How can we ensure our ministry aligns with Paul's example in Romans 15:19?

Built on the Power of the Holy Spirit

• Romans 15:19 says Paul ministered “by the power of signs and wonders, and by the power of the Spirit of God.”

• Acts 1:8 confirms that effective witness flows from the Spirit’s power, not human ability.

• Guard against relying on charisma, strategy, or technology alone. Instead:

– Prioritize personal holiness (Ephesians 5:18).

– Schedule regular seasons of corporate prayer and fasting (Acts 13:2-4).

– Welcome the Spirit’s gifts and promptings (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).

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Centered on the Full Gospel

• Paul could say, “I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.”

• A complete gospel includes:

– The incarnation (John 1:14).

– The substitutionary death (1 Corinthians 15:3).

– The bodily resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:4).

– The call to repentance and faith (Acts 20:21).

• Resist diluting hard truths; proclaim Christ crucified even when unpopular (1 Corinthians 1:23).

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Confirmed by Evident Fruit

• “Signs and wonders” authenticated Paul’s message (Mark 16:20).

• Today look for:

– Transformed lives (2 Corinthians 5:17).

– Deliverance from bondage (Luke 4:18).

– Physical healings and answered prayer (James 5:14-16).

• Celebrate testimonies publicly to glorify Christ, not the minister (Psalm 115:1).

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Committed to Wide-Ranging Reach

• Paul’s span “from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum” shows strategic breadth.

• Apply by:

– Mapping un-reached neighborhoods or people groups (Matthew 28:19).

– Training believers to multiply disciples (2 Timothy 2:2).

– Leveraging bivocational, tent-making models when budgets are tight (Acts 18:3).

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Marked by Humble Dependence

• Paul’s confidence rested in God, not himself (2 Corinthians 3:5).

• Guard the heart:

– Give God credit for every victory (1 Corinthians 15:10).

– Keep short accounts through confession (1 John 1:9).

– Submit plans to Scripture and wise counsel (Proverbs 15:22).

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Sustained through Persistent Obedience

• Paul endured hardship yet pressed on (2 Corinthians 11:23-28).

• Align ministry by:

– Expecting opposition and remaining steadfast (2 Timothy 3:12).

– Measuring success by faithfulness, not applause (Galatians 1:10).

– Finishing assignments before starting new ones (Romans 15:23).

Following these patterns anchors any ministry to the same Spirit-empowered, gospel-centered model Paul lived, ensuring faithfulness and eternal impact.