Concluding Paul’s letter to the Church in Rome Romans 15, 16 Concluding Paul’s letter to the Church in Rome

Accepting each other, as God accepts us We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the week and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbours for their good, to build them up. For even Christ did not please Himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

Scriptural, God-given, basis for fellowship: May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Scriptures in Romans 15:9-12 2 Samuel 22:50 Psalm 18:49 10 Deuteronomy 32:43 Psalm 117:1 Isaiah 11:10

May He fill you with joy and peace SO THAT Joy and peace are great, but for Christians the pursuit of happiness is not an end in itself Being filled with joy and hope – by the Holy Spirit, through Scripture, and in fellowship with your fellow Christians – has a purpose Be filled … so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

God knows that this is not easy! I have written you quite boldly on some points to remind you of them again, because of the grace God gave me to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. He gave me the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

Unity and acceptance are a work in progress! May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity amongst yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

Paul’s warning to the church in Rome 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. For such people are not serving the Lord Jesus Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naïve people. Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.

Reminders from Romans: God’s wrath against sinful humanity God’s righteous judgement – don’t judge each other The Law given to the Jews had its purpose; the Law is now written on our hearts God is faithful and keeps His promises; no-one is righteous Righteousness is ours through faith in Jesus Christ, to all who believe Righteousness is by faith, and not by works We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ

Reminders from Romans: Dead to sin, alive in Christ; do not let sin reign in your body, but be … Slaves to righteousness; released from law, we are bound to Christ We belong to each other, through Christ, that we might bear fruit (7:4) Romans 8: Life through the Spirit, free from the law of sin and death Present sufferings contrast with our future glory In all things God works for the good of those who love Him Predestination – called, justified, and glorified We are more than conquerors! (8:37)

Reminders from Romans: Paul agonises over the Jews and prays for their salvation Circumcision or physical descent are not the marks of God’s children Salvation depends always on God’s mercy (9:16) Declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (10:9) We are ingrafted olive shoots – and we can be broken off again … Offer yourselves as living sacrifices Be transformed (continually!) by the renewing of your mind Be humble; be sincere; live in harmony; overcome evil with good

Reminders from Romans: Be subject to the governing authorities Whoever loves others has fulfilled the law Love your neighbour as yourself (13:9) The hour is near! Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarrelling over disputable matters – don’t judge those whom God has accepted (14:3); they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand. We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak.