Romans Part 40

The beginning of Romans 15 continues the thought from Romans 14:1. Paul is teaching Christians how to love their brethren when they disagree over matters of opinion. Those who are stronger in faith are not to use their freedom selfishly, but to bear with those who are weaker and seek their good. This brings us back to the larger command to “love your neighbor” from Romans 13:8–10. Christ is the ultimate example: He did not live to please Himself but willingly suffered and died for us while we were still weak and sinful (Romans 5:6–8). Paul quotes Psalm 69:9 to show that Christ's suffering was part of the pattern Scripture had already established: God's servants bear reproach for the sake of others.

Verse 4 then broadens the application. Endurance must be joined with the encouragement of Scripture. Paul says, 

“whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” 

Scripture does not merely give us information; it teaches us how to persevere. As we read, think about, take to heart, and live by God's Word, He develops the patience and endurance we need to deal faithfully with one another. This connects naturally with Romans 5:3–4, where tribulation produces perseverance; perseverance produces character, and character produces hope. The stakes are high, as Paul reminded us in Romans 13:11: we are living in a time when the return of Christ is getting closer, so we cannot afford to become spiritually complacent. 

“And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.”

The word translated “comfort/encouragement” in verse 4 is paraklēsis, which carries the idea of calling someone near. God's Word calls us near to Him and teaches us how to remain near to Him through obedience. And the result is hope! Not merely wishing for something but confidently anticipating what God has promised. The future God has revealed gives us the strength to endure what we are experiencing now.

Verses 5–6 bring the focus back to the relationships within God's Church. Paul asks that the God of endurance and encouragement grant them to live together in harmony, according to Christ Jesus. This builds on the instruction in Romans 12 and 14 to “live peaceably with all men.” But among those whom God has called, we should be able to do more than simply avoid conflict. We should strive together, grow together, and thrive together. Our unity is ultimately something God produces in us as we submit to Him. Philippians 2:12–13 reminds us that while we must actively work out our salvation, it is God who works in us “both to will and to act.” Philippians 1:6 gives the same confidence, that God will complete the work He has begun in us.

When God's people live in this way by patiently bearing with one another, grounded in Scripture, encouraging one another, and united in Christ, the result is ultimately the glory of God. Verse 7 brings the thought to its conclusion: 

“Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.”

Epistles of Paul is a course taught at ABC by Mr. Steve Myers. Recordings from the 2023–2024 class year are available on the ABC website.

UYA Team | uya@ucg.org  

United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.