Romans 15

Self-Denial on Behalf of Others

Today we are together for the last time in this specific format before the Summer. On this occasion I want to spend some time talking to you about Yourselves

Paul, as he finishes the letter of Romans, he is dealing with the topic of personal ministry - and that is something that I want each of you to continue considering and getting better at

Romans 15:1 NASB95

Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves.

Paul begins this section, with what will be out first point

(1) Our actions should always have others in mind, specifically those who are at a disadvantage in some way - this is objectively better than simply doing what you want

Romans 15:2 NASB95

Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification.

(2) As believer's we are to be for others for their good and their betterment

Q_what is the difference in being for someone and being for them improving?

A_Being for them "improving" I need to know someone well enough to help them

Romans 15:3 NASB95

For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.”

Is clarification for the idea of someone taking on reproaches, for you

you being family - "what they do to you, they do to me…" "You are not alone here"

Romans 15:4 NASB95

For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Everything that was written in the OT was written for your learning and understanding.

These things are to give us Hope. Hope is won through perseverance and the encouragement that comes from knowing and understanding God's word.

Romans 15:5–6 NASB95

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.

Prayer: That God would grant us the same mind, according to Christ

Translation: that we would all be unified in wanting the same thing that Christ wants

Think about how exciting it is when, you ask your buddy what are you feeling like and you both say Pizza (there is some genuine excitement for something so trivial, "What should we do…Let's do a puzzle they say at the same time, let’s do something nice for Mom, etc.) What a joy and how much easier it is to accomplish something with "like-minded" individuals. I had a bunch of friends in college that loved to play basketball - it was the easiest thing in the world to get them to go play. Father that we would be like minded!

Romans 15:7 NASB95

Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.

Paul next exhorts us to accept one another, just as Christ accepts us to the glory of God

So you are messy, you are irritable, you are a bad friend, you are emotional, you snore, you can't eat gluten, you are tall, you are young, you are old, you are poor

We all are something, Christ still loves you

One of the best gifts we can give anyone is to accept them - this doesn't mean that we excuse their sin, or that we gloss over things that they need to get better at, but it does mean that we do not hold against people their inconveniences. For you are inconvenient to someone and you are inconvenient to God. Yet He Accepts You!

Romans 15:8–12 NASB95

For I say that Christ has become a servant to the circumcision on behalf of the truth of God to confirm the promises given to the fathers, and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy; as it is written, “Therefore I will give praise to You among the Gentiles, And I will sing to Your name.” Again he says, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people.” And again, “Praise the Lord all you Gentiles, And let all the peoples praise Him.” Again Isaiah says, “There shall come the root of Jesse, And He who arises to rule over the Gentiles, In Him shall the Gentiles hope.”

Romans 15:13–16 NASB95

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another. But I have written very boldly to you on some points so as to remind you again, because of the grace that was given me from God, to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

Verse 16 is where we stop

As we sit here - let me remind you again -> to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the nations

If you are a believer, I want to remind you that that is what you are!

You are to minister as a priest of the Gospel of God

You have been set apart by the gospel and for the gospel

For the purpose of the nations becoming acceptable and sanctified by the HS

We Gather-Care-Work where ever we are to bring about the sanctification for all those who would be justified through Christ's saving work

Many of you in this room are going into a new phase of life and everyone in this room is going somewhere different at least for the summer

See yourself as a priest where you are going! You are a priest of the Gospel