Anyone who has read the Bible will recognize that God is unique in countless ways. One of His most extraordinary qualities is the people He chooses to carry out His divine purposes on earth. From Genesis to Revelation, God consistently calls ordinary, imperfect, and even unlikely individuals to accomplish His extraordinary will.

When you look through Scripture, you’ll notice something striking: there isn’t a single person who was “qualified” by the world’s standards to do the work of God. None was chosen because of wealth, power, or popularity. God seems to delight in using the weak, the fearful, the unrefined, and the overlooked to display His power.

That’s incredibly encouraging for people like you and me. Because, let’s be honest, there are plenty of days when I feel unqualified for the tasks before me. I feel overwhelmed, unsure, or even unworthy to be used by God.

Today, we’re going to look at one of those “ordinary” people—someone who often gets overlooked among the great heroes of the faith. His name is Gideon. His story is found in Judges 6–8, and it is a powerful reminder that God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things for His glory.

Gideon: An Ordinary Man Called by God

The story of Gideon begins in Judges 6, where we read that “the Israelites did evil in the Lord’s sight.” Resulting in God handing them over to the Midianites, who oppressed them for seven long years.

The Midianites, along with their allies the Amalekites, were like schoolyard bullies. Every time Israel planted crops, they would swoop in at harvest, steal their food, and destroy what was left. Bible scholar Daniel Isaac Block writes, “Seven years of Midianite terror had a devastating effect on the Israelite economy and emotion. Like locusts, their innumerable hosts devoured every green plant in sight, leaving the land devastated, with nothing left over for the Israelite flocks and herds.”[1] When life became unbearable, they finally cried out to God for help.

God, in His mercy, sent them an unnamed prophet to remind them why this was happening: it was their own unfaithfulness. Yet even in their rebellion, God did not abandon them. Instead, He prepared to raise up a new deliverer.
Enter Gideon.

Judges 6:11 - 15

When the angel of the Lord first appeared to Gideon, he was threshing wheat in a winepress—hiding from the Midianites. The angel greeted him with these unexpected words: “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!”

You can almost imagine Gideon looking around in disbelief. “Who, me? You must be mistaken.” He immediately began listing his disqualifications to do the job: “But Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!”

Sound familiar? Moses said the same thing. Jeremiah said it. Peter implied it. And so do we. When God calls, our first instinct is often to focus on what we lack. But the Lord’s response to Gideon is timeless and reassuring: “I will be with you.”

That’s all Gideon needed to hear, and all we need to know. God doesn’t promise comfort or clarity, but He promises His presence.

Judges 6:17 - 27

Still, Gideon wanted a sign, and the angel gave one by consuming Gideon’s offering with fire. That night, God gave Gideon his first assignment: to tear down his father’s altar to Baal and build a proper altar to the Lord.

This was no small task. It was a direct challenge to his family’s faith and his community’s idolatry. But Gideon obeyed, even though he was afraid. He did it at night, under the cover of darkness—but he did it.

That’s significant. Faith doesn’t always mean fearlessness. Sometimes obedience happens in fear. But it’s still obedience, and God honors it.

In the morning, when the townspeople discovered what Gideon had done, they were furious. Yet when his father saw what had happened, something changed in him. Instead of defending Baal, he defended his son. “If Baal is truly a god,” he said, “let him defend himself.” Gideon’s obedience spurred faith in his own family.

I wonder how many people miss their calling because they fear what others will think? Gideon shows us that obedience to God sometimes means standing against tradition, comfort, or even family expectations. But when we obey, God works not only through us but around us, transforming lives we thought were unreachable.

Judges 6:36 - 40

After this, God told Gideon again that He would use him to defeat the Midianites. But Gideon, still unsure, asked for a sign. He laid out a fleece on the ground and asked God for a sign. First, he asked that the fleece be wet with dew while the ground remained dry. God did exactly that. Then, just to be sure, Gideon asked for the opposite, and God did that too.

Some see this as a lack of faith, but D. A. Carson notes that in ancient times, it was common for leaders to seek confirmation of divine support before battle. It was more than disbelief; Gideon’s fleece reflected a desperate need for reassurance.

What stands out is not Gideon’s doubt but God’s patience. God could have disciplined him for his hesitation, but instead, He met Gideon right where he was. That’s grace. God doesn’t demand perfect confidence before He uses us; He simply asks for obedience.

Many of us have done the same thing. We’ve prayed, “Lord, if this is really what You want me to do, please show me.” Sometimes we call it “confirmation.” The danger, of course, is that we can put more faith in the sign than in the One who gives it. Still, God in His mercy understands our imperfection and meets us in our weakness.

