Romans 15:1-13: Jewish and Gentile Harmony in the Body of Christ (part 1)

 Part 1

We are to handle the weaker and stronger Christian ethical issues in a way that promotes unity and harmony in the assembly to the glory of God. Love for God, for our neighbors, and for other believers is worked out in patient tolerance and self-denial over gray ethical issues. Jesus modeled this by accepting people from both the Jewish and Gentile cultures into His kingdom.

I. Christians are to live in harmony with each other to the glory of God. vs. 1-6

A. The stronger believer is to be patient with the incapable one’s doubts. vs. 1

B. The believer is to seek to please and edify other Christians. vs. 2

C. Christian liberty as it relates to weak and strong Christians in the body of Christ should be informed by Jesus’ example of self-denial and living for others. vs. 3

D. The believer is to obey the Bible’s instructions concerning unity and harmony. vs. 4

1. The things written in the Word of God instruct us (1 Cor 10:6, 10).

2. The things written in the Word of God are for us to read and heed.

3. The things written in the Old Testament are for the Christian’s instruction.

4. The written Word of God (Scriptures) must be read or heard by Christians.

a. Reading the Bible brings hope to the believer (Rom 8:23-25).

b. Reading the Bible brings encouragement to the believer.

c. Reading the Bible brings perseverance to the believer.

E. God gives perseverance and encouragement to the believer. vs.5

1. By the written Word of God, read or heard (2 Tim 3:16-17).

2. By the body of Christ, through Christian fellowship.

3. By the indwelling Holy Spirit, who also uses 1. and 2.

F. God can grant believers to be of the same mind concerning matters of personal conduct (gray ethical issues). vs. 5

1. We should work and pray for unity on cultural issues.

2. Because the Messiah is head of the church, and the Son exemplifies unity, those connected to Him should also model unity over behavioral issues.

G. A unified assembly of Christians is more effective in bringing glory to God. vs. 6

1. Glorifying God is of vital importance for every human being.

2. Unity among humans is not natural, especially for people of different cultures.

3. When we are at peace with each other, we bring the most glory to God.

4. When we serve as a team, we bring the most glory to God.

5. Only the spiritually mature, living lives of self-denial, can glorify God in this way.

6. Oneness displays the love and concern we have for each other in spite of differing opinions on gray ethical issues of conduct and consumption.

7. Our voice of praise is directed towards our triune God.

a. Our God the Father, who is the eternal Father to the eternal Son.

b. Our Lord (Master) who is Yeshu’a (salvation) the Anointed One. 

II. Conclusion: Accept other Christians who have different ethical convictions. vs. 7-13

A. Receive one another in love, just as the Messiah received us. vs.7

B. Our salvation and displayed Christian unity bring glory to God. vs. 7

C. The Messiah models an accepting spirit concerning non-essentials by receiving both Jews and Gentiles into His kingdom by conversion. vs. 8-13

1. The Messiah fulfilled Scripture by serving the Jews, which displayed God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises, to God’s glory. vs. 8

a. The truth of God (John 17:17).

b. Confirmation of the Old Testament covenant promises.

2. The Messiah fulfilled Scripture by serving the Gentiles, which displayed God’s mercy and grace in His eternal plan to God’s glory. vs. 9-12

a. Paul’s evidence of God’s ancient OT Gentile conversion plan.

b. David’s writings and the Gentiles (Worship) [2 Sam 22:50; Psa 18:49]

c. Moses’ writings and the Gentiles (Unity) [Deut 32:43].

d. The Psalmist and the Gentiles (Praise to Yahweh) [Psa 117:1].

e. Isaiah and the Gentiles (Messiah will rule and give hope) [Isa 11:10].

D. Benediction: Believers receive joy and peace from the God of hope. vs. 13

1. The fullness of joy is available to the believer.

2. An extravagant hope is available to the believer.

3. Joy, hope, and peace come to the believer through the person of the Holy Spirit.

a. The Trinity is included in this section. vs. 5 and 13

b. The power to live the Christian life comes from the Holy Spirit (Rom 8).

c. He is a person and co-equal with God the Father and God the Son.