Pastor Lowell Nelson teaches through Romans 15:22-23 "Plans and Paths" on 5/18/2026 for our Monday Upper Room Bible Study.
Romans 15:22-23
Paul's Plan to Visit Rome
22 For this reason I also have been much hindered from coming to you. 23 But now no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you,
In this study on Romans 15:22–33, Pastor Lowell explores how believers navigate human planning while remaining fully submissive to God's ultimate sovereignty.
Human Responsibility and Divine Sovereignty
Believers are called to be diligent, exercise logic, and intentionally plan for the future. However, we must keep these plans fluid and hold them loosely, always yielding to God’s absolute right to alter our direction. Practical application requires trusting God while actively using our minds to plan responsibly.
Discerning Plans versus Paths
A plan is a personal desire to glorify God that awaits clear confirmation, whereas a path is a direction actively established by God through His Word and Spirit. When we take action on a plan, God will sovereignly open or close doors to guide us into His specific path. Believers must remain flexible enough to embrace divine interruptions as alignment with His true calling.
The Role of Prayer and Spiritual Warfare
God incorporates prayer as the foundational path for every believer to seek confirmation and protection. True ministry naturally invites spiritual warfare and pushback from the enemy, meaning our efforts must be covered in persistent intercession. Practically, believers must strive together in prayer to protect those teaching the Word and to sustain spiritual breakthroughs.
Final Summary: The heart of this message underscores that while it is healthy for a believer to outline their goals, God is the one who ultimately establishes their footsteps. We are granted beautiful freedom in Christ to pursue godly desires, but we must gracefully surrender to His timing, boundaries, and corrections. The ultimate call to action is to step out in faith, diligently plan to glorify God, and dynamically embrace His sovereign route, trusting that even imprisonment or suffering can be transformed into a powerful platform for the gospel.