When we struggle to trust, He doesn’t abandon us. He patiently reminds us, “I am with you.”

Judges 7:1 - 7

Now that Gideon was convinced of God’s calling, he assembled an army—32,000 men ready to fight the Midianites. But God had other plans. “You have too many warriors with you,” the Lord said. “If I let all of you fight, the Israelites will boast that they saved themselves by their own strength.”

So God instructed Gideon to send home anyone who was afraid. Twenty-two thousand men left. Ten thousand remained.

Then God said again, “There are still too many.” He told Gideon to take the men to the water and watch them drink. Those who lapped the water like dogs were dismissed; those who cupped the water in their hands to drink were chosen. Only 300 remained.

Three hundred against an army “as a swarm of locusts” (Judges 7:12). From a human standpoint, it was absurd. But God was making a point: victory belongs to Him alone.

Armed with nothing more than trumpets, clay jars, and torches, Gideon and his men surrounded the enemy camp by night. At Gideon’s signal, they blew their trumpets, broke the jars, and shouted, “A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!”

The Midianites, terrified and confused, turned on one another and fled. Not a single Israelite sword was needed to start the victory. God’s power, not human strength, brought deliverance.
It’s one of the most amazing stories in all of Scripture, a reminder that God’s ways often defy human logic. He reduces armies, redefines strategies, and works through weakness so that His glory shines brightest.

Conclusion
The story of Gideon leaves us with several timeless truths:

1. When God makes a promise, He keeps it—no matter how impossible the odds appear.
   God doesn’t rely on numbers, resources, or experience. He works through faith and obedience.
2. God often calls us to difficult tasks that may challenge our comfort or relationships.
   Gideon had to tear down his father’s idols before he could lead his nation. Likewise, we may need to confront our own idols—security, approval, or fear—before we can fully obey God.
3. God chooses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.
   Gideon was a fearful farmer, not a battle-hardened warrior. Yet through him, God brought freedom to His people.

There’s more to Gideon’s story, his later years, his struggles, and his flaws. But even in those, we see God’s mercy and sovereignty.

Gideon reminds us that God is not looking for perfection; He’s looking for availability. The Lord still takes ordinary men and women and uses them to display His extraordinary power.
So, if you ever feel unqualified, remember Gideon. Remember that the God who called him is the same God who calls you. He delights in taking our weakness and turning it into a testimony of His strength.

Be encouraged today, trusting that when God calls, He will also equip. No matter how small your role may seem, it matters deeply to Him.
​
Be faithful. Be available. And like Gideon, trust that God can do far more through your obedience than you could ever accomplish through your own strength.
 


[1] Daniel Isaac Block, Judges, Ruth, vol. 6, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1999), 253.

 
Introduction
Last week, we looked at Romans 15:1–13 and saw how it serves as a bridge between theology and personal expression. Paul urges believers to follow Christ’s example by bearing with one another in love, primarily where differences in conviction exist. He reminds them that real strength is shown not in asserting one’s freedom but in using it to build others up. Christ’s selfless obedience and servant heart model the kind of unity God desires for His people—a unity that surpasses culture, background, and personal preference. Through shared faith and hope, both Jew and Gentile are called to glorify God with one mind and one voice.

As Paul moves into the closing chapter of his letter, he reminds his readers that this spirit of mutual love and encouragement sets the stage for what follows. Romans 16 becomes a living example of how Paul’s theology becomes personal—it’s expressed in the warmth of his greetings to those who have lived out gospel unity in practical, relational ways.

Romans 16:1–2

Paul begins his conclusion by commending Phoebe to the Roman church. Phoebe isn’t mentioned anywhere else in the New Testament, but from what Paul says about her, she appears to be a prominent and trusted member of the church in Cenchreae, a port city near Corinth. She was actively involved in ministry and was planning a trip to Rome. Paul commends her for her faithful service to other Christians and asks the believers in Rome to provide her with whatever assistance she needs.

Paul calls her a deacon (Greek: diakonos) of the church in Cenchreae. The term may indeed refer to a specific office, as it does in Philippians 1:1, though it can also mean “minister” or “servant,” describing one who actively serves the church. Either way, it is a title of honor. Phoebe was not a passive member of the congregation—she was engaged in the ministry of the gospel.

