SCRIPTURE: ROMANS 15
Bible Verses:
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 15:5-6)
“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed” (Romans 15:7-8)
“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.” (Romans 15:13)
“It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.” (Romans 15:20)
“Pray that I may be kept safe from the unbelievers in Judea and that the contribution I take to Jerusalem may be favorably received by the Lord’s people there, so that I may come to you with joy, by God’s will, and in your company be refreshed. The God of peace be with you all. Amen.” (Romans 15:31-33)
The strong must bear the weaker and help them grow. It needs love, patience, endurance and encouragement so that there will be unity to follow Christ and give glory to Him. We should accept one another as Christ has accepted us so that we can bring praise to God. If you trust in God, He will give you hope, joy and peace.
PAUL, THE MINISTER TO THE GENTILES (vs. 14-33)
By the grace of God, Paul was a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles with the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God. He led the Gentiles to obey God by the power of signs and miracles through the power of the Spirit. He was able to proclaim the gospel for Jerusalem, Illyricum and to places where Christ was not known (vs. 19-20)
PAUL’S PLAN TO VISIT ROME (vs. 23-33)
Paul planned to visit Rome, but at this moment he was on his way to Jerusalem to bring the contribution from the Gentiles of Macedonia and Achaia for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. He urged his brothers to pray for his safety and his service.
THOUGHTS:
- Paul asked Christians to set aside selfishness and self-pleasing actions for the sake of building others up.
- The Scripture taught us to have his attitude of love towards other Christians. We should maintain an attitude of loving unity among brethren.
- Paul postponed his plan to visit Rome because he had heard many good reports about the believers there. He wanted to preach in areas that had not heard the Good News.
- Paul urged believers to join in his struggle by means of prayer. Let us use prayer as a weapon of believer’s armor to intercede for others who are joining the fight against Satan.