Sermons on Romans 15:20
The various sermons below converge on the interpretation of Romans 15:20 as a call to a distinctively redirected ambition—one that is neither selfish nor self-generated but is instead a Spirit-empowered drive aimed at the glory of God through gospel advancement. They collectively emphasize that ambition itself is morally neutral and must be transformed into a “holy” or “gospel” ambition that fuels evangelism, church planting, and the spread of the gospel to unreached peoples. Several sermons employ vivid metaphors, such as fire or sailboats, to illustrate how this ambition can either be destructive or illuminating, self-driven or Spirit-led. A common thread is the importance of discerning one’s unique calling, with some sermons highlighting the necessity of “selective neglect” to focus on God’s specific mission rather than scattering efforts. The theme of not building on another’s foundation is interpreted both literally and metaphorically, underscoring the need for indigenous witness and ethical church planting that respects existing ministries while pioneering new ground. The sermons also stress multiplying preachers and leaders rather than merely expanding programs, pointing to a qualitative growth in gospel impact.
In contrast, some sermons place greater emphasis on the pioneering apostolic model, urging believers to consider whether they are called to “regions beyond” where Christ is not known, while others focus more on fortifying and strengthening existing churches, applying the principle of not building on another’s foundation to local contexts. One approach uniquely uses a biological metaphor of healthy cell division to frame church splits and planting as potentially life-giving or harmful, depending on motives and methods, which adds an ethical dimension to the discussion of church multiplication. Another sermon introduces a cultural critique by addressing the generational challenge of “extended adolescence,” linking spiritual ambition to maturity and responsibility in a way that is less prominent elsewhere. While most sermons agree on the necessity of Spirit-led ambition rooted in Scripture, some highlight the personal, internal process of discerning one’s calling more than others, which tend to emphasize external mission fields and practical church growth strategies. The balance between pioneering mission and building on existing foundations is treated as a both/and in some sermons, whereas others lean more heavily toward one or the other.
Romans 15:20 Interpretation:
Navigating Church Splits: Wisdom and Grace (David Guzik) interprets Romans 15:20 as a guiding principle for church planting and division, emphasizing Paul's determination not to "build on another man's foundation." Guzik uses this as a model for ethical church planting, suggesting that new works should avoid drawing people away from existing congregations and instead focus on unreached areas. He employs the analogy of healthy cell division, where a healthy split can lead to two thriving congregations, but an unhealthy one can spread dysfunction. This biological metaphor is unique in its application to the passage, highlighting the importance of motives and methods in church multiplication.
Embracing Holy Ambition for the Great Commission (Desiring God) interprets Romans 15:20 as a call to develop a “holy ambition” that is both deeply personal and divinely inspired, using the vivid metaphor of a sailboat to illustrate the Christian life. The sermon distinguishes between a “motorboat” approach—self-driven, programmatic ministry—and a “sailboat” approach, where the believer lifts the mast of ambition, unfurls the sails of faith, and is moved by the wind of the Holy Spirit. The preacher emphasizes that Paul’s ambition was not self-generated but rooted in Scripture (specifically Isaiah 52:15), and that every Christian should seek a unique, God-given ambition rather than simply copying Paul’s. The sermon also introduces the concept of “selective neglect,” arguing that a holy ambition will necessarily mean saying no to many good things in order to focus on the one thing God has called you to do. This is a nuanced take, moving beyond generic calls to mission by focusing on the internal, Spirit-led process of discerning one’s calling.
Empowered to Reach the Nations with the Gospel (SermonIndex.net) interprets Romans 15:20 as Paul’s model for apostolic, pioneering mission work—preaching where Christ is not known, rather than building on existing foundations. The sermon frames this as a both/and rather than either/or: while some are called to build on others’ foundations (e.g., in established churches), others are called to the “regions beyond.” The preacher personalizes this by sharing his own sense of calling to unreached places, and encourages listeners to discern whether they are called to this apostolic pattern. The analogy of “top ten most impossible nations” is used to illustrate the ongoing need for such ambition, and the preacher challenges the audience to consider whether they are willing to go to the hardest places.
