Romans 15

Grace and peace,

As we approach the end of Romans we see that Paul includes many more personal details and greetings. Chapter 15 contains some final words of instruction and warning along with his travel plans.

The memory passage for chapter 15 is;
Romans 15:4-6, 13 (ESV)
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. 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. 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.

The outline theme is Righteous Ministry of Hope

This chapter begins by continuing the theme of chapter 14; care for and bear with the weak unselfishly as Christ loved us unselfishly. The memory passage outlines the ministry of hope. First, the Scriptures were written for our instruction, for our endurance, and for our encouragement. And through the Scripture we can have the assurance of hope. Then Paul follows with one of his blessings; that the God of the Scriptures would help us live in harmony with Christ Jesus and each other. The result will be unified worship of God.

Therefore (always a clue that something is coming) 'welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God'. We have studied how Christ 'welcomed' us while we were weak and ungoldly (5:6), sinners (5:8), and enemies (5:10). Not only did He welcome us, but even though we were completely unworthy, He DIED for us. We are to follow His example and welcome each other in His name.

And for all of us non-Jews, vv8-12 summarize the great mercy and grace of God towards us so that we might have hope. Which leads to the second half of the memory passage; that through the God of all joy and peace we may have hope by the power of Holy Spirit.

Paul encourages and instructs the Roman church with a confirmation of their growth and godliness followed by a reminder that he sometimes writes boldly to address or correct issues in the church. But his goal is always the same; to minister to the Gentiles so that their offering might be acceptable and sanctified by the Holy Spirit. The only boast Paul has about his ministry is that which Christ has accomplished in word and deed and through the power of Holy Spirit. Echoing 1 Corinthians 1:31; "let him who boasts boast in...the Lord"

Paul concludes this chapter with a mission statement and some travel plans. He states his commitment to take the Gospel to where it has not been preached and tells the church that he hopes to spend time with them before he goes to Spain.

Paul's appeal for prayer in v30 is very Trinitarian; pray by Jesus and the love of the Spirit to God. He continues the theme of 11:36; "from Him, through Him, and to Him are all things". The blessing peace at the end of this chapter continues the theme of the chapter (from v13) that they be filled with all joy and peace in believing so that they may abound in hope.

How does this affect my worship? Verses 5-6 contain a few phrases that have musical roots; 'live in harmony', 'in accord with Christ Jesus', 'with one voice glorify God'. If there is to be unity and harmony in the church, it must start with the grace of God and the Word of God. God's Word is for our instruction, endurance and encouragement, and the God of the Scriptures can grant us to live in harmony, one accord, and unified worship. Writing to 'God's chosen people' in Colossians 3, Paul emphasizes the centrality of the Word of God in instruction and worship. Colossians 3:16 (ESV) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

How does this affect my discipleship? Discipleship and 'pleasing ourselves' do not go hand in hand. Christ's example was not pleasing Himself, but taking our sins on Himself and dying for us. Part of discipleship is exactly what is written in vv1-3; bear with the weak, do not please ourselves, build up your neighbor, follow the example of Christ. But it combines with the very purpose of God's Word; to instruct us (toward hope), give us endurance (toward hope), and encourage us (toward hope). Our ministry of discipleship should always be underpinned with this ministry of hope in Christ.

May the God of peace be with you all,

Ethan