Today’s passage: Romans 15:8-13
Helpful thoughts:
- It would be good to read verses 1-7 to regain an understanding of the context of this passage.
- Remembering that the “weak” of chapter 14 were those who wouldn’t eat all meats helps us to understand that those who are weak may very well have been the Jews who had put their faith in Christ.
- If the Gentiles were the ones who were “strong” in the Roman church and if the Jews were those who were “weak”, the Gentile believers would be called on to use their strength to serve the Jews…And Christ also came to serve the Jews (Verse 8).
- It would not be right for the Gentile believers to cut the Jews off from their fellowship because of their differing convictions. As the Old Testament stated, it was God’s will that the Jews and Gentiles would be gathered together to worship.
- In the Roman church, there was a very real representation of the will of God to use the Jewish people to bring salvation to the world (Through Christ) and then using the world (The Gentile believers) to bring Jewish people to Christ.
Questions to consider:
- The idea of maintaining fellowship with other people who have disagreements and different convictions sure doesn’t sound easy…but why is it better? Is our goal to surround ourselves with people who think just like us about everything or to be used by God to help others grow? One of those options looks like the easier path to peace, but it’s a counterfeit peace. Which of those options produces true joy and peace from the God of all hope?
- What do we learn about God from this passage? Are there any promises that God will not fulfill? What promises of God are dearest to your heart? What promises of God does this passage call us to engage in?
- What appears to be the role of the Holy Spirit in this passage? What will His power urge us toward that will result in an overflow of hope?