If I were to ask you today, “What is your purpose?” How would you respond? Let’s rephrase it: What motivates you to get up and go everyday?

• In Romans 15, Paul unveils the fuel for faithfulness in the Christian life. The way we pursue unity in the local church is the same way we live life for the glory of God.
• But wouldn’t it help if Paul got more specific about what that looked like? He does, but it doesn’t come in the form of instruction, but in the form of example.
• In our text today, Paul shares his purpose, motivation, and context for his life and ministry. I pray that you will see today that every Christian should be able to define and articulate these three on a personal level.

Pursuing

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in Three Areas

• Discipleship involves following Christ through the Spirit and letting Him bring clarity about these things in your life. The truth of God’s Word will

your theological and doctrinal categories, show you what it looks like to glorify God in your daily life, and then, by the Spirit, call you to move with God each day according to what you have seen in Jesus.

Vision

• Principle-Based;

• Vision is a clear and inspiring picture of the

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that guides a person’s actions, shapes their goals, and aligns with their core values and beliefs. It is a forward-looking sense of purpose that gives meaning to daily decisions and provides direction, helping them to navigate challenges, pursue growth, and live intentionally toward a fulfilling life.
• Vision serves as a

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, orienting a person toward who they aspire to become and the impact they hope to make, both personally and in the lives of others.
• What was Paul’s vision?

// Philippians 3:10 | that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,
// Acts 20:24 | But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

• In all of these, you hear the language of Romans 12:1. Paul’s vision was to live for the glory of God in response to His mercies as a living sacrifice.
• Our vision is to glorify God in all things and live as worshippers, which means declaring His worth in all of life >> 1 Corinthians 10:31 | So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Mission

• Virtuous

-Based; Timeless
• Mission is the purposeful course of action that drives a person toward realizing their vision. It is the practical,

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pursuit of specific objectives, values, and responsibilities that move them closer to their ultimate goal. Mission translates vision into tangible actions, guiding decisions, priorities, and efforts to create meaningful progress toward fulfilling one’s life purpose.
• While vision is the “

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” and the ultimate destination, mission is the “

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” and the ongoing journey, providing a clear path to bring the vision to life.
• For Paul, preaching the Gospel among the Gentiles where Christ has never been named was his mission. Paul also describes his mission with specific actions: serving others, striving in prayer, and encouraging believers (vv. 25-33).
• For Agape, the vision of glorifying God is brought to life by our mission to “Worship God, Love People, Make Disciples, Make a Difference”
• What actions, values, and virtues guide you in accomplishing your vision? That is your mission.

Ministry

• Contextual; Timely;

/Earthly
• Ministry is the specific context where our mission is carried out—whether in work, family, community, or church. Paul’s ministry was to travel, preach, and support the churches, yet he also recognized the daily settings where he encouraged believers and uplifted them in prayer (vv. 23-29). Ministry is the

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where we consistently act on our mission to make a Christ-centered difference.
• Ministry is defined by three factors

//

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>> is this as short-term task or a long-term place of service
//

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>> among a specific group of people
//

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>> does this involve a list of activities or am I just being called to do the next right thing?

• Jim Elliott >> Thank God for “purpose” in life. So many contributive purposes come into existence when one works the will of God that there is no excuse for laziness or wasted time. He is redeeming our lives, as well as our souls.
• Ministry is the practical setting—workplace, family, friendships, or church—where we carry out our mission to honor Christ. It’s where our vision and mission converge, making every interaction an opportunity to reflect the Christ’s power and love.

Haddon Robinson >> You will invest your life in something, or you will throw it away on nothing.