Paul also calls her “our sister,” reminding the Roman believers that she is part of the same spiritual family. There is a threefold purpose in Paul’s commendation:

1. “Welcome her in the Lord as one who is worthy of honor among God’s people.” This welcome likely included receiving Phoebe into their fellowship, but it may also have meant helping her find housing, food, and other practical support.
2. “Help her in whatever she needs.” Though Paul doesn’t specify her need, it’s possible that Phoebe required legal or logistical assistance while in Rome.
3. “She has been helpful to many, and especially to me.” This statement reveals that Phoebe was likely a woman of means who used her resources to support the church and the apostle Paul personally.
   
   

It’s widely believed that Phoebe carried Paul’s letter to the Roman church herself. In that case, this commendation served as her letter of introduction—a standard and essential practice in the ancient world, meant to identify trusted messengers and protect the church from impostors.
Phoebe’s inclusion here is significant. She represents countless faithful servants in the church—men and women who labor quietly behind the scenes, yet whose service strengthens the whole body of Christ.

Romans 16:3–16

Paul continues with a remarkable list of personal greetings. He names twenty-six individuals, two households, and three house churches. This greeting is more than just a roll call; it’s a portrait of the early church at work. Paul’s reference to these coworkers by name shows that he did not serve Christ in isolation. Ministry was never a solo effort for Paul—it was built on relationships, cooperation, and mutual encouragement.

If Paul, the great apostle to the Gentiles, needed such a network of helpers, how much more do we? No one is meant to serve Christ alone.

This passage gives us a beautiful picture of the diversity and unity of the early church.

Diverse
The church in Rome was a mixture of backgrounds, ethnicities, and social classes. Paul’s greetings show that the congregation included both Jews and Gentiles (for example, Priscilla and Aquila, Andronicus and Junia, and Herodion were Jewish names). The others, mostly Greek names, reflect Gentile believers.

The church was also diverse in social status. Some names (Ampliatus, Urbanus, Hermes, Philologus, and Julia) were common among enslaved people. In contrast, others may have belonged to freedmen or those of noble status (such as Rufus, possibly the son of Simon of Cyrene who carried Jesus’ cross).

And the church was diverse in gender—nine of the twenty-six individuals mentioned are women. That’s a remarkable number in the context of the ancient world. These women were not bystanders; they were leaders, patrons, and workers in the gospel.

Paul’s final instruction in verse 16, to “greet one another with a sacred (holy) kiss,” reflects the closeness of their fellowship. The kiss was a standard cultural greeting, but here it takes on sacred meaning—it symbolizes peace, forgiveness, and unity among believers.

Unified
Despite their diversity, Paul’s greetings also reveal a deep sense of unity. Over and over, he refers to his friends as being “in Christ” or “in the Lord.” This phrase defines their identity. What joined them together wasn’t shared ethnicity or background but their shared relationship with Jesus.

Paul also uses familial language, calling them “brother” or “sister.” He mentions that they are “fellow workers” and even “fellow sufferers.” These shared experiences—laboring and suffering together—bound the early Christians into a deep spiritual family.

It’s worth noting that many of these believers hosted house churches, which Paul references at least six times. These homes became centers of worship, prayer, and fellowship. Though the Roman church was spread out across the city, it was united by love, faith, and a common mission.

This section reminds us that the church, at its best, is both diverse and united—a community of different people drawn together by one Lord, one Spirit, and one gospel.

Romans 16:17–20

After this series of greetings, Paul suddenly shifts tone. His voice moves from affectionate to urgent as he issues a warning. “Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught.”

This transition may seem abrupt, but it makes perfect sense. Having just celebrated the unity of the church, Paul now warns against anything that would threaten it. The gospel brings people together; false teaching tears them apart.

Paul pleads for watchfulness—be on guard for those who distort the truth. Not all disagreements are harmful; some arise from genuine faithfulness to Christ. But the divisions Paul warns about are those caused by people who intentionally twist or reject apostolic teaching.

For Paul, the test of truth is not popularity or personality—it’s faithfulness to the message of Christ as handed down by the apostles. The church must hold firmly to this foundation, preserved for us today in the New Testament.

Paul’s warning grows stronger: “Stay away from them.” There is no holy kiss for these false teachers. Instead, the church must separate from them to preserve the integrity of its witness. Why? Because, Paul says, “Such people are not serving our Lord Christ; they are serving their own personal interests (appetites).” Their motivation is selfishness, not devotion.

By smooth talk and flattering words, they deceive the unsuspecting. Their message sounds appealing, but it lacks truth. It’s a reminder that false teaching rarely enters the church through open rebellion—it slips in quietly, disguised as wisdom or love, appealing to emotion rather than truth.

