ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY

February 4, 2014

ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY

Romans 15:1-13

Catherine Dennis

Central Truth

God calls us to bear one another's burdens and love those inside and outside our community. When we go out of our way to care for other people, we are glorifying God and sharing His love and joy with those who really need it.

Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. (Romans 15:7)

The Example of Christ

1 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Christ the Hope of Jews and Gentiles

8 For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9 and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,

“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles,
and sing to your name.”

10 And again it is said,

“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.”

11 And again,

“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,
and let all the peoples extol him.”

12 And again Isaiah says,

“The root of Jesse will come,
even he who arises to rule the Gentiles;
in him will the Gentiles hope.”

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

In this passage, Paul begins by stating that "we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves." (Romans 15:1-2, NASB) As followers of Christ, we are to love one another deeply so that we can encourage and support those who are not able. This means focusing on the pain and needs of others rather than being wrapped up in our own problems.

God calls us to put aside our troubles to bear the burdens of others in this world. We need to take the time to sit down and be intentional with the people around us who are hurting. We need ask God to use us in the best way to care for others. This love and care for others allows God to be fully glorified.

Part of God's character is His unconditional love that serves and encourages us as His children. We are to model these same actions to the people with whom we live in community. Not only do we model these actions to the ones we love and live life with, but also to those who do not know the great goodness of God.

Later in the passage, Paul begins to discuss the faith of the Gentiles and the Jews. He shares that all can know Christ and experience His love. Although these two groups are separate, God offers unconditional love and eternal life to all. He calls us to unite together so that we may show God's beauty and righteousness. He pushes us to live this out with these words: "Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 15:5-6, NASB) We are to unite as believers with one voice to celebrate and praise God's great name so that others may see His deep love.

1. What does it look like in daily actions to accept one another for the glory of God?

2. How can you bear the burdens of those in your community?

3. Who are the people outside of your community that you meet in your daily life with whom you can share God's love?