Romans 15:17-21

I have therefore my boasting in Christ Jesus in things pertaining to God. For I will not dare to speak of any things except those which Christ worked through me, for the obedience of the Gentiles, by word and deed, in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of God’s Spirit; so that from Jerusalem, and around as far as to Illyricum, I have fully preached the Good News of Christ; yes, making it my aim to preach the Good News, not where Christ was already named, that I might not build on another’s foundation. But, as it is written,

“They will see, to whom no news of him came.
They who haven’t heard will understand.”

Paul boasted in Christ Jesus and made it a point not to be the topic of his own ministry. He was extremely focused, however and provides us an excellent example to follow in Christian service.

Notice that Paul won’t “dare to speak of any things except those which Christ worked through” him. It was extremely important that God’s work not be polluted by any discussion about the great works of Paul. Notice that only what God does through Paul counts. That’s the same for all of us. Jesus is the attraction, we are the servants who do what we have been asked.

Paul stayed focused on his mission that he explains here. He says that he was to speak and do the things God wanted him to do which did include miracles, but they were done by the Holy Spirit’s power. Paul takes absolutely no credit whatsoever. He makes it clear that he is living in obedience and that he has been going around to different places, performing the ministry of a foundation builder.

God didn’t want Paul to go and build churches where someone else had already been. His job was to go where no one else had ever gone and he took it very seriously. He didn’t want any credit, but wanted us to be a witness of his obedience to God’s command. Paul wants us to follow his example, not praise him as if he were superhuman. He makes it very clear that he was a man who allowed the Holy Spirit to work through him. Whatever God calls us to do, we should also do in the power of the Holy Spirit.