Romans 15:8-12 - The Hope of Jews and Gentiles

Romans 15:8-12 -
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. 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.”

Message: Christ is a Servant

Time: Written in AD 57 from Greece, to the Christians, both Gentile and Jewish in Rome

What the Lord is Saying:

Paul has expressed in these verses the importance of accepting one another. This has been in his main theme since chapter 14, verse 1. Paul is speaking to a unique set of people in Rome, Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians. He is helping them understand how they are supposed to be in community together, despite the fact that they have so many differences. Paul's primary admonition is one of acceptance. Paul has given reasons why we accept others:

• God accepts him (14:3)
• People are acting unto the Lord (14:6)
• We are Lord's (14:8)
• Carrying out what was given in earlier times (15:4)
• God gives us the means to be of one accord (15:5)

Spurgeon made the remark: It was to Abraham and his descendants that the promise was made that, in him, and in his seed, all the nations of the earth should be blessed. So our Lord came, as a Jew, to be "a minister of the circumcision." Let us never forget that he came to those whom we are apt to forget; and, peradventure, even to despise, "to confirm the promises made unto the fathers.'" Jesus, our Lord, became the servant of the Jews, and preached among them in fulfillment of prophecy; shall we not become the servants of others for their good? Nor did his ministry end with Israel; but we, who are Gentiles, share the blessing; therefore, like our Lord, we should seek the good of all mankind and live to bless them.

Verse 8
Christ accepted the Jews. He did not wait for them to respond, but he accepted them first, and fulfilled the words of the patriarchs. Our service is to all people. I am to be a minister to all. Paul has just said in verse 7 that I am to welcome others. And I think Paul wants to make sure that we are not thinking that there are any exceptions to this.

Verse 9-12
God made covenant with the Jews. He had mercy on the Gentiles. And Paul here offers 4 quotes:

• David praised God among the Gentiles (15:9)
• Moses exhorted the Gentiles, Rejoice . . . with His people (15:10)
• the psalmist commanded the Gentiles to praise the Lord (15:11)
• Isaiah predicted that the Gentiles will live under the rule of the Root of Jesse (the Messiah) and they will hope in Him (15:12).

- David praise God among the Gentiles
The first quote is from 2 Samuel 22:50 (Therefore will I confess to thee, O Lord, among the Gentiles, and sing to thy name.) and Psalm 18:49 (Therefore will I confess to thee, O Lord, among the Gentiles, and sing to thy name.), from the Septuagint.

David sees that the Gentiles are to be included as God's People.

- Moses exhorted the Gentiles, Rejoice . . . with His people
Here is a quote from Deuteronomy 32:43 (Rejoice, ye heavens, with him, and let all the angels of God worship him; rejoice ye Gentiles, with his people, and let all the sons of God strengthen themselves in him). In Abraham's seed all nations will be blessed. 

- the psalmist commanded the Gentiles to praise the Lord
Psalm 117:1 (Praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye peoples). The Gentiles were not an afterthought but Paul shows that God always wanted to bring the Jews and Gentiles together into one body. Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter in the Bible as it has only 2 verses and yet it is quoted here. 

- Isaiah predicted that the Gentiles will live under the rule of the Root of Jesse (the Messiah) and they will hope in Him
Paul quotes from Isaiah 11:10 (And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall arise to rule over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust, and his rest shall be glorious). We spring forth from the bloodline of Jesse. Christ shall reign over Jews and Gentiles. 
 
Promise: Seek unity among all persons, grounded in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Jesus Calling: July 8

When you seek My Face, put aside thoughts of everything else. I am above all, as well as in all; your communion with Me transcends both time and circumstances. Be prepared to be blessed bountifully by My Presence, for I am the God of unlimited abundance. Open wide your heart and mind to receive more and more of Me. When your Joy in Me meets My Joy in you, there are fireworks of heavenly ecstasy. This is eternal life here and now; a tiny foretaste of what awaits you in the life to come. Now you see only a poor reflection as in a mirror, but then you will see face to Face. 

John 15:11
English Standard Version

These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

Verse Thoughts
From John Calvin - By the word abide he means, that it is not a fleeting or temporary joy of which he speaks, but a joy which never fails or passes away.
 
I Corinthians 13:12
English Standard Version

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 







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Romans 15:7 - Welcoming others for God's Glory

Romans 15:7 - Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Message: Welcome one another

Time: Written in AD 57 from Greece, to the Christians, both Gentile and Jewish in Rome

What the Lord is Saying:

"Therefore" - what is the therefore there for? Paul follows up his prayer with a command. His prayer focused on God's work of enduring and encouragement giving people the means to live in harmony with one another, of one accord, giving glory to the Lord God through Jesus Christ. The Spirit is working in our lives, sanctifying us, confirming the believer. In the verses before that prayer we are reminded that are lives are to be lived for peace and making others more important than ourselves.

