Purpose and Mission

Introduction: Once upon a time… setting historical context of Rome and example of what hospitality would have looked like.

Romans 15:1-7

Walk thru these verses offering some brief explanation as to the meaning of the text.

15:1-2 “Gives the imperative to bear with and build up one another”

bear = patiently endure the unpleasant difficulties on behalf of someone else. (Costly)

good = well being

build him up = act of bringing someone closer to fulness and completion/ edify.

15:3 “Gives the example of Christ”

reproach = Disgraceful insults that belittles and offends someone unjustly. To find fault with harsh and mocking demeanor.

15:4 “Gives the authoritative hope of Scripture”

instruction = content of teaching, doctrine

endurance = steadfastness, power to withstand hardships

encouragement = comfort, “same root word Jesus used to describe Holy Spirit as the comforter”

Hope = Expectation

15:5-6 “Makes the appeal to God (because he is the origin of these things) to accomplish this harmonious unity for the glory of God.

endurance = same as verse 4, steadfastness. Inward fortitude.

encouragement = same as verse 4.

grant = cause you to “live”

live in harmony = an attitude of the mind

Together = With one mind

glorify= praise, esteem, exult

15:7 Contains the summary point. “finishes this section by reminding of the imperative to welcome one another for the purpose of bringing glory to God.”

welcome = to receive, accept, bring along, welcome someone into your home; hospitality.

glory = doxo, splendor, high honor, majesty of God

Transition: This leads us to make some application to our own lives because it helps answer for us as a whole church… what are we doing and why are we doing it? Lets start by focusing on our mission.

Mission: What are we doing?

The marching orders that Jesus has given to His church is to make disciples. This passage helps describe a key aspect for how we should go about doing that.

Evangelism and Edification. Last week, we were focusing on Evangelism. Today, we are focusing specifically on this area of edification.

Example:

Notice: Being hospitable is a means of edifying one another and glorifying God.

Purpose: Why are we doing it?

For the glory of God! This will continue to be a needful reminder. We are not making disciples, enduring, bearing with one another, building up one another.. for our own glory. For a name in Logan county. or some other reason… No, we seek to please one another rather than ourselves so that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ might be pleased.

This is tremendously important because it reminds us there will be moments throughout our church life where individuals are not pleased in order that God would be pleased. Pleasing God is of utmost importance.

Closing: In the days ahead, let us consider how to build one another up. We don’t need to ponder on how someone might see my need, or how I can be better pleased with my church experience, or looking for thins for other folks to accomplish. Rather, Lets pray to ask God to make us sensitized to the needs of others, and recognize that we are each empowered by the Holy spirit to sacrificially meet that need.

I am certain this will cost us far more of our personal convinces and preferences than we could ever know, However, We have Christ as our example. We have His word for our instruction. Now, may we edify for the good of one another. Maybe its a note in the mail, a word of encouragement, an act of service, a gentle rebuke, a gift of kindness. This starts with an attitude of heart that is simply paying attention to how we can encourage one another, then doing it.

Close by praying verses 5 & 6