Romans 15

2. Romans 15 Coming to some last words ESV used unless otherwise noted

3. Roman 14:13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. Chapter 14 • Matters of conscience • Matters of indifference • Having a proper focus Roman 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.  Roman 14:19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.

4. Chapter 15 • Closes the discussion on proper focus and continues in a spirit of unity and serving others. • Why do this?

5. 3 Reasons to Put Others First Romans 15:3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.”  Because Christ did this!

6. Philippians 2:3-8, NASV Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

7. Philippians 2:3-8, NASV Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

8. 3 Reasons to Put Others First • Because Christ did • Because God is a God of perseverance and encouragement Romans 15:4-6 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.

9. God desires US to persevere and give encouragement to unity so that we might glorify God in one voice.

10. It’s like… Matthew 6:12 • …forgive us our debts,as we also have forgiven our debtors. Matthew 7:2 • For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 1 John 4:11 • Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 

11. 3 Reasons to Put Others First Romans 15:7-9a Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. 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. • Because Christ did • Because God is a God of perseverance and encouragement • We should accept others because we’ve been accepted

12. 3 Last Admonishments to the Romans Romans 15:13 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. • Allow your belief to produce joy and peace A good attitude comes from faith, defeating fear of every kind.

13. REJOICE… • In acceptance, Rom. 15:10 • In hope, Romans 12:12 • In the truth, 1 Cor. 13:6 • In preaching Christ, Phil 1:18 • In your faith, 1 Pet. 1:8 • In sharing the sufferings of Christ, 1 Pet. 4:13 The Spirit’s power works in a good attitude… to hope

14. 3 Last Admonishments to the Romans Romans 15:14-15 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  • Allow your belief to produce joy and peace • Good people, knowledgeable and able to teach, need reminding also

15. 2 Peter 1:12-13 Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. 13 I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, Faith Virtue Knowledge Self-control Steadfastness Godliness Brotherly kindness Love

16. 3 Last Admonishments to the Romans • Allow your belief to produce joy and peace • Good people, knowledgeable and able to teach, need reminding also • There is a debt upon us Romans 15:25-27 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. 

17. If Gentiles owed Jews, Macedonia owed Jerusalem… • How much more do we owe… Parents Grandparents Bible teachers Elders And others Salvation is God’s riches blessing. Those who help us possess it are our friends.

18. Romans is a letter about being justified by faith • It is a noble book • A jewel of gospel teaching • A relevant treatise on unity • Written to a Jews/Gentile church • To focus them on fellowship • And acceptance in Christ WHERE ARE WE ON THESE ISSUES?