Welcome one another
Therefore, we are to welcome one another. Other versions use the word, "accept".  It means literally to take to or toward. It refers to accepting the presence of a person with friendliness, to welcome, to receive hospitably, to receive into one’s home or circle of acquaintances. This is not just a verbal eye glance, but this is an action of receiving one another. It's interesting, I notice something often going on in the world. There is a fellowship that occurs in the world, generally centered around alcohol. People love to get together and drink or have a get together or party. There is a fellowship that people desire. Christians have many opportunities to do this but often do not. I know right now in my life there is very little welcoming going on with other people. There is very little hospitality or receiving people in our home. But believers are to receive one another. There is to be close bonds. We have opportunities. We could do this. We have a myriad of friends that we could see more.

As Christ has welcome you
Contrary to the world, that may come together for a drink or to share a meal, the Christian's purpose is given as Christ has welcomed you. This section of scripture is talking about more specifically welcoming each others differences. It is welcoming that people have different convictions and welcoming that we are not all the same. We tend to only align ourselves with people that are like us. There is a definite danger here because we are to have a unity in our lives.

How did Christ welcome me? Just as I am. He took me as I am. I came to him by faith, not because of what I had done, but because of who He is.

For the Glory of God
Ultimately, this is what our acceptance of one another is for: the Glory of God. Again, it is not selfish and it is not just to be entertained, but it is for God's Glory. God is to be praised in welcoming one another. And we have the power to welcome different backgrounds, different interests, different convictions, all for the reason of glorifying God in heaven.

The world has this idea that Christians are to accept people's difference and treat those differences with an "anything goes." Christians do need to welcome others, but this doesn't mean that they believe different convictions are correct.

Promise: Welcome all those who place their faith in the God-man Jesus Christ.

Jesus Calling: July 7

Trust Me in all your thoughts, I know that some thoughts are unconscious or semiconscious, and I do not hold you responsible for those. But you can direct conscious thoughts much more than you may realize. Practice thinking in certain ways--trusting Me, thanking Me--and those thoughts become more natural. Reject negative or sinful thoughts as soon as you become aware of them. Don't try to hide them from Me; confess them and leave them with Me. Go on your way lightheartedly. This method of controlling your thoughts will keep your mind in My Presence and your feet on the path of Peace. 

Psalm 20:7
English Standard Version

Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
    but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.

Verse Thoughts

Chariots and horses are military terms and the control of those is in the hands of man, thus the contrast to we who instead trust in the name of the Lord our God. I feel good with the things I think I control - my money, my time and I must admit I feel an inner turmoil to jockey back and forth between trusting God and trusting in those things. In church and during my quiet time, yes, it is all about trusting God, but the rest of the time, is this what people would say about me? 
 
I John 1:9
English Standard Version

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
 
Luke 1:79
English Standard Version

to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
    to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Romans 15:5-6 - Paul's Prayer for Harmony

Romans 15:5-6 - ⁵ May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, ⁶ that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Message: Paul prayers for the Christian to live in harmony and glorify God

Time: Written in AD 57 from Greece, to the Christians, both Gentile and Jewish in Rome

What the Lord is Saying: 

In my Bible, Chapter 14 has the heading of "Principles of Christian Liberty" and Chapter 15 is "Practices of Christian Liberty." I suppose I can see a difference in the language although Chapter 14 begins with a practice, "accept the one who is weak in faith," but it is true that most of the chapter has the language of principles. But, there are other words of practice. 

But 15 does begin with the idea of "bear the weaknesses of those without strength. Now, here in verse 5 and 6, Paul gives a prayer to each person in the church at Rome, the Jewish and Gentile Christians. In the prayer he gives the concluding thought. He has given the people many principles.

Also, what I see is the phrase "perseverance and encouragement" is repeated. In verse 4, it spoke of the instruction I am given from Scripture, namely the Old Testament, and here in this verse it is what God gives, though God gives us His Scripture, so He is the author of it in both verses. 

Believers are commanded to persevere. 

• James 1:25 - But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
• Ephesians 6:18 - keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.
• I Timothy 6:11 - But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. (Perseverance is implied).

The bottom line is we have been given numerous commands, but Paul makes mention here that "God gives perseverance." He is the giver of perseverance. 

Perseverance, as in the previous verse, is defined as patience in respect to things or circumstances. Jerry Bridges states that endurance is the ability to stand up under adversity and perseverance is the ability to progress in spite of the adversity. 

Reading these definitions makes me think that it is clearly a gift that God gives. "God, grant me the perseverance to progress in my walk with You, toward sanctification, through the trials and challenges that get presented before me. I too often think I can do things on my own. Too often I think that I do not need help. But, Lord, remind me that you grant perseverance. I need it and each of my family members need it. Give it." 

Encouragement is the calling of one's side. Encouragement is our chief aim. Throughout chapter 14 the underlying thought is to give to your brother in Christ. I am to encourage my brother and so I must be careful that my actions properly encourage. And all the while I need to realize that God gives encouragement. My ability to comfort, to exhort, to bring solace, all comes from God. 

