Romans 15:4-6 | Part 2
Recap: 1-3
Called to be strong in Christ alone for others
How we renew our strength, is by learning to wait on Christ
Chapter 14 talks about caring for our weaker brothers and sisters. We have a calling in strength to be aware and care for weakness, not to take advantage of it
Romans 14:1 | Welcome anyone who is weak in faith, but don’t argue about disputed matters.
Talk about what you choose. Don’t argue. Share scripture.
Romans 15:4a | For whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction
Why be concerned or care about OT? Isn’t the NT all we need?
Isn’t a lot of OT just antiquated??
Three reasons why Christians should deep dive into OT:
1.) God has a character
Do you want to know God, or just know about Him?
2.) OT teaches what living with purpose looks like
OT talks about family, marriage, money, politics, obedience, ethical issues, responsibility, etc.
3.) OT points to Jesus Christ, the son of God, the redeemer of your sins, your King!!
Because I love Jesus because He has first loved me, I want to know all about Him!! His origin, His purpose, His work…
Romans 15:4b | so that we may have hope through endurance and through the encouragement from the Scriptures.
Instruction. Learning. Change. Difference
This brings about
HOPE- an anchor in Christ, based on eternity, not today!
Hope is a fear killer, an anxiety destroyer. Hope is a powerful anchor of potential and opportunity through the hardest times because of our perfect Savior.
So let’s unpack this:
1.) Endurance (through trials)
To face trials
No endurance is developed without hard circumstances
Why is endurance so important? We have to make it through this life. How many divorces do you know about? Mental issues? Horrible family life? Addictions? Life is beyond tough…but it is doable. Through Christ alone.
2.) Encouragement (through the scriptures)
To recognize the calling in Christ
Real encouragement comes from God’s word
Why is encouragement so important to our anchor of HOPE?
It keeps us focused on the eternal, not the internal
It lets us know we are not alone!
It wraps the future in potential, not in failure
Romans 15:5 | Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, according to Christ Jesus,
Benefits of Hope found in endurance and encouragement:
HARMONY
With God through Christ
Harmony with your struggles because of endurance (In Christ)
Harmony with your future because of encouragement (In Christ)
Harmony with your family in the struggles we share (encourage, endure together)
Harmony with the Church and others Christ is calling to His church
Romans 15:6 | so that you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ with one mind and one voice.
The purpose of endurance and encouragement is to establish HOPE
The purpose of Hope is to give GOD glory!!
Through Jesus alone
In the power of the Holy Spirit
To the Christian:
Is your endurance based on eternity, or how strong you think you are? Everyone will break
To the non-Christian:
Would you like to have a reason to live everyday beyond your own wants?
Would you like support in your everyday struggles?
Would you like to be in a community who desires the same things?
Summary:
1.) Hebrews 12:7 | Endure suffering as discipline: God is dealing with you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline?
Endurance is the result of successful discipleship
2.) 1st Thessalonians 5:9-11 | For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.
Encouragement is from Christ and it must be from you. This is a command
3.) How do these two work together?
Harmony (one accord, one voice)
Not to please one another, but….All for the GLORY of God!
Jeremiah 31:33 | For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people.