FOLLOWING CHRIST'S EXAMPLE
Romans 15:7-13
Growing up in a conservative area of western PA, Helen attended a church which considered it wrong to wear make up—No lipstick or anything like that.
In h. s. she walked to school with a girl from church. One day that girl showed up wearing lipstick. Helen stopped walking to school with her. She no longer wanted to be identified with that "worldly" girl. Little by little their paths grew apart; eventually they stopped speaking to one another. Girl withdrew from Helen, and from the church–no longer wants to have anything to do with Christians.
It wasn't until years later that Helen realized how deeply she hurt her friend. Unfortunately it was too late. She can never go back and undo damage.
You can't blame the church for her departure. Her rejection of the rules was symptom of what was going on inside her. However, acceptance by a friend–a demonstration of love–looking out for her interests, might have motivated her to consider where she was headed. At least it might have eliminated pretext she hid behind.
Many similar stories could be told–stories of people who let our little rules, and our liberties, get in the way of accepting one another–and enjoying each other!
What standards do you use to decide who you want to be identified with?
Do I only accept those who act like I do?
Do I only accept those who agree with me?
Do I only accept those who don't cross me?–or who don’t disappoint ME?
Standards for facing debatable issues– Romans 14-15:13
1. Don’t judge others 14:1-13
2. Don’t let your freedom put obstacles in other people’s path 14:13-21
3. Be sure YOUR conduct pleases GOD! 14:22-23
4. Don’t live to please yourself! 15:1-6
Please God first–then please your neighbor!
Live to please Him and encourage your neighbor–to please Him
ROMANS 15 URGES US TO FOLLOW JESUS’ EXAMPLE
He didn’t seek His own rights.
Paul urges us to give up our rights for our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Those who have freedom are to surrender our freedom for sake of people who don’t—just as Christ gave up His rights for us.
Neither did He condemn people who did things He wouldn’t do.
What did Christ do for us?
CHRIST ACCEPTED US AS WE WERE 15:7
Passage focuses on STRONG people–to those who are FREE–We’d say: “to those who are RIGHT!” 14:1; 15:1; 15:7
Paul began exhorting strong people to welcome weak–not just so we can debate with them, or make fun of them.
We accept one another because we love one another, as Christ loved us.
Concluding discussion of doubtful things, he returns to same exhortation.
This time he enlarges the circle:
Whatever our position on a particular issue, we should accept and love one another just as Christ accepted and loved us.
How did He accept us?
He accepted us with all our sin, with our prejudices and blind spots.
He accepted us with our stubbornness.
Even so, He gave Himself for us.
What does God want us to do as a result?
You welcome one another–as HE welcomed YOU!
ACCEPT ONE ANOTHER–AS CHRIST ACCEPTED YOU!
He urges us all–strong and weak–to accept one another.
If Christ said: "I’ll only admit those with no shortcomings", He’d have no followers!
He didn’t treat us that way!
The fact we’ve all been accepted by Christ should be sufficient reason for us to accept each other, the way we are.
Back to main idea of Rom.:
This is logical consequence of process God began when he called us.
God took people who had gone astray–who didn't deserve His love–who were in rebellion against Him–who were fighting Him and each other.
That's kind of people He called!
He transformed us; we’re accepted by Him
Only God can produce such a change!
When such love is demonstrated among people, God receives glory.
WE SHOULD ACCEPT ONE ANOTHER
JUST AS CHRIST ACCEPTED US
SO GOD MAY BE GLORIFIED THROUGH US
Major conflict affecting Romans was derived from conflict between Jews and Gentiles–God’s people and pagans.
Jewish people were still impacted by their roots–Jewish legalistic concepts about what kind of meat they could eat.
People who came to Christ from pagan background didn’t understand their legalistic regulations–it was all nonsense to them!–BESIDES, our walk with God doesn’t depend on what kind of food we eat! We’re saved by trusting Christ alone! This meat business is stupid!
Christ left an example of what OUR attitude ought to be:
CHRIST MADE HIMSELF A SERVANT TO BOTH JEWS AND PAGANS
He didn't make distinction and show preference to His favorite group.
He accepted both Jews and “pagans”–He came to benefit both.
What did He do for Jews?
CHRIST MADE HIMSELF A SERVANT OF JEWS 15:8
Paul takes advantage of every tool Gk offers to underline message.
Lit., “Christ, a servant became!”
Places "Christ" 1st, to focus attention on example we’re to follow.
Wasn't just apostle who decided to serve everyone; our Lord made Himself a servant.
2nd (also receives emphasis) is description of Him: servant.
In today's world we never hear anything like that.
Though it's popular to talk about "servant leadership".
Nobody takes it on as an attitude AND a lifestyle.
It's a subtle way to get your way--way to manipulate other people
It’s a way to get to the top. Then everyone will serve US!
Today's leaders don't serve others. People serve them!
Jesus—King of universe—made Himself servant of everyone.
He put himself under everyone's orders, so both Jews and Gentiles might receive blessing
We’re amazed He’d make that kind of sacrifice!
If Christ was willing to do that for us, how should WE respond?
Christ’s service shown in different ways to the 2 different groups.
What did it mean for God to become a servant TO JEWS?
JESUS CAME TO FULFILL GOD’S PROMISES TO ISRAEL
Jews were already God's people
He came to fulfill what they’re waiting for–to fulfill God’s promises
CHRIST MADE HIMSELF A SERVANT TO CONFIRM PROMISES TO ISRAEL
[2nd way Christ made Himself servant had to do with Gentiles!
It wouldn’t surprise anyone that He was willing to serve Jews, but Gentiles (PAGANS)?
