God’s Renewing Word of Hope
Introduction
Romans 15:1-13: Chapter 15 ushers in the conclusion of Paul’s letter to the Romans. He encourages the Lord’s followers not to please themselves but to act in ways that edify the community of believers. He explains that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles.
Scripture Reading
Please Others, Not Yourselves
1We who are strong in the faith ought to help the weak to carry their burdens. We should not please ourselves. 2Instead, we should all please other believers for their own good, in order to build them up in the faith. 3 For Christ did not please himself. Instead, as the scripture says, “The insults which are hurled at you have fallen on me.” 4 Everything written in the Scriptures was written to teach us, in order that we might have hope through the patience and encouragement which the Scriptures give us. 5And may God, the source of patience and encouragement, enable you to have the same point of view among yourselves by following the example of Christ Jesus, 6so that all of you together may praise with one voice the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Gospel to the Gentiles
7Accept one another, then, for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you. 8For I tell you that Christ’s life of service was on behalf of the Jews, to show that God is faithful, to make his promises to their ancestors come true, 9 and to enable even the Gentiles to praise God for his mercy. As the scripture says,
“And so I will praise you among the Gentiles;
I will sing praises to you.”
10 Again it says,
“Rejoice, Gentiles, with God’s people!”
11 And again,
“Praise the Lord, all Gentiles;
praise him, all peoples!”
12 And again, Isaiah says,
“A descendant of Jesse will appear;
he will come to rule the Gentiles,
and they will put their hope in him.”
13May God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace by means of your faith in him, so that your hope will continue to grow by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Today’s Key Verse: Romans 15:13
May God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace by means of your faith in him, so that your hope will continue to grow by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Reflect
What words of encouragement does Paul give the believers in Rome? Why is building up one another in faith important to Paul? In what ways does your community of faith build up one another? What words of encouragement and hope can you bring to someone today?
Pray
God of hope and love, teach me day by day what is written in the Scriptures. Grant me patience to study your Word, and fill me with joy and peace so that, by the power of your Holy Spirit, I continue to grow in faith. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Romans 15:14-33: The apostle Paul gives his reasons for writing a bold letter to the Romans.