November 20, 2018
We Weren't Designed to Be Outsiders
Romans 15:8–10
Toni Haynes
Central Truth
Jesus accepts all people who believe in His name, whether they are Jews, Gentiles, or Texans. We are called to spread the gospel, His light, and His love to others so that we may praise Him together as one body.
Romans 15:8–10
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.”
Dive Deeper | Romans 15:8–10
There is a lot of chaos and cruelness that goes on in this world, which can cause us to feel alone. Do you ever feel like an outsider? Like you don’t belong? As I reflect on different seasons of my life, there have been times I have felt like the outsider. But Paul has great news for you and me!
In these verses, Paul is telling us that Christ came to be a servant to the “circumcised,” referring to the Jews. Christ wanted to show them that He would fulfill His promises to the “patriarchs,” meaning the men that God used to establish Israel–Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. But that isn’t all Paul says. He also mentions that the Gentiles (non-Jewish people) may glorify God because they are included in this promise as well.
During the time Paul wrote Romans in Corinth, circa A.D. 55 to 60, the Gentiles were considered outsiders among the Jews. God didn’t want this, and He had other plans. This was good news for the Gentiles because they didn’t have to feel like the outsiders anymore. God wanted to include them among His people and share His love and grace with them.
Psalm 18:49 talks about praising the Lord among the nations. He wants ALL of us to know Him and His love through Jesus Christ. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, we see that many members make one body with Christ, who is the unifier and head of the body.
God never intended for us to be outsiders or to feel like we are on the outside. No matter your heritage, demographics, or status, God is calling all of us into a relationship with Him through Jesus by offering an inclusive, not exclusive, gospel. There is nothing we can do to earn His love; it is a free gift for everyone. God wants us all to be included in this wonderful gift. And that's the good news! He wants us to praise His name together as His people, with His people forever, as His sons and daughters.
This month's memory verse
14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
– Romans 13:14
Discussion Questions
1. Do you ever feel like an outsider in this world? If so, do you turn to the Lord, or do you turn to the world?
2. How are you praising God? Are you praising His name with others?
3. Do you personally believe that Jesus is the unifier, that the gospel is inclusive not exclusive, and that God wants us ALL praising His name—no matter your background?