God is the giver for the purpose of:

• me being of the same mind with one another
• me glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ

This is my aim to be of the same mind with one another (love one another) and then glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (love the Lord God with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength). The message continues to be the same thought.  

Promise: Pray often for the peace and unity of the Body of Christ.  
 

Jesus Calling: July 6

I am your Father-God, Listen to Me! Learn what it means to be a child of the everlasting King. Your richest duty is devotion to Me. This duty is such a joyous privilege that it feels like a luxury. You tend to feel guilty about pushing back the boundaries of your life to make space for time alone with Me. The world is waiting to squeeze you into its mold and to crowd out time devoted to Me. The ways of the world have also warped your conscience, which punishes you for doing the very thing that pleases Me most: seeking My Face. Listen to Me above the clamor of voices trying to distract you. Ask My Spirit to control your mind, for He and I work in perfect harmony. Be still and attentive in My Presence. You are on holy ground. 

Isaiah 9:6
English Standard Version

For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
    and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
 
Zechariah 9:9
New King James Version

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!
Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your King is coming to you;
He is just and having salvation,
Lowly and riding on a donkey,
A colt, the foal of a donkey.

Romans 8:15-16
English Standard Version  

¹⁵ For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” ¹⁶ The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

Exodus 3:5
English Standard Version 

⁵ Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.”

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Romans 15:4 - The Value of the Old Testament

Romans 15:4 - For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Message: The Value of All Scripture

Time: Written in AD 57 from Greece, to the Christians, both Gentile and Jewish in Rome

What the Lord is Saying: 

The Set Up
At first, verse 4 looks odd, but something I didn't note in the previous set of verses (15:1-3) was that verse 3 was a quote from the Old Testament. Quote from the Old Testament are always interesting. It is interesting to determine the context or the reason for the original writing. In this case, Psalm 69 is the chapter that is quoted and verse 9. This is not necessarily a chapter about Jesus. But, rather it appears to be a book to David and describing David's situation of a difficult situation and looking to God for help. Yet, verse 3 of Romans begins with Paul talking about Jesus, stating that Jesus did not please himself. Yesterday, the writing from Paul was about denying oneself and denying one's own personal enjoyment or convictions. Instead, do no please yourself, but please the other person. In the same way Jesus took on the reproaches (blame) of others.

Here is beginning of Psalm 69 from the Septuagint:

Save me, O God; for the waters have come in to my soul. I am stuck fast in deep mire, and there is no standing: I am come in to the depths of the sea, and a storm has overwhelmed me. I am weary of crying, my throat has become hoarse; mine eyes have failed by my waiting on my God. They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head: my enemies that persecute me unrighteously are strengthened: then I restored that which I took not away.

O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my transgressions are not hidden from thee. Let not them that wait on thee, O Lord of hosts, be ashamed on my account: let not them that seek thee, be ashamed on my account, O God of Israel. For I have suffered reproach for thy sake; shame has covered my face. I became strange to my brethren, and a stranger to my mother’s children. For the zeal of thine house has eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me. And I bowed down my soul with fasting, and that was made my reproach. And I put on sackcloth for my covering; and I became a proverb to them. They that sit in the gate talked against me, and they that drank wine sang against me.

The phrase that is quoted in verse 3 is "the reproaches of them that reproached thee are falling upon me."  

In Psalm 69, David begins with the proclamation that he is hurting. He is overwhelmed. He has cried too many tears. He is hoarse from calling on God. And his enemies are numerous. There are many that hate him just because they desire to hate. He, however, does not think he is above being judged by what he has done. Yet, he has tried to honor God through his words and deeds. And that honoring has not resulted in goodness to his life. 

David is a spokesperson or messenger of God's. And the people know this and so blame God for their current situations, but do it towards this man, David. David is who the people see so he is the one that receives the blame. And this really should be true of a Christian. A Christian should be an ambassador and should be living their life in such a way that it is very distinct and different from the way other people live their lives. Jesus was different. Jesus lived a different sort of life. Jesus stood out. Jesus did not blend in with everyone else. He was not a chameleon. He stood out. And He stood as God's representative on earth. And so, like David, took the blows from people. Jesus bore our sin. David bore complaints. There is similarity and Paul takes this phrase, originally applied to David, and applies it to Jesus. 

Jesus bore the sin of mankind. He took on the evil of the world. 

Current Verse
This is the reference point for verse 4. "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction." I am not to look past the words of the Old Testament. They are there to instruct me and add value to my faith and life. Don't look past them. 

And it is to give me hope. It is through the endurance of the Scriptures. They are not just for a period of time, but are meant to endure. The words of old show me that God has been working in people's lives throughout history, long before me. And they are to encourage us. They are to encourage me. 

Our Hope is in Him. 

Promise: There are not any unimportant parts of Scripture. It is all given for our edification.