19/10/2025 - Matthew Destry

Big Idea: The gospel goes with going people, yet the dream always belongs to God.

Text: Romans 15:22–29

But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to visit you, 24 I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25 Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the Lord’s people there. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem. 27 They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings. 28 So after I have completed this task and have made sure that they have received this contribution, I will go to Spain and visit you on the way. 29 I know that when I come to you, I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ.

Romans 15 sits at the crossroads of Paul’s ministry. He’s writing from Corinth, heading toward Jerusalem, hoping to be refreshed in Rome, and dreaming of Spain—the edge of the known world. Each stop is a stage in the soul’s pilgrimage:

1. Reality — where you face the truth.
2. Honour — where you remember those who came before you.
3. Support — where you are renewed by the community of faith.
4. Dream — where you step into God’s uncharted future.
5. Corinth – Reality (vv. 22–23)
6. Jerusalem – Honour (vv. 25–27)
7. Rome – Support (vv. 24, 29)
8. Spain – Dream (vv. 24, 28)