Glorifying God Together In Unity

October 15, 2015 Year B

Romans 15:7-13

The purpose of Christ’s first coming is to bring believers together.

“For I say that the Messiah became a servant of the circumcised on behalf of God’s truth, to confirm the promises to the fathers,” (Romans 15:8, HCSB)

Therefore, the church should be accepting of all kinds of people. The church should learn to let people glorify God together.

“and so that Gentiles may glorify God for His mercy. As it is written: Therefore I will praise You among the Gentiles, and I will sing psalms to Your name.” (Romans 15:9, HCSB)

Some churches use the principle of people groups to reach certain groups – bikers, cowboys, sportsmen, ethnic groups, and by location. These churches understand that sometimes you can reach people better when the people you reach have something in common.

But what Paul points out is that every Christian has something in common – faith in Jesus Christ. This faith should cross all of these commonalities that can serve as barriers. It did for the Jews and the Gentiles in the early church. Paul points out from the parts of the Old Testament – the Law:

“Again it says: Rejoice, you Gentiles, with His people!” (Romans 15:10, HCSB)

“Rejoice, you nations, concerning His people, for He will avenge the blood of His servants. He will take vengeance on His adversaries; He will purify His land and His people.” (Deuteronomy 32:43, HCSB)

the Prophets:

“And again, Isaiah says: The root of Jesse will appear, the One who rises to rule the Gentiles; the Gentiles will hope in Him.” (Romans 15:12, HCSB)

“On that day the root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples. The nations will seek Him, and His resting place will be glorious.” (Isaiah 11:10, HCSB)

and the Wisdom books:

“and so that Gentiles may glorify God for His mercy. As it is written: Therefore I will praise You among the Gentiles, and I will sing psalms to Your name.” (Romans 15:9, HCSB)

“Therefore I will praise You, Lord, among the nations; I will sing about Your name.” (2 Samuel 22:50, HCSB)

“Therefore I will praise You, Yahweh, among the nations; I will sing about Your name.” (Psalm 18:49, HCSB)

“And again: Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; all the peoples should praise Him!” (Romans 15:11, HCSB)

“Praise the Lord, all nations! Glorify Him, all peoples!” (Psalm 117:1, HCSB)

that this was the goal of Jesus’ first coming:

“The nations will put their hope in His name.” (Matthew 12:21, HCSB)

  – to bring people together.

This is the hope of the church that lives out the Gospel – Christian unity without any kind of barriers.

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13, HCSB)

The goal is to glorify God together in unity.

Prayer: God, please help me live out and share the Gospel in unity, without prejudice. Help me to see that we can be one as Jesus prayed for.