Do You Have What It Takes?
Have you ever stood on the edge of something that felt way too big for you? Maybe not a literal cliff, but a moment where you questioned if you had what it takes? I remember standing on the edge of a cliff as a kid, knees locked, heart pounding, watching my dad wave from the boat below. “You’ve got this!” he shouted. And even though I wanted to believe him, I couldn’t move—until he climbed up next to me, jumped off the cliff himself, and then encouraged me all over again from below. That was the push I needed.
That moment came rushing back as I read the closing words of Paul’s letter to the Romans. Romans 15 and 16 feel like Paul standing at the edge with the early church, urging them to jump into a life of faith, reminding them: You have what it takes… because God is with you. He is able.
You Have What It Takes… Because God Is Able
In Romans 15:14, Paul says:
“I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another.”
This is a word of deep encouragement. After pages of theology and challenge, Paul essentially says: You don’t just attend church. You are the church. You’re not just a spectator—you’re a participant in the gospel story. You don’t have to be Paul to be a minister of the good news. If you know Jesus, you are called to make Him known.
Ordinary Names, Extraordinary Lives
Romans 16 reads like a long list of greetings—names that, at first glance, feel like a Bible trivia section. But slow down, and you’ll see a tapestry of real people, woven into the mission of God. Phoebe, who likely hand-delivered this very letter. Priscilla, a strong teacher and leader listed before her husband Aquila. Mary, Tryphena, Tryphosa, Persis—women who labored hard in ministry. Junia, who Paul names as outstanding among the apostles. Rufus’ mother, who became like a mother to Paul.
Why does Paul include all these names? Because the gospel is not just about ideas—it’s about people. The church isn’t a corporation. It’s a family. A community built not on sameness, but on shared faith and mutual love.
Women in the Story of God
Romans 16 stands as one of the clearest affirmations in Scripture of the role of women in ministry. While some verses in Paul’s letters have been used to silence women, this chapter lifts them up. Women are not sidelined—they are central. They are leaders, teachers, apostles, and co-workers in the gospel. Paul honors them not with vague appreciation, but with clear, public affirmation.
To the women in our church: Your voice matters. Your leadership matters. Your faithfulness matters. You stand in the lineage of Phoebe and Priscilla and Junia. Thank you.
To the men in our church: Let’s follow Paul’s lead in recognizing and celebrating the Spirit-empowered ministry of the women around us. Let’s be partners in the gospel, together.
A Final Warning, A Lasting Encouragement
Before ending his letter, Paul gives one last caution:
“Watch out for those who cause divisions…” (Romans 16:17)
It’s not persecution from the outside that usually takes down a church—it’s division from the inside. Paul’s wisdom echoes across time: stay wise, stay innocent, and stay united. The enemy’s goal is division. God’s goal is community.
And finally, Paul closes with this powerful reminder:
“Now to him who is able…” (Romans 16:25)
Not only you have what it takes—but He is able. He is able to establish you. To strengthen you. To guide you. To use you. This isn’t just the end of a letter—it’s the beginning of your calling.
Your Turn to Jump
Romans begins with power:
“I am not ashamed of the gospel…” (Romans 1:16)
And it ends with praise:
“To the only wise God be glory forever…” (Romans 16:27)
Between those verses lies a call—to believe, to belong, to live out the gospel in community. Not just to know it, but to embody it.
So here’s the invitation:
Who has been a “Phoebe” in your life—a faithful leader, encourager, or spiritual mother? Have you thanked them?
What would it look like for you to stop being just a member of the church and start living as a minister of the gospel?
Will you take the leap of faith—not because you feel ready, but because God is able?
You are called. You are equipped. You are part of something much bigger than yourself.
And as Paul would say: You’ve got this… because He’s got you.
To God be the glory. Amen.