"Embracing Sacrifice: A Call to Holy Ambition" (SermonIndex.net) offers an interpretation nearly identical to Embracing Holy Ambition for the Great Commission (Desiring God), using the same sailboat metaphor, the same distinction between “motorboat” and “sailboat” Christianity, and the same emphasis on a unique, Spirit-given ambition rooted in Scripture. The sermon also highlights the idea of “selective neglect” and the necessity of being controlled by a holy ambition, but does not add new interpretive insights beyond those already discussed in the Desiring God sermon.
Romans 15:20 Theological Themes:
Embracing Gospel Ambition for Christ's Glory (Manoa Community Church) introduces the theme of "redeemed ambition," arguing that God does not call Christians to suppress ambition but to redirect it toward the spread of the gospel. The sermon asserts that every believer is driven by some ambition, and the Spirit's work is to transform that drive into a passion for Christ's glory and the salvation of the lost. It also presents the idea that ambition for the gospel is never excessive—unlike selfish ambition, which is condemned, gospel ambition is to be cultivated and multiplied. The sermon further develops the theme of indigenous witness, noting that Paul's refusal to build on another's foundation is not just about geography but about contextualizing the gospel so that it takes root in local soil, whether in pioneering or strengthening existing churches.
Navigating Church Splits: Wisdom and Grace (David Guzik) adds the theological theme that church planting and division should be guided by a desire to glorify God rather than personal gain or competition. Guzik stresses that Paul's example in Romans 15:20 is a call to ethical ministry practices, where the fruit of the Spirit and the nature of Christ are the measures of success, not numerical growth or institutional expansion. He also introduces the idea that times of transition or conflict in the church are opportunities for God to be glorified through Christlike behavior, echoing Paul's ambition to serve where Christ is not yet known.
Embracing Holy Ambition for the Great Commission (Desiring God) introduces the theme of “holy ambition” as a Spirit-inspired, Scripture-rooted drive that is both unique to each believer and essential for a life of purpose. The sermon adds a fresh angle by connecting ambition to the glory of God, arguing that true ambition is not about personal achievement but about participating in God’s passion for his fame among the nations. The preacher also addresses the danger of ambition becoming self-centered, insisting that only “holy” ambition—ambition with holy ends and holy origins—can be truly Christian. The sermon further explores the generational challenge of “extended adolescence,” suggesting that cultural delays in adulthood hinder the development of holy ambition, and calls for countercultural maturity and responsibility.
Empowered to Reach the Nations with the Gospel (SermonIndex.net) presents the theme of apostolic ambition as a biblical model, but adds the nuanced point that both types of ministry—building on others’ foundations and pioneering new works—are necessary for the growth of the church. The preacher’s personal testimony and the “top ten most impossible nations” list serve to highlight the ongoing, urgent need for frontier missions, and the sermon challenges listeners to discern their own calling in light of Paul’s example.
Embracing Sacrifice: A Call to Holy Ambition (SermonIndex.net) reiterates the themes of “holy ambition,” “selective neglect,” and the necessity of being controlled by a God-given purpose, but does not introduce new theological themes beyond those already articulated in the Desiring God sermon.
Romans 15:20 Historical and Contextual Insights:
Embracing Gospel Ambition for Christ's Glory (Manoa Community Church) provides historical context by explaining that Paul's ambition to go to Spain represented the westernmost edge of the known Roman world, underscoring the radical nature of his missionary vision. The sermon also notes that Paul's refusal to build on another's foundation was countercultural in a time when religious teachers often sought to gain followers from existing groups. The preacher situates Paul's strategy within the broader context of the early church's expansion, highlighting the importance of indigenous leadership and local ownership of the gospel message.