Yet Paul’s tone quickly turns hopeful. He affirms the faithfulness of the Roman believers: “Everyone knows that you are obedient to the Lord. This makes me very happy.” Still, he encourages them to pair obedience with discernment. “I want you to be wise in doing right and to stay innocent of any wrong.”

In other words, be experts in good and amateurs in evil. The church is not called to be naïve but to cultivate discernment—recognizing what is right and rejecting what is wrong.
Paul closes this section with a powerful promise: “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” The victory of good over evil is assured. Satan’s defeat is inevitable, though not yet complete. Paul reminds them that God Himself will bring peace and victory to His people.

Conclusion
Romans 16 is far more than a list of names—it is a picture of the gospel in action. The Christian faith is not lived in isolation but in community, in shared labor, in friendship, and in vigilance against falsehood. Paul’s closing words remind us that sound doctrine and genuine love belong together.

Phoebe shows us that faithful service, no matter how quiet or unseen, is vital to the work of God. The long list of names shows us that the church is a diverse and unified family. And the final warning reminds us that unity must be protected by truth.

Three Application Points:

1. Value the unseen servants.
   Just as Paul commended Phoebe, we should honor those who serve faithfully behind the scenes. The strength of any church rests not on a few public figures but on the many who quietly love, give, and serve.
2. Celebrate diversity and pursue unity.
   The church thrives when different people—of every background, story, and skill—come together in Christ. Our differences don’t divide us; they display the beauty of God’s grace.
3. Guard the gospel with discernment and love.
   Truth matters. Love matters. One without the other leads to imbalance. The church must always hold fast to sound teaching while extending grace to those who seek the truth sincerely.

​When we live out these truths, the church becomes what God designed it to be—a family of faith marked by love, unity, and watchfulness, waiting together for the day when “the God of peace will soon crush Satan under our feet.”
 

In Romans 14, Paul addresses the tension between believers who differ on secondary matters of conviction—specifically, what they eat, drink, or days of observance. He calls them the “weak” and the “strong,” not to divide them, but to teach them how to live in love. The “strong” understood their freedom in Christ, while the “weak” were often shaped by their past religious backgrounds and still wrestled with certain restrictions. Paul’s message concerning religious liberties must always be guided by love for the weaker believer. The Christian life is not defined by personal liberty or preference but by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit—the true marks of God’s kingdom.
​
As Paul moves into chapter 15, he continues this theme by urging the strong to bear with the failings of the weak and to follow Christ’s example. Jesus did not please Himself but served others for their good, and His followers are called to do the same. Unity in the church flows from this kind of selfless love. Paul desires that the church in Rome—and by extension, all believers—would live in harmony, “so that with one mind and one voice” they might glorify God. In this way, the church becomes a living picture of the kingdom of God, marked not by pride or division, but by shared grace and mutual encouragement.

Romans 15:1–2

Paul opens chapter 15 with a practical call to action: “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.” The question naturally arises—what should the strong do? And what is their responsibility toward the weak?

1. Be considerate of those who are sensitive or weak in faith.
The strong in faith may be tempted to use their maturity or confidence to dominate or control others, but such behavior is spiritually destructive. Paul tells the stronger believer to bear with—or be considerate of—the one who is still growing in faith and may be easily influenced. The goal is not to manipulate or prove superiority but to walk in patience and gentleness. Christian strength is not measured by how forcefully we express our convictions, but by how graciously we treat those who don’t yet share them.

2. Be selfless
The call of discipleship—and especially of those strong in faith—is a call to the Kingdom of God, not the kingdom of self. Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve. When He calls us to take up our cross and follow Him, it is an invitation to selfless living. It is a declaration of surrender: “Lord, I want to serve You. I want to live for You. I have dreams and desires for my life, but I want You above all else.” This kind of selflessness extends into our relationships with others. Our treatment of those weaker in faith reflects whether we are serving Christ’s kingdom or our own.

3. Help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.
Paul’s instruction is not a call to people-pleasing but to genuine spiritual encouragement. The “strong” believer “walks in love” when he or she “pleases” rather than “pains” the “weak” believer (cf. 14:15). Love seeks the other’s spiritual good. Paul says the goal of pleasing others is “to build them up.” This means encouraging them in faith, strengthening their walk with Christ, and promoting unity in the body. The “good” of one believer contributes to the health of the entire community. When one member grows, all are strengthened. When one stumbles, all are affected. Thus, our actions toward the weak either build up or tear down the church.

Romans 15:3–4

Paul then answers the question: Why should we be sensitive to the weak and not seek to please only ourselves?

