NGH BIBLE STUDY – ROMANS – OUTLINE #32
The Pursuit of Unity Through Christ’s Example (Romans 15:1-13)
This section continues the theme of chapter 14 regarding relationships between believers, particularly when there are non-essential areas of difference. Paul stresses again the need to encourage and build one another up and avoid causing stumbling or discouragement in the life of another believer. He uses Christ as the supreme example, and stresses the purpose of such behaviour – ultimately to promote unity among believers so that they may glorify God. In the context of the Roman church, this was particularly relevant because the church was comprised of believers who had come from Jewish and Gentile backgrounds – so in the second half of this section Paul deals specifically with the unity of Jew and Gentile in the church – and quotes four different OT passages to prove that blessing the Gentiles was always in God’s plans and purposes. The section concludes with a doxology in Rom 15:13 tying “the God of Hope” with the believer’s joy and peace, all through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Outline
Rom 15:1-6 – Promoting Unity Through Correct Attitudes and Actions Towards Others
· Our focus (especially the “stronger” believer) should be on pleasing others and promoting their spiritual vitality – not pleasing ourselves (Rom 15:1-2)
· Christ is the ultimate example of this (Rom 15:3)
· The relevance of the OT scriptures to us today – they were not written “to” us, but they were written “for” us and we must not ignore them (Rom 15:4)
· The ultimate purpose of proper attitudes and actions towards one another is to promote unity, and from that unified foundation glorify God (Rom 15:5-6). Gods loves unity – and hates unnecessary division among His children.
Rom 15:7-12 – Unity Between Jew and Gentile through Christ’s ministry to each of them
· We should endeavour to “receive one another” not push one another away (Rom 15:7) – particularly relevant in Rome in terms of Jewish and Gentile believers.
· Christ specifically came to minister to Jews, as a fulfillment of their OT covenant promises (Rom 15:8). But those same OT scriptures repeatedly stated that the Gentiles would also “glorify God for his mercy” (Rom 15:9) – and Paul quotes four OT scriptures to prove this point (Rom 15:9-12).
· These verses refer not only to the extension of grace and mercy to the Gentiles in this church age (when Jews and Gentiles have equal standing with no distinction) but also refer (especially the final quotation from Isaiah11) to a coming day (the Millennial kingdom) when the “root of Jesse” will rise to reign over the Gentiles.
Rom 15:13 – The God of Hope filling the Believer with Joy and Hope
· Paul concludes this section with a beautiful benediction. God is given the title “God of Hope” – and He is identified as the source of joy and peace for us as believers – so that we may abound in hope – all through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Key Points/Questions for Discussion
1. Rom 15:5 speaks of the “God of patience and comfort” and Rom 15:13 speaks of the “God of hope” (NKJV) – what can we learn from these identifiers of God? Are there any other similar identifiers in the NT – i.e. any passages where he’s called the “God of ____” and how does the collective appreciation of these passages help us practically in our understanding of our God?
2. The theme of “hope” is introduced in Rom 15:4 and comes up again in Rom 15:12 and in Rom 15:13. How does the “hope” of the NT differ from the common usage of the word “hope” in everyday English? (Hint – is there an element of uncertainty linked to the word?)
3. How does the section in Rom 15:8-12 relate back to the teaching of chapters 9-11 regarding the distinctions between Israel and the Church and God’s dealings with each?
4. Rom 15:13 adds the words “in believing” to Paul’s stated desire that the believers might be filled with joy and peace. Is there a direct link between trusting (or believing) and the experience of joy and peace in a believer’s life? Or, put negatively, is a life lacking in joy and peace and hope possibly evidence of a life of unbelief or doubt?