The Apostle Paul, a worthy role model.

It seems like finding a role model has become harder and harder in recent days. Whether it be an educator, a pastor or a politician, many of those we have trusted have headed to failure. Life is tough, even for Christians who have placed faith in Jesus Christ alone. At times, it would be good to watch and learn from a human who fully lives what he believes.

I encourage you to join me in the study of Romans 15:14-21. It is a wonderful description of the Apostle Paul’s principles of ministry. I believe his principles, tied to our faith in Jesus Christ, will encourage each of us in the walk of faith.

First, Paul used tact in his ministry. He did not assume the worst but the best of those who profess faith in Christ. Consider William Barclay’s assessment, Paul was much more interested in what people could be than in what they were. He saw faults with utter clarity, and dealt with them with utter fidelity; but all the time he was thinking not of the wretched creatures that men and women were, but of the splendid creatures that they might be. What a benefit to our ministries if we were more tactful and less judgmental.

Paul was prone to repetition. He would remind brothers and sisters in Christ of what he had previously taught. This is wise advice from Alexander Pope (1688–1744), Men must be taught as if you taught them not, And things unknown proposed as things forgot. One of my favorite instructional statements has been, repetition is the key to learning. We shouldn’t expect everyone to understand everything the first time. I have benefitted greatly from those who were patient with me as I struggled with understanding important truths.

Paul majored on majors. Chapter 14 was his instruction not to turn preferences into priorities. In chapter 15, Paul’s heart for majors of the faith is evident. His focus was on evangelism and discipleship. John Stott got it right, Every conversion is a power encounter, in which the Spirit through the gospel rescues and regenerates sinners. We can’t go wrong if those are priorities of our ministries.

Paul was humble. He was an apostle. He wrote more books of the Bible than anyone else. He was arguably the greatest evangelist ever. But all thought of glory was deflected from himself to his Savior who empowered him by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Warren Wiersbe notes his humility, The apostle did not serve and suffer as he did just to make a name for himself, for he had a much higher purpose in mind. He wanted to bring glory to Jesus Christ. What would our ministries be like if we were seeking to bring glory to Christ instead of to ourselves?

Lastly, he was faithful. He knew his calling and wanted a ministry with no regrets. It is good to be reminded that we are vessels who desire to be used by God. William Barclay wrote, It is when we stop thinking of what we can do and begin to think of what God can do with us that things begin to happen. Do I know God’s calling on my life? Do I know how I can be successful? Paul was on target. He was looking to the time when God would say to him, face to face, Well done, good and faithful servant.

There is nothing wrong with having a role model. Please consider the Apostle Paul. His principles of ministry have stood the test of time.