Love One Another - Romans 13:8-10

January 26, 2020 Highlands B. C. Fellowship: Living in Community Receive One Another Romans 15:7 Introduction: I. Opening — II. Illustrations A. Family => Joel at Granny’s Funeral B. Cheers (popular 80’s sitcom) => chorus of theme song III. Context – IV. Read Text — Romans 15:1-7 V. Pray Instruction: I. What does it mean to “receive”? (v. 7) A. Definition 1. The word "receive" (proslambanesthe) means to take to oneself; to receive a person as a friend; to treat as the closest of friends with the most caring kindness. 1 2. Proslambanō (accept) is an intensified form of lambanō and carries the meaning of receiving something or someone to oneself with special concern. 2 B. Usage (Scripture is the best commentary on Scripture) 1. Acts 18:26 (NKJV) So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. 2. Acts 28:2 (NKJV) And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold. 3. Philemon 17 (NASB) If then you regard me a partner, accept him as you would me. II. How did Christ Jesus receive us? (v. 7) 1. Romans 5:6 (NKJV) For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 2. Romans 5:8 (NKJV) But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 3. John MacArthur suggests, “There are at least four characteristics of Christ’s accepting sinners. First, He accepts them joyously. Luke 15 Second, Jesus accepts sinners for salvation in spite of their sin. Romans 5:8 Third, Jesus accepts sinners impartially. Acts 10:34-35 Fourth, Jesus accepts sinners to the glory of God, as Paul states explicitly in our text: Christ also accepted us to the glory of God. 3 III. How do we receive one another? (vv. 1-6) A. Accept One Another (1-2) 1. “Please” => “to make peace or to reconcile” 4 2. How do I “please” another? a. Consider => Don’t be a stumbling block! i. Romans 14:1, 7-8 ii. Romans 15:1a b. Care For => Seek the good of others iii. Romans 12:16-18 (NKJV) 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. 17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. B. Encourage One Another (2-4) 1. “Edification” => “to build up” 2. “Edification is the lovely process of bringing out the good in a person, in a decision, and in an action. That doesn’t mean you pretend everything is good. It means you let your actions— as far as it depends on you— actually bring out goodness (v. 2).” 5 3. How edification is accomplished => Through God’s Word (4) C. Pray for One Another (5-6) 1. Romans 15:5-6 2. Romans 15:13 IV. Why should we receive one another? (v. 7) A. God is Glorified (7) B. Good, in the Body of Christ, is Realized C. The Gospel gets Emphasized Invitation: I. Illustration – Marilyn Mason’s testimony of why he rejected Christ II. Appeals A. To the Lost B. To the Follower III. Pray