That was more than anyone expected. Nevertheless, . . . ]
CHRIST MADE HIMSELF A SERVANT OF PAGANS 5:9-12
[NAS reflects parallel structure: ] “and [He became a servant] for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy;”
What did He do for Gentiles? How did He become servant of Gentiles?
HE EXTENDED GOD’S MERCY TO PAGANS!
His purpose, illogical as it may seem: that God might be glorified!
God receives glory because of transformation of people who weren't looking for Him.
God took initiative and gave us benefits of new life.
4 O.T. PASSAGES: Messiah’s demonstration of mercy–Jesus’ acceptance of pagans– was promised since days of prophets–centuries ahead of time.
Quotations include 3 great spokesmen of Israel: David, Moses and Isaiah.
3 divisions of O.T. books. 3 of most important epochs in Israel's history.
Plan wasn't last minute adaptation!
God's missionary purpose to reach pagans was integral to plan!
God wanted to demonstrate His mercy to pagans!
Psalm 18:49 [=> 15:9b].
Giving thanks for God’s protection, David makes vow
Promises to acknowledge God publicly, in front of pagans
Promises to make Yahweh’s name known, so these nations would also trust Him.
Deut 32:43 [=>15:10]
Moses, in final tribute to Yahweh, for all He did for Israel, indicates pagans will take part in praising God together with His people.
Nation was to sing great hymn frequently; not to forget God’s dealing with them.
He exhorts pagans to unite with them in their joy because of what God has done. “Join us!”
Psalm 117:1 [=> 15:11]
Exhorts pagans to praise Yahweh for mercy and faithfulness.
Implies they will experience His love and faithfulness–for themselves–and praise Him for it!
Isaiah 11:10 (LXX) [=>15:12]
Well known by listeners, refers to millennium, when Messiah reigns. PAGANS will submit to His authority and TRUST HIM.
Notice progression:
Progression indicates pattern which God’s work among pagans will follow:
Pagans will experience God’s mercy:
They hear testimony of one who has enjoyed God's blessings.
They join the rejoicing of those who received these blessings.
They themselves begin to praise this great God.–for themselves!
They acknowledge His authority over them, submit, and trust Him.
Reference to the Gentiles’ hope in Him, in last prophecy, encourages Paul to express his petition to God for us. (v. 13)
Just as Christ made Himself a servant
GOD WANTS TO MAKE US SERVANTS ALSO 15:13
Same God who by His mercy gave hope to pagan peoples, when we had no hope, is able to show us how we ought to act.
God who gives hope to pagans, HE is the source of joy and peace.
If we’re seeking God's blessing,
If we want to keep the hope alive
and enjoy true happiness and peace,
We won't find them by struggling to defend our own rights,
but by a life that is turned over to God
by a living faith in Him
and by the power of His Spirit.
What’s Paul’s point in this final treatment of the issue of doubtful things?
With regard to eating meat—a Jew/Gentile issue
IMITATE CHRIST’S EXAMPLE
He accepted both Jews and PagansNeither deserved it!
Jews were important enough to God that Christ came to fulfill God’s promises to them–even when they didn’t deserve it!
Pagans were important enough to God that He included us in His plan–He extended His mercy to us!
He has accepted BOTH–we should also!
We should ACCEPT one another
He made Himself a servant to BOTH
He fulfilled promises to IsraelHe showed mercy to Gentiles
Therefore, whether Jew or pagan ... whether we eat meat or not ...
We should serve one another
We should be more concerned about serving one another than “having it our way!”
–more concerned about loving a brother, than about having my rights–or criticizing those who don’t agree with MY view!
Result: you become filled with JOY and PEACE
you overflow with hope
It’s all the result of the work of the Spirit among His people.
Are you ready for some JOY? Ready for PEACE? Ready for some HOPE?
It comes from accepting and serving one another [we’ll never do it in the flesh!]
WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT WORKS IN US, . . .
We accept one another
We serve one another
We experience joy, peace and hope.
Conflicts affecting US have nothing to do with Jews/Gentile issues!
( Though they DO relate to our traditions! )
But they’re just as real--and just as devastating to God's work!
We must accept one another as brothers and sisters--as family of God.
God has welcomed THEM just as He welcomed US! We should accept them also!
We must deal with our anger and unwillingness to forgive those who stand up for their rights
It’s time to put these attitudes behind us and accept one another!
Until we do that, we will never experience God's happiness and peace--neither within ourselves, nor in our relationships with one another.
Well-known motto: “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.”
Kent Hughes: There’s room in Christ’s church for you whether you wear wingtips or sandals,
whether you walk to church or ride in a Rolls,
whether you powder your nose or not, [or wear lipstick!]
whether you dance or not,
whether you drink or refrain,
whether you watch TV or abstain,
whether you use my translation or not.
–home school, Christian school, public school–date or court–whatever!
A play portrayed intense conflict between father and son. Finally they decided to part. In the middle of the night, the son had trouble sleeping, so he went to the kitchen to fix himself a sandwich. In the kitchen he found the father, who couldn’t sleep either. They began to reminisce about the past—about years in Little League, about swimming together, about fishing trips.
Healing began to occur. The son asked, “Dad, remember the time we were out on the lake in that green boat? His father responded, “The boat was blue son.” “No, it was green!” “Blue!” “Green!” The son left the room, never to return.
SOME OF OUR ISSUES ARE ABOUT THAT SIGNIFICANT!!!
SOME THINGS JUST DON’T MATTER!!!
When we acknowledge the extent of God’s great mercy to us, . . .
We will accept one another.
We will serve one another.
As Christ did for us!
Are we going to let insignificant issues destroy God’s work?
Some Homework:
Start a list of the benefits you’ve received by God's mercy.
If God did so much for us because of His mercy, what should we do for one another?
What are the activities we participate in that might cause another to fall?
What changes does God want to bring about in my life?