Welcome, Everyone! (Part 3)

Romans 15:1 CSB

Now we who are strong have an obligation to bear the weaknesses of those without strength, and not to please ourselves.

INTRO—

UNITY...

Takes work.

Ephesians 4:3 CSB

making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Freedom for Each Other — The Principle of Christian Liberty

Basically on ‘disputed matters’ (eg.: meat & idols; Jewish festival days).

Patience with Each Other — The Principle of Christian Love

Judging it best to never put a stumbling block in the way of our brother or sister (ie: the kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit; building up the church<es>).

…& Jesus shows us the way to…

Prioritize Pleasing Others [Romans 15.1-4]

1 Corinthians 10:24 CSB

No one is to seek his own good, but the good of the other person.

Philippians 2:1–4 CSB

1 If, then, there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 make my joy complete by thinking the same way, having the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. 4 Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.

Jesus’ example… (Romans 15.3)

Psalm 69:9 CSB

because zeal for your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.

Romans 15.4…He essentially says, “As I quote this phrase from the Psalm, I want everyone to be assured that the Scriptures—in Paul’s day that was exclusively what we call the Old Testament—have been written for us to be both taught and encouraged.” ((Paul will then go on to string together a set of Scripture pearls as he concludes his counsel to us in verses nine through thirteen.)) What has been written in the past is for our benefit...that we would learn and live an enduring faith and find the encouragement which brings us the hope we so greatly need...ALL FROM GOD’S WORD.

Mark 10:45 CSB

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

We need to make time to take time for each other...

Welcome One Another [Romans 15.7-12]

Now, in these verses, Paul clearly shows that all believers—strong:weak; old:young; men:women; Jew:Gentile...et al. (Those groups Paul specifically, and the entire Bible in general, mentions)—have the responsibility and privilege of lovingly encouraging each other.

Romans 15:2 CSB

Each one of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.

To emphasize the importance of welcoming (accepting, opening up to, connecting with) each other, Paul again turns to a poignant—and obviously all to common—example, the challenging relationship between Jews and Gentiles (namely European Gentiles).

Jesus example...

John 1:11 CSB

He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.

John 1:12 CSB

But to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in his name,

…according to the Scriptures...

Romans 15.9…

Psalm 18:49 CSB

Therefore I will give thanks to you among the nations, Lord; I will sing praises about your name.

Romans 15.10…

Deuteronomy 32:43 CSB

Rejoice, you nations, concerning his people, for he will avenge the blood of his servants. He will take vengeance on his adversaries; he will purify his land and his people.

Romans 15.11…

Psalm 117:1 CSB

Praise the Lord, all nations! Glorify him, all peoples!

Romans 15.12…

Isaiah 11:10 CSB

On that day the root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples. The nations will look to him for guidance, and his resting place will be glorious.

CONCL—

So…I left a few verses out. As we finish up today, let’s go back and take a look at them...

Romans 15:5–6 CSB

5 Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6 so that you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ with one mind and one voice.

Romans 15:13 CSB

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

When it comes to welcoming everyone…we have what it takes!

A perfect example…AND a perfect enabler! (So, we have no excuse for not doing it/getting the job done.)

Romans 15:13 CSB

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.