Because Jesus did not seek to please Himself.
He gave Himself for others in obedience to the Father. Philippians 2:7–8 captures this beautifully: “He gave up His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a servant and was born as a human being. When He appeared in human form, He humbled Himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.”

Paul also quotes Psalm 69:9, which demonstrates Christ’s refusal to live for His own comfort. “The insults of those who insult You have fallen on Me.” Jesus so fully identified Himself with the will and glory of the Father that the rejection meant for God fell upon Him. Paul may be subtly reminding the “strong” believers that their small sacrifices—such as refraining from certain foods or practices for the sake of others—pale in comparison to the suffering Christ endured for our salvation.

Paul also takes this opportunity to affirm the ongoing value of the Old Testament. Though believers are no longer under the law, Scripture remains essential for teaching, encouragement, and hope. He writes, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” The Old Testament still instructs us in righteousness, revealing the character of God and the nature of His promises. It strengthens our faith and gives us endurance as we await the fulfillment of God’s plan in Christ.

Romans 15:5–13

Paul’s teaching culminates in this section with a prayer for unity among believers. His argument unfolds around three central truths.

1. Because we are united in Christ through worship.
Christian unity is ultimately unity in Christ. He is the center of our fellowship, and the closer we draw to Him, the closer we will draw to one another. Paul prays, “May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.” The purpose of this unity is not merely social harmony—it is worship. “So that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” True unity always results in praise. When believers love one another across differences, the world sees a reflection of the reconciling power of the gospel.

2. Because we are accepted by Christ.
Paul echoes his earlier command in Romans 14:1, “Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong.” Now he expands the call: “Accept one another, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” Acceptance is not about agreement on every issue—it’s about grace. Christ accepted us while we were still sinners, and now we are called to extend that same grace to others. Both the strong and the weak, Jew and Gentile, are welcomed into the family of God because of what Christ has done. Our unity, therefore, is not built on shared opinions but on shared redemption.

3. Because Christ was a servant to all.
Paul reminds his readers that Christ first came as a servant to the Jews “to show that God is true to the promises He made to their ancestors.” He fulfilled the covenant made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, offering salvation to Israel as the promised Messiah. Yet, Paul also emphasizes that Christ came for the Gentiles “so that they might glorify God for His mercy.” Through His death and resurrection, Jesus tore down the dividing wall of hostility, uniting Jews and Gentiles into one body. What was once separated by law, culture, and history is now reconciled through grace.

To affirm this truth, Paul cites four Old Testament passages—all highlighting Gentile inclusion and unified worship:

• 2 Samuel 22:50 — David praises God “among the nations,” showing that even Israel’s king envisioned God’s glory extending beyond Israel’s borders.
• Deuteronomy 32:43 — Moses calls the nations to rejoice with God’s people, celebrating divine mercy that reaches beyond one nation.
• Psalm 117:1 — A universal call: “Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol Him, all you peoples.”
• Isaiah 11:10 — Isaiah prophesies that “the root of Jesse” (the Messiah) will rise to rule the nations, and they will place their hope in Him.

Through these texts, Paul demonstrates that God’s plan of redemption has always been global. Christ is the fulfillment of this plan—the hope of both Jew and Gentile, the Savior of all who believe.

Paul closes this section with a beautiful benediction in verse 13:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Here, Paul gathers the main themes of his message—hope, joy, peace, faith, and the power of the Spirit. He knows the church at Rome faces potential division, yet he prays that their shared faith will overflow into confident hope. When believers live in this Spirit-filled unity, they become a living testimony to the world of the transforming power of God’s kingdom.

Conclusion
As we reflect on Paul’s teaching about relationships between the strong and the weak (Romans 14:1–15:13), it may seem distant from our modern setting, yet the principles remain deeply relevant. Paul presents two values that apply to every church in every generation--faith and love.

First, everything must be done from faith. Each believer must live in accordance with their conscience, shaped and educated by the Word of God. We are called to grow strong in conviction and liberty, grounded in trust that God’s grace is sufficient.

Second, everything must be done in love. Our liberty must never be used to wound or belittle another believer. Those who are strong in faith must serve those who are weak, remembering that each brother and sister is someone for whom Christ died. We honor, not despise them; we build up, not tear down; we respect their convictions even when we do not share them.

A wise guideline has often been repeated in the history of the church:
“In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.”

In matters of essential faith—those truths revealed in Scripture—we must stand firm. But in secondary matters, love must prevail. Faith informs our conscience; love respects the conscience of others. Faith grants liberty; love governs how we use it. When the people of God live this way—strong bearing with the weak, all walking in humility and grace—the church truly reflects the beauty of Christ’s kingdom on earth.