“And so, I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man’s foundation, but as it is written: ‘To whom He was not announced, they shall see; and those who have not heard shall understand’” (Romans 15:20-21).
Everyone lives with some kind of purpose. Some live today with the main goal being to survive. Others will live aiming to do and say whatever they feel like doing and saying. Sadly, many live aiming at unworthy, unfulfilling targets, and—sadder yet—they hit their target. Very few live with such a noble and epic challenge as the apostle Paul did: Being a Christian who was a pioneering gospel preacher.
Being a Christian—an active member of Christ’s royal and holy priesthood—is an epic challenge itself. Dying to self, taking up your cross daily, and following Christ is a most daunting and worthy ambition.
Being a Christian who is a gospel preacher is an even greater challenge. Taking great heed to yourself and the doctrine you proclaim (1 Timothy 4:16), being a diligent student of God’s word so that you rightly divide it (2 Timothy 2:15), and only speaking the oracles of God (1 Peter 4:11) when you reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all longsuffering and teaching (2 Timothy 4:2) is an even more daunting and worthy ambition. It requires watchfulness in all things, enduring afflictions, doing the work of an evangelist, and fulfilling your ministry (2 Timothy 4:5).
Being a Christian who is a pioneering gospel preacher—one who seeks to preach the gospel in places where Christ is unknown—adds another degree of challenge to your life. Because it increases the likelihood, duration, and frequency of afflictions and perils, it necessitates great and enduring zeal coupled with an equal amount of grit and rugged determination. It is an epic ambition and goal.
Paul’s aim was to live an epic life. What’s yours?
