have. 00:27:29.180 --> 00:27:29.940 A global God. 00:27:29.940 --> 00:27:30.780 Who wants to accomplish. 00:27:31.120 --> 00:27:31.940 Global things. 00:27:32.180 --> 00:27:32.980 Which start here. 00:27:32.980 --> 00:27:34.759 And go to the ends of the earth. 00:27:35.500 --> 00:27:36.420 And that we would be. 00:27:36.759 --> 00:27:38.079 Desperate to be involved in that. 00:27:38.160 --> 00:27:39.299 And I promise you. 00:27:39.480 --> 00:27:40.839 If you make yourself available. 00:27:41.279 --> 00:27:42.539 You hear God's call in your life. 00:27:42.579 --> 00:27:43.160 And you heed it. 00:27:43.259 --> 00:27:43.799 You obey. 00:27:44.039 --> 00:27:44.500 And go. 00:27:45.200 --> 00:27:46.220 He's going to involve you. 00:27:46.259 --> 00:27:48.200 In some super cool stuff. 00:27:48.680 --> 00:27:48.779 Right. 00:27:48.900 --> 00:27:49.980 You're going to experience him. 00:27:50.059 --> 00:27:50.620 In new ways. 00:27:50.660 --> 00:27:52.019 Which is the ultimate reward for us. 00:27:52.059 --> 00:27:52.960 That we get to see God. 00:27:53.180 --> 00:27:53.599 Move. 00:27:53.799 --> 00:27:54.319 And act. 00:27:54.460 --> 00:27:55.400 And carry his glory. 00:27:55.819 --> 00:27:56.519 Across this earth. 00:27:57.319 --> 00:27:58.120 Let's pray together.