November 23, 2020
The epistle to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul to the church in the capital city of Rome. The date of the letter was most likely around 56 A.D., near the end of Paul’s third missionary journey, while he was in Corinth. Paul had wanted to visit the believers in Rome for some time, however, he had not yet had the chance to do so. The letter afforded Paul the opportunity to introduce himself to the church, and to instruct them in essential truths of the gospel.
The church in Rome was probably founded by those who had come to faith in Christ on the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem. Unlike many of the other churches that Paul wrote to, his aim was not primarily to correct wrong theology or sinful living on the part of the Roman Christians, but to further instruct the church in doctrinal truths and practical living in light of those truths.
The principal theme of Paul’s letter to the Romans is that God justifies guilty, helpless sinners by faith alone in Jesus Christ alone. He dispels any notion that heaven and a relationship with God can be achieved through good works. Generally, the first eleven chapters of Romans are primarily theological while chapters 12-16 are more about practical Christian living and life in the church.
While the letter does contain some challenging passages that believers have debated, Paul addresses issues such as man’s sin and God’s wrath, justification by faith alone, the security of the believer’s salvation, sanctification, God’s sovereignty, God’s plan for Israel, the purpose of governing authorities, Christian living, and the proper use of one’s liberty in Christ.
It was while studying and teaching the book of Romans that a German Catholic priest, in the early 1500’s, came to understand Romans 1:17 in a brand new light. The words, “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith’” led him to understand justification was by faith alone and not by works. God would so impact Martin Luther with these words that he became a seminal figure in the Protestant Reformation.
Romans 15
The Example of Christ
1 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” 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. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
Christ the Hope of Jews and Gentiles
8 For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9 and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,
“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles,
and sing to your name.”
10 And again it is said,
“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.”
11 And again,
“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,
and let all the peoples extol him.”
12 And again Isaiah says,
“The root of Jesse will come,
even he who arises to rule the Gentiles;
in him will the Gentiles hope.”
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.
Paul the Minister to the Gentiles
14 I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another. 15 But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17 In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God. 18 For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience—by word and deed, 19 by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ; 20 and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation, 21 but as it is written,
“Those who have never been told of him will see,
and those who have never heard will understand.”
Paul’s Plan to Visit Rome
22 This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you. 23 But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, 24 I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25 At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. 27 For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. 28 When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected, I will leave for Spain by way of you. 29 I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.
30 I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, 31 that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. 33 May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Reflection:
- How are Christians to model Christ in their behavior towards others?
- Do you think Paul is asking Christians to condone sin?
- Why did Jesus come as a servant (vv. 8-9)?
- What does Paul want to be abundant in believers’ lives (v. 13)?
- What was the only thing Paul took pride in (vv. 17-18)? What is your source of pride in regard to the work of God?
- What did Paul say about spiritual and material blessings (v. 27)? Do you value spiritual blessings in your life as much as material blessings? Is there a place for both?
Prayer: Lord, help me to be mindful of others and have genuine concern for their spiritual well-being. Don’t allow me to be self-centered and only thinking of myself. Help me to embrace being a servant to others like you were a servant. Give me insight to know how to pray for people. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Dear Heavenly Father.
Thank you for all of my blessings . Help me to be mindful of others and see ways I can minister to them. We are to love our neighbors as ourselves. Be with me as I try to set a good example before my children and grandchildren to live lives worthy of your love and glory. You are to be lifted up and glorified in all we do. Show me and mold me in your likeness. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Gracias padre amado por tu palabra gracias por hoy mi Dios cada mañana tus promesas son renovada has que yo pueda ser como Pablo úsame para tu gloria bendita y que tú evangelio se Esparza por todo el mundo para que todo nuestro caminar sea sean tus pasos para que no nos apartemos nunca de tu presencia y ser luz en el mundo para tú gloria bendita en nombre y por amor de tu hijo amado amén y amén ?
God gives me perseverance and encouragement, and I will be of the same mind with others according to Christ Jesus.
AMEN AND HALLELUJAH!!! I AGREE WITH WHAT YOU SHARED. THANK You
Father,
When I am anxious, calm my spirit.
When I doubt, remind me I stand on the rock of my salvation.
When I face the mountain, remind me I will soar like eagles.
When I face the onslaught of the devil and his minions, remind me you are my deliverer.
You, LORD, are my shield and the horn of my salvation.
Father, I surrender this day to you. Fill my cup, for I give my all in all to your son, Jesus Christ.
Amen
Praise you dear Lord for the Holy Spirit which dwells in me. Praise you for the nudging and transformation by the holy spirit for our prayers to your throne.
I lift before your throne those who are mourning, those who are fighting illness and this virus, and those who are serving on our frontlines. I pray that you remove this virus from our land. You along dear Lord have the power to heal our land. I beg for your mercy.
I ask that you fortify us with your strength. Strengthen those who are lonely without their family close – or our church body visiting them. I pray you surround them with comfort that comes from your Holy Spirit! May you be glorified!
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your word and instructions on how we are to follow you and to look to you for everything. Help us all to love more, show the love of Christ so that others will want to come to know you and most of all remind us to never condone sin and call it what it is when we see or hear it. Forgive us as a nation as we are putting self first instead of you and others. Help us all to seek you and your will as you are the only perfect one. Thank you for continuing to bless us in the middle of chaos and let us continue to see your hand as we deal with the different battles in this world. Thank you for your goodness, grace, love and most of all Jesus dying on the cross for all. Amen
Amen to all these wonderful prayers.
May God arise and May His enemies scatter. May His foes flee before Him.
We pray for all Saints our fellow believers that we all may be delivered from the unbelievers around us through whom Satan our,common enemy works to tear down, and destroy our fellowship, testimony and good works in Christ Jesus . Amen.!
May God be praised eternally for His mercy endures forever.