Romans chapter 15 Message Three

The previous messages have dealt with the –
I. Identification with the Lord. Romans 15:1-7
A. The exhortation. Romans 15:1-2
1. Partnership in life. Romans 15:1
“We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak…”

As we grow in the Lord, it will be our pleasure to help others in –
2. Promoting spiritual growth. Romans 15:2 Build up others in the faith. “Edification”

Paul then gave –

B. The example. Romans 15:3,4

1. The Lord’s determination to please the Father. Romans 15:3a
2. The Lord was reviled because of His identification with God.
3. The Christian will be reviled because of his identification with God.
“take up thy cross daily and follow me…” identify with Him!
4. The Lord prepared His people to rest in Him. Romans 15:4

a. The Power is in His Word. “…things that were written …”
b. The Preparation is knowing His Word. “…were written aforetime…for our learning…”

We have what we need before we need it!

c. The Practical application of the power and preparation –
“…patience and comfort…”
That peace of God that passes all understanding.

Paul’s love and care for them led to –

C. The entreaty. Romans 15:5,6

1. Paul directed his prayer to the source of that which is needed.
Romans 15:5
Now the God of patience and consolation…..

The Lord explained that all we are flows from Him into us –

John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

and out unto the world –

Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

And because of this witness in the world –

2. Paul directed his prayer for bestowal of that which is needed –
United in Truth.

Romans 15:6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The church glorifying God on earth!

Tonight we continue with –

D. The edification.

Romans 15:7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

We have a wonderful example in John 6:1-14 of the Lord edifying (building up the disciples). He had received them unto Himself and into His work. He helped them learn how to interact with one another, receiving one another in order to accomplish the will of God.

1. The question (John 6:5) revealed the Lord’s intention – to feed the people. He wanted the disciples to be involved, to seek the way to accomplish His will.

2. The question led the disciples to interact and find a solution.

a. They discussed what would be needed to satisfy “… a great company…”

b. They determined what they had on hand to meet the need.

Two hundred penny could purchase some bread from nearby towns, but not enough for this huge crowd.

Two small fish and five barley loaves were immediately available.

c. They decided they did not have the resources to satisfy the people and that they people should seek for food themselves.

Matthew 14:15 And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.

d. They deferred to the instruction of the Lord.

Matthew 14:16 But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat.

e. They delivered the fish and bread into the hands of the Lord.
“…and Jesus took the loaves…”

f. They distributed the food to the people.

John 6:11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.

By working together serving the Lord, they accomplished His will through His power over the provision.

Paul not only taught us about the Identification we are to have with the Lord, but also that we are –

II. Interdependent in the Lord. Romans 15:8-12

Paul reminded them of their unity in the Lord. They depended on Jesus Christ, both Jews and Gentiles. Being one in Christ, they are not independent of one another, but are interdependent. They may differ in culture but not in relation.

A. Jesus Christ, a Jew, came unto the Jews as promised. Romans 15:8

B. Jesus Christ, a Jew, came also that Gentiles might have life, also as promised. Romans 15:9-12

And He is the Lord of all, both Jew and Gentile, strong and weak.

Read Isaiah 11:1,10 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: …And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.