Unity Exemplifies the Lord-Romans 15:1-13 (July 29, 2023)

Introduction

Unity in Christ - A Reflection of His Love and Acceptance (Romans 15:1-4)

*Scripture Reading: Romans 15:1-4

Romans 15:1–4 ESV

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.

A. Bearing with the Weak

- Jane Austen once said, "Incline us, oh God, to think humbly of ourselves, to be severe only in the examination of our own conduct, to consider our fellow-creatures with kindness, and to judge of all they say and do with that charity which we would desire from them ourselves." We are called not to simply tolerate the weak but to participate by showing understanding and bearing their burdens (Galatians 6:2).

Romans C. Unity Exemplifies the Lord (15:1–13)

“Incline us, oh God, to think humbly of ourselves, to be severe only in the examination of our own conduct, to consider our fellow-creatures with kindness, and to judge of all they say and do with that charity which we would desire from them ourselves”

Those whose convictions allow them greater latitude are to look out for and encourage the faith of those whose convictions limit them.

Galatians 6:2 ESV

2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

B. Pleasing Others, Not Ourselves

- The example we follow is Christ who did not come to serve himself but those in need (Mark 10:45, 2 Corinthians 8:9). By putting others' needs before our own, we build them up in their faith.

Mark 10:45 ESV

45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

2 Corinthians 8:9 ESV

9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.

C. Learning from the Past

- Paul reminds us that the scriptures were written to teach us so we can have hope for the future. By understanding the Old Testament Scriptures, we grasp a bigger picture of God's plan for the ages.

We can’t forget that God’s work and community were founded in the old testament. So in order to be the church God calls us to be today we need to read and understand the Old Testament as well as the new.

II. Unity of the Church - A Glorification of God (Romans 15:5-6)

*Scripture Reading: Romans 15:5-6

Romans 15:5–6 ESV

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.

A. Endurance and Encouragement

- Through endurance and encouragement from the Scriptures, the church gains a spirit of unity, allowing it to glorify God with one heart and mouth.

B. The Church as One Body

- Much like how the disciples in Mark 16:20 went out and preached everywhere, we too, as one body, should work together to fulfill Christ's Great Commission.

Mark 16:20 ESV

20 And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.

III. Unity for All - The Acceptance of One Another (Romans 15:7-13)

*Scripture Reading: Romans 15:7-13

Romans 15:7–13 ESV

7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. 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.

A. Christ as the Model of Servanthood

- Just as Christ took the form of a servant and fulfilled the promises made to the patriarchs, resulting in mercy for the Gentiles, we too should serve one another.

It was because Jesus was willing to be a servant that He brought hope to us.

B. Unity for Both Jews and Gentiles

- Through Christ's servanthood, both Jews and Gentiles were unified in one body. It was always God's intent for the Gentiles to be included in His love and mercy.

C. Old Testament Prophecies of Inclusion

- Various Old Testament passages show God's intention for the inclusion of the Gentiles (2 Samuel 22:50, Deuteronomy 32:43, Psalm 117:1, Isaiah 11:10). This unity and inclusion reflect the broader purpose of God for His church.

2 Samuel 22:50 ESV

50 “For this I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations, and sing praises to your name.

Deuteronomy 32:43 ESV

43 “Rejoice with him, O heavens; bow down to him, all gods, for he avenges the blood of his children and takes vengeance on his adversaries. He repays those who hate him and cleanses his people’s land.”

Psalm 117:1 ESV

1 Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!

Isaiah 11:10 ESV

10 In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples—of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious.

This is important because it shows that even from the Old Testament it was part of God’s plan to include all nations.

Conclusion

Story of the poster and the question

How many angels can fit on the head of a pin?

a Middle Ages theological question

Two theologians arguing over this while people fall over the cliff into hell.

A million angels on the head of a pin

or

a million pins on the head of an angel

or

Who cares about pins and angels??? We need to save people from hell by sharing the nondisputable matters of faith!

As we look at the example of Jesus Christ, let us strive for unity by bearing with the weak, glorifying God together, and accepting one another as Christ has accepted us. Let's remember that unity doesn't mean uniformity. We all come from different walks of life, with different experiences and viewpoints. Yet, in the body of Christ, these differences are not meant to divide us, but rather to enrich our community, as we each contribute to the work of God in unique and valuable ways.