Accept one another

(Rom. 15:1-13)

Introduction: About one month ago, I preached with the title of ‘Following faith’ based on Rom. 14:13-23. We assume that the Roman churches had both Jews and Gentiles, and some of them clearly understood the principles of the gospel and some did not. You expect that there would be some problems in the church if different people got together. Some of the Jews did not eat meat because they believed all meats were offered to the idol in the market place. Without understanding that God created them all and that believers were free to eat any food in Christ, some Jews refused to eat meat. Observing the Sabbath was another issue in the church. Paul taught them that those who truly understood the freedom of the gospel should not criticize other brothers and sisters on the minor issues but should accept one another in the love of Christ. Believers should not pursue their own benefits but should think of others first. We should do everything following faith because everything we do without faith is sin. It is also important that we focus on the knowledge of the Bible for our faith because faith comes from the word of Christ. Today’s passage is Rom. 15:1-13. Continuing his instructions, Paul asked the Roman Christians, both Jews and Gentiles, to accept one another in Christ. Following this instruction we should learn the attitude to accept other brothers and sisters in Christ although they are different from us.

1) Pleasing other believers (1-4): Those who have understood the principles of the gospel and have strong faith should bear those who have weak faith. We are not supposed to please ourselves but to please others in Christ. We need to consider other people in the church. Jesus came to this world not to be served but to serve others and to give his life for many (Mark 10:45). Paul also teaches us that the instructions in the Bible are very important for our endurance and encouragement. In many places of the Bible we can see the merit and value of reading and studying the Bible (Hosea 4:6, 6:3, II Tim. 3:14-17, II Peter 3:18).

2) Accept one another (5-7): If we believe in one God and one Jesus, we should not be different on the main doctrine of the Bible, the gospel. We may be different on minor issues, but our attitude for Jesus and for other believers should be the same. We will give all the glory to God and we will accept one another in Christ. We should acknowledge that Jesus not only died for us but also for all people. All believers are our brothers and sisters in Christ. If you think you are the only one right, then that is clear evidence that you are wrong.

 
3) All nations will praise the Lord (8-13): In this paragraph, Paul is trying to teach us that Jesus respected the laws of the Old Testaments by observing them. At the same time, Jesus knew that God accepted the Gentiles as His people. We can see that many places in the Old Testaments, the prophets prophesized that the Gentiles and many nations would praise the Lord and that they would receive God’s mercy. Thus, it is the lesson today to accept other brothers and sisters in Christ although they may be different from us. Thank you and God bless you.