ROMANS 15:1-7
The Divide in the Early Roman Church
Jewish Perspective
On the one hand, you've got a Jewish Messiah who fulfilled Jewish prophecies with Gentiles receiving something they had no claim to.
Gentile Perspective
On the other hand, Jews living among the Gentiles were way outnumbered and not highly regarded.
This deep-rooted and multifaceted division in the early Roman church created tensions and subverted the church's mission, hindering unity and limiting growth.
Paul's Message of Reconciliation
In his letter, Paul reminded the church of Christ's redemption, emphasizing the universal message of salvation by grace through faith. Jew or Gentile, male or female, rich or poor, insider or outsider, all are reconciled to God one way: the atoning work of Christ on the cross. As they say, the ground at the foot of the cross is level.
Paul's concern 2000 years ago should be our concern today: that believers, regardless of cultural differences or backgrounds work together to build harmony among the body.
Christ's Role as Servant
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.
Christ as Servant
Jesus, whom Paul refers to here simply as Christ, the Messiah, became what He was not previously, namely a servant. The very Son of God lowered Himself so humbly that servant is the most appropriate term to describe Him.
Purpose of Christ's Service
Jesus became a servant to the circumcised, that is, the Jews. This was to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs.
God's Plan for Jews and Gentiles
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."
1
God's Truthfulness to Jews
Christ came to the circumcised first to fulfill all the promises of God to the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David.
2
God's Mercy to Gentiles
It is completely by God's mercy that Gentiles can know Him. People who have no reason to know God can know Him.
3
Unity in Christ
Whether Jew or Gentile, Christ's substitutionary atoning death on the cross is how man is made right with God.
Scriptural Evidence for God's Plan
Paul quotes from the Jewish scriptures to show that God's plan of redemption, given to the Jews, always included the Gentiles:
- Psalm 18:49: "Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name."
- Deuteronomy 32:43: "Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people."
- Psalm 117:1: "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him."
- Isaiah 11:10: "The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope."
These scriptures bear witness that God's plan of redemption, given to the Jews, always included the Gentiles.
Paul's Prayer for 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.
Source of Hope
The source of all good things is not ourselves, but God. Hope comes from above.
Fruits of Believing
Hope, joy, and peace are the fruit of believing the glorious gospel of Christ and being in right relationship with God.
Abounding in Hope
To abound in hope is to fill up and overflow. It is to gush. It is to spill over.
Living Out Unity in Christ
1
Tenaciously Committed to Unity
Consider how the unity in the body should become more of a priority for you. With whom do you know you need to pursue peace?
2
Gratefully Glorifying God
Our unity is an overflow; it is the result of our lives being filled up with the glory of our merciful God grafting us into His people.
3
Steadfastly Hoping in Christ
By trusting in Him and making disciples of all nations, we live out our hope in Christ.
As we leave here, let us be committed to breaking down walls of division, embracing our diversity, and embodying the love and compassion that define the kingdom of God. Amen.