That people may see and understand

It is easy to look at people like the apostle Paul, and think that only people like him are called to be ministers.

It is true that he was given a special grace to take the gospel out to the Gentiles that they might see and understand the truth of the gospel. It is because of him that people like us (non-Jews) are believers today.

But the truth is that all of us are called to be ministers.

We all have the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God so that those we touch might become acceptable offerings to him as the Spirit sanctifies them. (Romans 15:16)

Some of you might think, “But I can’t do that. I’m no minister. I don’t have the power or ability to change lives.”

No, you don’t. But Jesus Christ does.

Paul himself gloried not in his accomplishments, as if it were by his power and wisdom that people came to Christ. Rather, he said,

Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God. (Romans 15:17)

And again,

I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done. (Romans 15:18)

In short, it is Christ who changes people by the power of the Spirit. (Romans 15:19)

But in his grace, God chooses to use us to accomplish this.

As has been said before, for some people, we are the only Bible people will ever read. For some people, we will be the only people through whom they will ever see Jesus.

So let us fulfill our priestly duty that God has given us. Let us share his gospel with them that,

Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand. (Romans 15:21)