How does Romans 15:24 encourage us to support missionary work today? A snapshot from Paul’s travel plans Romans 15:24: “I plan to visit you when I travel to Spain; I hope to see you while passing through and to be helped on my journey there by you, after I have enjoyed your company for a while.” What Paul expected from the Roman believers • A welcoming visit (“see you while passing through”) • Mutual fellowship (“enjoyed your company”) • Tangible help (“be helped on my journey… sent on my way”)—the Greek verb propempō speaks of equipping, escorting, financing, and praying over someone as they depart. Why this verse still speaks to us • Mission strategy wasn’t ad-hoc; it depended on the church’s planned, sacrificial partnership. • The Holy Spirit preserved this detail so every generation would know that great gospel advances require ordinary believers standing behind those who go. Other passages that echo the same call • Philippians 4:15-17—“no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone… crediting to your account.” • 3 John 5-8—“You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.” • Romans 10:14-15—“How can they preach unless they are sent?” • Acts 13:2-3—Antioch fasted, prayed, laid hands, and released Paul and Barnabas. What “send on their way” looks like for us 1. Financial provision • Regular support for living and ministry expenses • Special gifts for projects, literature, relief work 2. Personal encouragement • Emails, calls, care packages, hosting during furlough • On-field visits that refresh weary workers (cf. 2 Corinthians 7:5-6) 3. Prayer covering • Set times, church-wide lists, fasting seasons (Colossians 4:2-4) • Real-time intercession when crises arise 4. Practical logistics • Visa help, language tutoring, schooling for kids • Skilled teams for construction, medical clinics, tech support 5. Advocacy at home • Keeping the vision alive in small groups and services • Mobilizing new workers—“You can go; we will help you get there.” The ripple effects Scripture promises • Fruit credited to every sender’s account (Philippians 4:17). • Joint joy at the throne when people from “every tribe and language” worship the Lamb (Revelation 7:9-10). • A church kept fresh, outward-focused, and obedient to Christ’s final command (Matthew 28:18-20). • God’s provision multiplied back to generous givers (2 Corinthians 9:6-11). Putting Romans 15:24 into practice this week • Identify one missionary or gospel project and determine how you can “help on their journey.” • Gather friends or family for a focused prayer time rooted in Romans 15:24. • Set up recurring giving or plan a short-term visit that brings personal encouragement. Paul assumed believers would rally behind the advance to Spain. Scripture records that assumption so we will do the same today—joyfully sending, praying, giving, and welcoming until every corner of the world hears the good news of Jesus. |
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