Navigating Church Splits: Wisdom and Grace (David Guzik) offers contextual insight by discussing the cultural practice of church planting in the modern era, drawing parallels to Paul's approach in the first century. Guzik notes that, like Paul, ethical church planters today should avoid "sheep stealing" and instead focus on unreached populations, reflecting the original intent of Romans 15:20 in a contemporary setting.
Embracing Holy Ambition for the Great Commission (Desiring God) provides detailed historical context for Romans 15:20 by explaining the geographical scope of Paul’s ministry (“from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum,” corresponding to modern northern Italy and Albania). The sermon clarifies that Paul’s claim to have “fulfilled the ministry of the gospel” in this region does not mean everyone was converted, but that the foundational, pioneering work of church planting was complete. The preacher distinguishes between the roles of missionaries (who plant churches where none exist) and pastors (who shepherd and evangelize within established churches), arguing that Paul’s ambition was specifically apostolic and frontier-oriented. The sermon also references the cultural invention of “adolescence” and “extended adulthood” as a modern phenomenon, contrasting it with earlier expectations of maturity and responsibility.
Empowered to Reach the Nations with the Gospel (SermonIndex.net) offers a brief historical insight by noting the abundance of churches in South Africa and the West, contrasting this with regions that have less than one percent Christian witness. The preacher’s “top ten most impossible nations” list is used to illustrate the ongoing reality of unreached peoples, and the sermon situates Paul’s ambition within the broader context of global missions today.
Romans 15:20 Cross-References in the Bible:
Embracing Gospel Ambition for Christ's Glory (Manoa Community Church) references 1 Corinthians 15, where Paul emphasizes the centrality of the gospel ("of first importance") and his resolve to know "nothing but Christ and him crucified." The sermon uses this to reinforce the idea that the foundation Paul refuses to build on is the gospel itself, and that all ministry must be rooted in Christ's finished work. The preacher also alludes to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) as the ongoing mandate for gospel ambition, connecting Paul's personal mission to the church's collective calling. Additionally, the sermon references the sending of the 70 in Luke 10 as a model for multiplying laborers, tying Paul's ambition to Jesus' own strategy for mission.
Navigating Church Splits: Wisdom and Grace (David Guzik) cross-references the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and the nature of Christ as criteria for evaluating church splits and new works, suggesting that any division should be marked by love, joy, peace, and other Christlike qualities. Guzik also references the broader context of Romans 15, where Paul discusses his ministry to the Gentiles, to support the principle of not building on another's foundation.
Embracing Holy Ambition for the Great Commission (Desiring God) references several passages to expand on Romans 15:20: Isaiah 52:15 is cited as the Old Testament foundation for Paul’s ambition; Romans 1:18-23 is used to explain the universal accountability of humanity and the need for gospel proclamation; 1 Timothy (regarding Timothy’s evangelistic work in Ephesus) is used to distinguish between the roles of pastors and missionaries; 1 Peter 1:23,25 is cited to show that new birth comes through the preached word; and Romans 10:14-17 is referenced to emphasize the necessity of preaching for saving faith. These cross-references are woven together to argue that Paul’s ambition was both biblically warranted and theologically necessary.
Empowered to Reach the Nations with the Gospel (SermonIndex.net) references Matthew 9:35-38 (Jesus’ compassion for the crowds and the call to pray for workers), Acts 1:8 (the call to be witnesses to the ends of the earth), Romans 15:20 (Paul’s ambition), 2 Corinthians 10 (Paul’s desire to preach in regions beyond), and the Great Commission passages in Matthew and Mark. Each reference is used to reinforce the biblical mandate for both local and frontier missions, and to situate Paul’s ambition within the broader sweep of Scripture.
"Embracing Sacrifice: A Call to Holy Ambition" (SermonIndex.net) repeats the same set of cross-references as Embracing Holy Ambition for the Great Commission (Desiring God), including Isaiah 52:15, Romans 1:18-23, 1 Timothy, 1 Peter 1:23,25, and Romans 10:14-17, using them in the same way to support the interpretation and application of Romans 15:20.
