Oh Behalf of Others... - Romans 15:1-13

By Pastor Rich Paradis

As we begin another chapter of Romans, we do so knowing that the theme of “living sacrifice” continues to run through each of the instructive sections of the last 5 chapters of this incredible letter. Most recently, we have discussed the idea of deference to others in non-salvific matters as an important distinction between the one living for him or herself and the one that is ultimately living for Christ and the Kingdom’s sake. The discussion is one of priorities. Who or what will be the priorities of our lives? That discussion continues today. Let’s see what it says for us today.

 

I.                    The Example of Christ In His Own Self-Denial    Romans 15:1-6

a.       Chapter 15 starts off in a very similar way as does chapter 14. In chapter 14, Paul encourages, even urges, his readers to accept the one who is weak (undecided in relation to his or her conviction on a matter). Verse 1 says that the one who desires to be a “living sacrifice” ought to bear the weakness of another brother instead of merely pleasing oneself. Paul himself is placing himself amongst the “strong” in this appeal. In a similar way to Galatians 6:2 which encourages us to “bear the burden” of a brother, the stronger is told that he “ought” to do the same toward a weaker brother or sister. There is a tone of obligation in his appeal.

b.      This “bearing” is not some mere resignation or condescension toward this brother, but something that is done as a parent cares for a child. We do sometimes lose patience with our children, but we should at no time only do what is necessary because it is our “duty” or some “burden” that has been placed on us. The motivation for this bearing is love, not burden or merely duty. To do it for any other reason than love is to miss the point altogether and this will ultimately lead to “pleasing ourselves” only.

c.       That thought takes us into Verse 2 which offers a contrast that is noteworthy in the person who is a “living sacrifice” versus the one that merely lives to please himself. Who are we to please? Our neighbor. This is anyone within the reach of our life, whether a Christian or not. For who’s good? His good, not ours. For what? His building up, not ours.

d.      In Verse 3 we are given the ultimate example of One who had others in mind. He had the plan of His Father in mind, as well as our good as He not only offered what He had but also Himself for our salvation. There is no sacrificial living that even rivals that of our Savior. We might somehow compare ourselves with another believer and come our looking thoughtful or benevolent. But we can never compare ourselves to the One who sacrificed all for those that would both love Him and those that would shake their fists in rebellion toward Him. Psalm 69:9 is quoted at the end of the verse, further making the point. He would continue to love and stick by His Father even in the face of ridicule and reproach toward Him.

e.       At this point in the discussion, Paul reminds us of something that he will also share in 2 Timothy 3:16. Verse 4 tells us that the Old Testament scriptures were written for our instruction. Sometimes we think that only the New Testament has instruction for us in the modern day. But Paul says that there is meaningful instruction to be found in that which was written even before the writing of our New Testament. There is an eschatological tone to this verse as well as Paul reminds his readers (and us) that the Scriptures will afford us both perseverance and encouragement until our hope is finally realized in the future.

f.        Paul offers an interesting and theologically rich as he closes out the first paragraph of this chapter. Verses 5-6 begin with the source of the Scripture, as well as our perseverance and encouragement; God Himself. He continues with a call to unity, which ultimately brings both glory to God and a single mindedness and passion, whether we are the “stronger” or the “weaker” brother or sister.

 

II.                 The Example of Christ Toward the Jew and the Gentile    Romans 15:7-13

a.       Like a really good teacher, Paul summarizes the first 6 verses with Verse 7. In light, or because of the information just stated, accept one another so that God might be glorified and recognized among both the saved and the unsaved for the difference that only He can make in a life that is given fully to His plans and His leading. This “acceptance” is not merely some begrudging acceptance, like accepting the fact that you are slower and less in shape than you once were. Acceptance here is “to receive, to grant one access to your heart”. That can only be done from a platform of love.

b.      Before concluding the passage with a discussion of the connection / acceptance modeled in Christ toward the Gentiles, let’s take a quick look at the idea of Christ as a servant. That word is the same word that we get our word “deacon” from. It has the idea of a servant, one who executes that orders of another, one who serves a king. That is Christ to a tee! He is the ultimate servant.           Verses 8-12 discuss the relationship between the Jew and the Gentile. Christ was sent to do His earthly ministry to the Jews, the circumcision as an answer / confirmation to the promises given to the ancient Jewish fathers. But even as He was sent first to the Jews, He always had a plan for the Gentile to hear and respond to the Gospel. In the next verses, Paul puts together, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, a progression of thought that brings out the connection for both the original readers and for us.

                                                               i.      The first (Vs. 9) is from 2 Samuel 22:50 / Psalm 18:49. It pictures David rejoicing among the Gentiles. The second (Vs. 10) has Moses rejoicing with his people. The third (Vs.11) is the Gentiles praising the Lord. The fourth (Vs. 12) has Isaiah predicting that the Gentiles will live under the rule of “the root of Jesse” and that they would have their hope in Him.

                                                             ii.      In Christ, there is a connection spiritually between the Jew and the Gentile. To not accept one another or to live with only your purposes and plans in mind is to miss all that Christ had accomplished at Calvary and in the Resurrection.

c.       In Verse 13, we have a beautiful benedictory prayer to all that has been said. Look at the wonderful list of benefits that come in trusting Him. Hope, joy, peace, and the power of the Holy Spirit in you! What a wonderful application to this section…!!!! The strong has reached toward the weak as Christ reached toward us with His life. What an example for us to follow as we interface with others.