Paul encourages us to have the same attitude toward each other as Christ has toward us.
Chapter 15 picks up on the same theme as Chapter 14. "We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves." (Romans 15:1) Not everyone in the church has the same strength of faith. Those who are stronger should encourage those who are weaker. Those who are stronger should not use their liberty in Christ to eat or drink things (as Paul discussed yesterday) in front of those who do not feel that all food and drink is acceptable.
"Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. For even Christ did not please Himself but, as it is written, 'The insults of those who insult You have fallen on Me.'" (Romans 15:2-3) This quote from Psalm 69 is used by Paul to prove that Christ did not live His life to please Himself. He lived in His life in obedience to God, which meant going to the cross.
"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope." (Romans 15:4) Amen! We still use the Scriptures for encouragement and hope because the word of God is alive and active. (Hebrews 4:12) The word of God is still as true today as it ever was.
"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 15:5-6) Unity in the church glorifies God. As the people of God we should be united together in love, not bickering among ourselves.
"Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God's truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy." (Romans 15:7-9a) Jesus Christ the Messiah came to His people just as had been promised. But He also fulfilled promises to the Gentiles. God had always intended to include both Jews and Gentiles in His family.
"As it is written: 'Therefore I will praise You among the Gentiles; I will sing the praises of Your name.' Again, it says, 'Rejoice, you Gentiles, with His people.' And again, 'Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; let all the peoples extol Him.' And again, Isaiah says, 'The Root of Jesse will spring up, One who will arise to rule over the nations; in Him the Gentiles will hope.'" (Romans 15:9b-12) These quotes are from the books of 2 Samuel, Psalms, and Isaiah. Paul didn't pick a verse from somewhere in the Scriptures and use it out of context to build his case. It was always foretold that God would call the Gentiles. The point here I think is that if God chose two groups as different as Jews and Gentiles to be His family, we should be willing to accept differences of personalities in the church.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13) The only genuine joy, peace, and hope that can be found in this world is through the Lord.
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