Our Hope in All Things is in Christ – Romans 15 & 16

Having instructed us on what Christian relationships are to look like Paul finishes up his letter to the Romans with a reminder. We must take careful note that we are to become like Jesus and Jesus is the perfect example of how to treat others.

Romans 15:1-2
We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.  Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.

The message should be clear. It is repeated in Philippians 2:3-8.
 

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.  Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.  Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.  And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Our hope lies in Christ in all things. Relationships are difficult, as evidenced by the fact that Christians, despite commands against it, divorce at the same rate as non-Christians. This should not be. Even our ministries are replete with strife as just don’t get along. This should not be. But there is hope and that hope is through Christ. We must give each other the same Christ has given us; ourselves.

Romans 15:5-7
May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Do it for the glory of God. Do it in the power of the Holy Spirit for in this we find our hope, for God is our hope.

Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

As Paul’s letter closes he takes time to send greetings to his brothers and sisters in Christ. This reminds us to do the same. To remember we have our own brothers and sisters in Christ and that in Christ we are all joined as one body. He wraps up again warning us about division.

Romans 16:17-19
I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.  For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.  For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil.

Satan is busy. He and his minions are actively working to destroy our marriages, our families, and our ministries. These are tough days but Paul ends with a great message of hope. Jesus is coming back.

Romans 16:20
 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Until then be strong in Christ and seek only to bring Him glory.

Romans 16:25-27
Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.