Recap:

Paul’s letter to the Romans, penned during his stay in Corinth, provides a fitting backdrop for reflection. Situated in a time of ambition not for personal glory, but for the advancement of Christ’s name, Paul’s words transcend the centuries. He writes with fervor, outlining his mission to take the gospel where it had not been proclaimed—to the far reaches of the known world, to Spain, which represented the edge of civilization in his era.

This ambition of Paul’s was neither casual nor self-serving. It was a deep, burning desire grounded in love and honor, a compound of dedication that pressed him forward even in the face of severe trials. Paul was not just committed to spreading the gospel where it was already known; he longed to preach where the name of Jesus had never been heard. His passion for reaching the unreached becomes evident as he references the prophetic word from the Scriptures: “Those who have never been told about Him will see, and those who have never heard of Him will understand” (Romans 15:21). This was not a mere historical recount; it was a vision that Paul pursued with unwavering resolve.

The testimony of Paul’s ambition is timeless. He relinquished comfort, prestige, and safety, embracing beatings, shipwrecks, and isolation for the sake of Christ. This zeal poses a question to believers today: What is the nature of their ambition? Is it fueled by the pursuit of self-satisfaction—chasing after promotions, possessions, and personal accolades—or does it echo Paul’s heart, aiming to see others encounter the transformative power of Christ?

The reality is stark; there are still regions today where the name of Jesus is unknown. The 1040 Window—a region stretching from West Africa to East Asia, encompassing the world’s least-reached people—stands as a sobering testament to this truth. Missiologists identify it as home to 95% of the world’s unreached, surrounded by the spiritual strongholds of Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and animistic beliefs. If Paul were alive today, his focus would likely be on this very region.

Within this window, believers carry the gospel at great personal risk. The stories of courage are heart-wrenching and inspiring. In Myanmar, amid civil war and oppression, local evangelists face persecution with unwavering faith. Reports detail how evangelists, despite threats and military raids, continue to share the gospel. One such moment recounts evangelists fleeing to the jungle, relying solely on God’s protection as soldiers searched for them. Amidst this turmoil, they proclaim the message of Jesus, drawing people to faith.

Another account comes from the Middle East, where a woman, trapped by an employer’s demand for her to enter prostitution, finds refuge through a ministry known as Bethany House. Here, missionaries work tirelessly to bring hope and protection to those ensnared by such evils. Through divine intervention and the generosity of believers, lives are restored, and individuals are given the chance to start anew, free from the chains of exploitation.

The call is clear: ambition rooted in Christ demands courage. It urges believers to act—not just to feel compassion but to engage in practical support through prayer, giving, and intentional outreach. It is not enough for ambition to reside within; it must be expressed in courageous acts, whether in the boldness to share the gospel with a difficult coworker, the commitment to give consistently to missions, or the discipline to pray fervently for the lost.

Paul’s example and the stories of contemporary missionaries serve as a challenge: Is ambition directed toward self or toward the Kingdom of God? It is a question that prompts introspection. Does one own their resources, or are they owned by them? Are believers willing to step beyond comfort and pursue a greater calling that reflects the heart of Christ?

Ambition, rightly placed, becomes a force that acts. It reaches across oceans and deserts, echoing the apostolic desire to see Jesus lifted high among every nation. It starts with recognizing the stakes—that without Christ, there is no eternal hope. The message is urgent and unyielding: “There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). This belief drives mission and outreach, compelling Christians to rise above their personal ambitions and align with a mission greater than themselves.

Has life become solely about personal desires and comfort? Or is there an outward-facing ambition, one that mirrors Paul’s relentless drive to see the gospel preached where it is not known? Courageous ambition challenges the status quo, demanding believers to act, pray, give, and go.

Are you willing to cultivate ambition that propels you into action, beyond self-interest, and into the broader call of Christ’s mission? I hope this challenge may lead you to a life marked by courage, purpose, and a resolve to see the gospel reach the edges of the earth.

 

Group Q’s:

Personal Reflection and Ambition

  1. Paul’s Ambition: What stands out to you most about Paul’s ambition to spread the gospel? How does his commitment challenge or inspire your own view of ambition?
  2. Personal Ambitions: How would you describe your current ambitions? Are they primarily focused on personal success, or do they align with advancing the mission of Christ?
  3. Comfort vs. Mission: What comforts or securities do you hold onto that might hinder your willingness to act on the call to share the gospel?

Courage and Action

  1. Defining Courage: In what ways have you seen or experienced courage in sharing the gospel, either in your own life or in the lives of others?
  2. Stories of Faith: The sermon highlighted stories of courage from Myanmar and the Middle East. How do these accounts impact your understanding of what it means to live out a Christ-centered ambition today?
  3. Practical Steps: What practical steps can you take to cultivate an ambition that moves beyond feeling compassion and into action (e.g., sharing the gospel, supporting missionaries, consistent prayer)?

Gospel Awareness and Outreach

  1. Unreached Regions: Did learning about the 1040 Window change your perspective on global missions? What does it mean to you to know there are places where Jesus’ name is unknown?
  2. Local Application: How can you be a part of sharing the gospel in your local context, such as at work, school, or in your neighborhood?
  3. Community Engagement: What role can your small group play in supporting outreach efforts, both locally and globally?

The Stakes and Motivation

  1. Understanding the Stakes: Acts 4:12 reminds us that salvation is only through Jesus. How does this truth motivate you to share the gospel?
  2. Counting the Cost: Paul faced significant hardships for the sake of the gospel. What sacrifices are you willing to make for Christ’s mission?
  3. Ownership of Resources: Reflect on the question posed in the sermon: Do you own your resources, or do they own you? How might a shift in this mindset enable you to support God’s mission more effectively?

Aligning with Christ’s Mission

  1. Courageous Ambition: What changes can you make to ensure your ambition reflects the heart of Christ rather than personal desires?
  2. Encouragement and Accountability: How can this group help each other remain accountable and encouraged in pursuing Christ-centered ambitions?
  3. Prayer Focus: Take time to pray as a group for courage, boldness, and a renewed sense of purpose in sharing the gospel, both individually and collectively.