The Book of Romans – Part 33, Rom 15 Living the Example of Christ: Unity, Service, and Hope

[Study Aired June 25, 2024]

To fully grasp the depth of Paul’s message, it is essential to understand the context provided by the preceding chapters.

In Romans 12, Paul calls believers to present our bodies as living sacrifices, urging us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. He outlines the marks of true Christian living, emphasizing love, humility, and service within the body of Christ. This chapter lays the groundwork for practical Christian actions and our relationship with others.

Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

In Romans 13, Paul discusses the importance of living righteously within society, emphasizing submission to governing authorities and the overarching command to love one another. This love fulfills the law and should guide our interactions with others.

Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Romans 13:8 Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

Romans 13:10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

In Romans 14, Paul addresses issues of personal conviction and liberty within the body of Christ. He encourages us to avoid passing judgment on one another regarding disputable matters, such as dietary choices and the observance of days. Instead, Paul calls for mutual acceptance and sensitivity to each other’s conscience, promoting peace and edification over division.

Romans 14:1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.

Romans 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

Romans 14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

With this foundation, Paul transitions into Romans 15, urging the strong in faith to support the weak and to prioritize the well-being of others over personal preferences. By looking to Christ’s example of selflessness and service, we are called to grow in unity and hope. As we review these verses, let us open our hearts to the lessons written for our admonition, that we may grow in patience, unity, and hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
Romans 15:2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
Romans 15:3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.

Paul encourages those who are strong in faith to be patient and supportive of those who are weaker in faith. This involves understanding their weaknesses, rather than acting in ways that might cause them to stumble. Our focus is on building up others. Paul calls us to seek the welfare of our neighbors, aiming to strengthen and encourage them in their faith. Jesus is the ultimate example of selflessness. He endured suffering and reproach on behalf of us. Paul cites Psalm 69:9 to illustrate how Christ took upon Himself the insults directed at God.

Psa 69:9 For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me.

Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

Paul emphasizes the value of Scripture. The Old Testament writings are given to instruct and provide encouragement and hope, demonstrating God’s faithfulness and promises. They are written for our learning and admonition.

1Co 10:11-12 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world (ages) are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 

Romans 15:5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
Romans 15:6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul prays for unity among the body of Christ, asking that God, who gives patience and comfort, will help us to live in harmony, following the example of Christ. The goal of this unity is to glorify God. When we are unified, we can glorify God together with one voice, reflecting the oneness that Christ prayed for in John 17.

Joh 17:11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.

Christ was not praying for the apostles only. He was praying for the whole body.

Joh 17:20-23 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. 

Romans 15:7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

Paul calls for mutual acceptance among believers. Just as Christ has welcomed us despite our flaws and differences, we are to welcome and accept one another, bringing glory to God.

Romans 15:8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:
Romans 15:9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.

Jesus served the Jews (the circumcision) to fulfill God’s promises to the patriarchs. This emphasizes Jesus’ faithfulness in confirming the covenant promises made to Israel. Paul highlights that God’s mercy extends to the Gentiles. He quotes Psalm 18:49 to show that the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s plan has always been part of His redemptive purpose.

Psa 18:49 Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name. 

Romans 15:10 And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.
Romans 15:11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.

Quoting Psalms 67:3-4, Paul emphasizes that the Gentiles are invited to rejoice alongside the Jews, highlighting the unity of both groups in God’s salvation plan:

Psa 67:3-4 Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah. 

The principle of “is, was, and will be” applies to these scriptures. In Romans 2, Paul explains that being a Jew is a matter of the heart, not an external identity. The Old Testament Jews did not fully grasp that Gentiles would also be included in God’s plan of salvation. Christ fulfilled the law and the prophets, establishing a new covenant. Paul is teaching that we, as inward Jews, are now part of the plan to bring salvation to the world.

Rom 2:28-29 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

Oba 1:21 And saviours shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the LORD’S. 

Romans 15:12 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.

In Isaiah 11:10, Paul speaks of the Messiah, a descendant of Jesse (David’s father), who will reign over the Gentiles. This Messiah is the source of hope for all nations.

Isa 11:10 And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.

Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Paul concludes with a benediction, praying that God, the source of hope, will fill us with joy and peace as we trust in Him. This abundant hope is empowered by the Holy Spirit, sustaining believers in their faith journey.

In this study, Paul emphasizes the importance of following Christ’s example to foster unity, service, and hope among His body. Romans 12 sets the stage by calling us to live sacrificially, transforming our minds to embody love, humility, and service, mirroring Christ’s selflessness. Romans 13 emphasizes righteous living in society through submission to authorities and love for one another, fulfilling the law. Romans 14 encourages acceptance and sensitivity to personal convictions, avoiding judgment to maintain harmony within the body of Christ.

Building on this foundation, Romans 15 urges those strong in faith to support the weak, prioritizing others’ well-being over personal preferences. By looking to Christ, who selflessly bore our reproaches, we are called to imitate His example of patience, unity, and hope. Paul stresses the value of Scripture for encouragement and instruction, aiming to cultivate a community that glorifies God with one voice. Through Christ’s example, both Jews and Gentiles are united in God’s salvation plan, demonstrating the inclusivity and transformative power of His grace. This study calls us to emulate Christ’s selfless service and unity in our daily lives, bringing glory to God and hope to all.

Romans 15:1-3 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.

Philippians 2:3-5 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.

John 13:14-15 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.