Romans 15:20 Christian References outside the Bible:
Embracing Gospel Ambition for Christ's Glory (Manoa Community Church) explicitly references Charles Spurgeon and George Whitefield as models of gospel ambition and preaching. The preacher quotes Spurgeon: "You will never know the fullness of Christ until you know the emptiness of everything but Christ," using this to illustrate the necessity of forsaking all lesser ambitions for the sake of Christ. The sermon also cites Whitefield's humility: "Others may preach the gospel better than me, but they can't preach a better gospel," to emphasize that the content of the message, not the skill of the messenger, is paramount. These references serve to connect Paul's ambition with the legacy of great evangelists in church history and to inspire the congregation to pursue similar passion and humility.
Embracing Holy Ambition for the Great Commission (Desiring God) explicitly references Christian Smith, a sociologist at Notre Dame, to provide cultural analysis of “extended adolescence” and its impact on ambition and maturity. The sermon also mentions Elizabeth Elliot’s biography of Amy Carmichael, “A Chance to Die,” as an example of mature, sacrificial ambition, and encourages women to read it as a model of holy ambition. These references are used to illustrate the sermon’s points about cultural obstacles to ambition and the transformative power of godly role models.
Embracing Sacrifice: A Call to Holy Ambition (SermonIndex.net) also references Christian Smith’s analysis of adolescence and Elizabeth Elliot’s “A Chance to Die” in the same way as the Desiring God sermon, using them to illustrate the transition from childhood to mature, responsible ambition.
Romans 15:20 Illustrations from Secular Sources:
Embracing Gospel Ambition for Christ's Glory (Manoa Community Church) uses several secular analogies to illustrate Romans 15:20. The preacher employs the metaphor of political campaigns, noting how millions of dollars are spent on fleeting ambitions, contrasting this with the eternal value of gospel ambition. He also references the experience of being an "insider" in a local community (e.g., Havertown vs. Haverford) to highlight the importance of indigenous witness and the contextualization of the gospel, drawing a parallel to Paul's strategy of not building on another's foundation. The sermon further uses the analogy of cell division from biology (though this is more fully developed in Guzik's sermon) to discuss church multiplication, and recounts personal experiences in campus ministry and church revitalization as modern parallels to Paul's pioneering work. These illustrations serve to make the concept of gospel ambition tangible and relatable to a contemporary audience.
Navigating Church Splits: Wisdom and Grace (David Guzik) uniquely uses the analogy of cell division from biology to explain church splits, suggesting that a healthy split can lead to two thriving congregations, while an unhealthy one can spread dysfunction. This metaphor is detailed and vivid, helping listeners understand the potential outcomes of church division in terms familiar from science class. Guzik also references the concept of "sheep stealing" in church culture, using it as a secularized term to discuss ethical boundaries in ministry.
Embracing Holy Ambition for the Great Commission (Desiring God) uses several detailed secular analogies: the sailboat versus motorboat metaphor is developed at length to contrast Spirit-led versus self-driven ministry; the preacher discusses the cultural invention of “teenager” and “adolescence” as a 20th-century phenomenon, referencing changes in mass education, child labor laws, and consumerism; the transition from playing with dolls or toy guns to taking on real responsibility is used as an analogy for spiritual maturity, with references to video games, babysitting, and athletic ministries in global cities. These illustrations are used to challenge listeners to move beyond perpetual adolescence and embrace a holy ambition.
Empowered to Reach the Nations with the Gospel (SermonIndex.net) provides a unique secular illustration by referencing a secular magazine article about retirement, which claims that “retired” people work only 15-18 hours a week. The preacher contrasts this with his own “100 Holy Ghost hours a week,” using the statistic to challenge the audience’s understanding of work, calling, and purpose in the context of mission. The “top ten most impossible nations” list is also presented as a kind of “pop chart,” likening the challenge of missions to the world of popular music rankings, and referencing “Top of the Pops” to make the point accessible to a broad audience.