Romans 15:7-13 | Part 3
Part 1 — called to be strong. Christ is our ONLY source.
Part 2 — in this strength we offer HOPE (supported by endurance and encouragement, empowered by harmony
Part 3 — who is this HOPE to be given to? To whom shall we offer up our life’s effort?
Emphasis for today — Christ came for Gentiles as well as Jews
Hudson Taylor
He arrived in Shanghai as a 21-year-old. Twenty-one. Because Taylor wasn't interested in relying on translators to preach the gospel, he committed himself to true cultural immersion, including dressing in Chinese clothes and growing a ponytail (as was the custom among Chinese men). This made sense to our missional brother but brought criticism from other missionaries. Undeterred, Taylor followed God's calling to take the gospel into China's interior.
Romans 15:7 | Therefore welcome one another, just as Christ also welcomed you, to the glory of God.
Welcome. Accept
to take to, take in addition, to take to one's self
A. to take as one's companion
B. to take by the hand in order to lead aside
C. to take or receive into one's home, with the collateral idea of kindness
D. to receive, i.e. grant one access to one's heart
Therefore (because of Christ’s strength)
Therefore (because of the HOPE given you)
Therefore (because you have and ENDURED)
Therefore (because you have been called to ENCOURAGE)
Therefore (because you are called to be in HARMONY with others)
Welcome! Come join us! There is room for you at the table! Tell me about yourself! How can we serve you?
Romans 15:8 | For I say that Christ became a servant of the circumcised on behalf of God’s truth, to confirm the promises to the fathers,
Paul is venturing into theological territory that the church leaders of the day had spent 400 years overwriting
Religious Leaders of the Day | The Truth |
|---|---|
Law is primary | Grace of God through Christ is primary |
Worship is just for Jews | Worship is for all who believe |
God’s chosen people are Israelites | God’s chosen people from every nation |
Is this the cultural paradigm in organized church today?
Or is the church for Republicans? Or Social Justice. Or Homeschoolers. Or Drag shows which is happening in New Braunfels
Jesus came to seek and save lost people
Luke 19:9-10 | “Today salvation has come to this house,” Jesus told him, “because he too is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.”
Jesus came to seek and save the lost Jews, and the lost Gentiles
Romans 15:9 | and so that Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and I will sing praise to your name.
God’s people are from every nation
There call is to glorify God
Praise and Sing in front of NON-BELIEVERS
2nd Samuel 22:50 | Therefore I will give thanks to you among the nations, Lord; I will sing praises about your name.
Romans 15:10-11 | Again it says, Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people! 11 And again, Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; let all the peoples praise him!
Rejoice WITH those outside the church
Encourage NON-BELIEVERS to rejoice
Deuteronomy 32:43 | 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 15:12 | And again, Isaiah says, The root of Jesse will appear, the one who rises to rule the Gentiles; the Gentiles will hope in him.
Jesus is from Jesse. King David
Jesus came to rule the Jews AND the Gentiles
HOPE only in Christ alone, nothing else
Isaiah 11:10 | 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.
Romans 15:13 | 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.
HOPE supported by encouragement and endurance
Joy and Peace are the goal, the satisfier!!
Christians:
Your comfort is not your calling. Outward-focused relationships must be a part of your Christian life
Peace comes from obedience in this calling. It’s more significant than the check you write, the morality you live, or the name you have
Non-Christians:
Regardless of your history, there is GREAT HOPE (anchor) for your today and tomorrow
You are called to believe in the only one who can save you