November 26, 2018
The Road to . . . Illyricum?
Romans 15:17-19
Chelsey Zackary
Central Truth
Understanding our purpose and value in Christ enables us to live confidently on mission for Him.
Romans 15:17-19
17 In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God. 18 For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience—by word and deed, 19 by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ;
Dive Deeper | Romans 15:17-19
What is an Illyricum and how do I even say that? Don't worry—those were my first thoughts, too. It's pronounced [ih-leer-i-kuh m] and is the area presently known as Albania and the Balkan countries (former Yugoslavia). Paul was explaining to the Romans why he had not been to visit them yet. Instead of visiting his friends, he had been journeying for approximately 24 YEARS, planting churches to expand the gospel. He started in Jerusalem and traveled around the Adriatic Sea until he reached Illyricum.
In January 2017, I had the privilege to travel to Maui, Hawaii, to complete my first marathon, alongside my roommate. While there we ventured along the infamous Road to Hana. What I learned is that the Road to Hana is a lot less about reaching the small town of Hana and a lot more about the journey itself. It involved treacherous, windy roads and one-way bridges. But it also led to beautiful waterfalls, spectacular views, and a chance to meet some great people.
For Paul, the road to Illyricum wasn't smooth sailing. He was imprisoned multiple times and beaten for sharing the gospel. So why did he continue to go against the grain of society and persist where he knew he might not be welcome?
He understood his purpose in Christ and and trusted Him completely with his future. In Philippians 1:21 Paul says, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." As I grow in my relationship with Christ, I am learning more and more that my life is but a fluid part of His grand masterpiece. Each moment has a purpose. My lowest low with Jesus has been greater than my highest high without Him. I pray to be as humble and confident as Paul, living "souled" out for the mission of the gospel.
This month's memory verse
Do Not Cause Another to Stumble
13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.
– Romans 14:13
Discussion Questions
1. Where is your Illyricum? How is your journey looking? A good place to start might be your block or apartment building. Do you know who your neighbors are, and, more importantly, do you know where they will be spending eternity? Don't let the fear of an awkward conversation prevent you from getting to be a part of God's masterpiece. He's placed you there for a reason! What risks are you taking for the gospel?
2. If you are unsure about what your mission for Christ is, I encourage you to read Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper. Another great resource for when the mission feels daunting is the Hold Fast message series from 2015. Download the Watermark app and listen on your daily commute or during your workout. How would you define your personal mission for Christ?
3. The road is not easy, but the Bible promises us it is worth it. Do whatever it takes. Todd often says, "The healthiest people in our church are the ones here on Monday nights." Take a year, give it to God, and invest in re:generation, even if you don't think you really struggle with anything. God will honor the time and change your life if you let Him. What areas of your life might need some recovery?