Romans 15:1-13 — The Example of Christ, The Hope of Jews and Gentiles
Romans 15:14-33 — Paul the Minister to the Gentiles, Plan to Visit Rome
Romans 16 — Personal Greetings, Final Instructions and Greetings
Thoughts about serving others
This link includes a list of posts about Serving the Least, the Lost, and the Lonely.
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Let the Word evoke words. May your life encourage lives.
Paul presents his closing comments in these final two chapter, thoughts to encourage and recognize those who have done so much for the building of the church. “Each of use should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. For even Christ did not please himself” (Romans 15:2-3). Let’s work together as a team, “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God” (15:7). The work we have to do is a good work, if it brings others to Christ and give him the praise and honor. When we do this, his joy will be seen in us in abundance. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (15:13). When we overflow with the Holy Spirit, others will be drawn to Christ and we will advance the mission we’ve been called to proclaim. Let us be mature in Christ.
May we hear the words, “that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another” (15:14). Lord I pray that you would fill me with your knowledge that I may be competent to instruct, humble enough to be instructed and wise enough to know when to speak and when to listen.
In chapter 16, Paul lists many who are worthy of commendation. But just before his benediction, he throws in one more warning, “I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them” (16:17). Simply put, “be wise about what is good” (16:19) with complete confidence that “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet” (16:20). Rest assured, God knows what is really going on and will make all things right in due time. Lord give me the confidence and patience required to advance your kingdom, one person at a time!