Romans 15

Thursday, 16 January 2014

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

As Paul does at time during his writings, at the end of a formal exposition on a particular matter, he ends with a benediction before moving on. This treatise, which really began at Romans 14:1 is no different. He has gone through several over-arching issues with one ultimate goal.

He addressed the difference between the weaker and the stronger of the faith. After this, he instructed one to not show contempt for the other. He followed directly with the matter of not judging one another over “disputable matters.” He also went on to implore one to not cause another to sin over such things. Following that, he showed the need to make allowances for one another in a Christian manner, focusing on the spirit and bond of love. The example for this was next identified – the Person and work of Christ who willingly bore reproach. And finally, he demonstrated that all, both Jew and Gentile, should glorify God together.

Considering the length of his epistles, Paul has put an immense amount of time and consideration into this issue. It is one then which should be considered as the highest importance in maintaining fellowship between believers. In hopes that his instruction will take root and be effective, he now makes his short invocation for divine blessing, guidance, and help.

“Now may the God of hope” is noted by scholars as having two applications. The first is that He is the God who provides hope; the second is that He is the God in whom we hope.

1) The God of hope doesn’t just provide hope at certain points during our walk, but He provides a continuous stream of it for those who keep their thoughts and minds on Him. There is never a moment that the hope He provides is either lacking or insufficient to calm His child in the storm.

2) The God of hope is the eternal God. He isn’t just our hope the day we call on Him for salvation and forgiveness, but He is the same God who arranged the universe at the beginning and the One who will be there for His people for all the ages to come. No matter what our station at any given moment; no matter what trial we face; no matter what loss we have encountered – He is the true Source of our hope. Nothing in creation can separate us from Him and therefore our hope is grounded in what is eternal.

It is to this beautiful Creator that Paul makes his petition for us. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing.” May you be filled with the continuous knowledge that your faith is grounded in that which doesn’t perish and may that thought bring you constant and complete joy. It is from this wondrous state “that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” The God of hope, who provides hope and who is our hope, is petitioned to bring us to a hope which abounds. And this is, in fact, possible. Because he has sealed those who believe with the Holy Spirit. The key to unleashing this joy and peace then isn’t external but internal.

We are granted access to it upon belief. The Spirit from that moment resides in all His fullness in the believer. However, the Spirit can get more of the one who believes. This is the state that Paul is praying for. He has given the instruction on how to achieve this. Now, by applying what he has taught, the Holy Spirit can accomplish this condition in the obedient soul. By expecting an external demonstration of the Spirit to come upon the believer, the joy is far too often missed. Only by reading, understanding, and applying Scripture in a right manner will the Spirit effectively accomplish His work in us.

Life application: Paul’s benediction is directed to those who already have believed and been sealed with the Holy Spirit. They have full access to the power of the Spirit already. The way to receive the joy and peace is to apply the instructions of the Bible as given. This is how the Spirit works in us; filling us as we yield to Him. Be sure to read, understand, and apply the words of the apostle and you too will be filled with all joy and peace in believing. In this state, you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Heavenly Father, having called on Jesus I know that possessing a life filled with joy and peace is already available to me. Through belief in Him, I have been sealed with Your Spirit for the day of redemption. So in what should I worry? In what should I fear? In what way should I be distressed? The end is sure and my hope will not go unfulfilled. Thank You for the promise of everlasting life because of Jesus. Amen.

Wednesday, 15 January 2014

And again, Isaiah says:
“There shall be a root of Jesse;
And He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles,
In Him the Gentiles shall hope.” Romans 15:12

So far in just two quotes, Paul has demonstrated from the Torah (the Law) and from the Ketuvim (the writings) that God has always had an intent and purpose for the Gentile peoples as well as the people of Israel. Today, Paul cites Isaiah, a prophet, to make the same point. The prophets form the third section of the Old Testament known as the Nevi’im. In essence, what Paul has done is to demonstrate God’s purposes for the Gentile people from every section of the Old Testament. Collectively, they are called the Tanakh, an acronym comprised of the first letter of each of these subdivisions – Torah, Nevi’im, and Ketuvim; Ta-Na-Kh.

This may seem trivial or without purpose, but it is not. He has woven together these quotes to show that the concept is sure, founded in the whole body of Scripture, and thus a principle tenet of God’s redemptive plans.

1) He selected a quote from Deuteronomy; written by Moses, the great Lawgiver, and in the book which provides practical living and instruction for the Israelites who are about to enter the land of Canaan.

2) He selected a quote from Psalm 117, part of the Hallel, which is sang every year during the Passover by all faithful Jewish families.

3) He selected a quote from Isaiah, “the prince of the prophets,” whose chapters and words form a “mini-bible” of 66 chapters, often showing interesting parallels to the 66 books of the Christian Canon.

Whether Paul intentionally selected these quotes of his own will, or whether he did so without thinking of the greater pattern he was forming, the quotes are a perfect demonstration of God’s plans and intents for the Gentile church. And so, quoting Isaiah, he says that “There shall be a root of Jesse…” Jesse was the father of King David. David was told that his throne would be eternal. Scripture notes that the Messiah would come from the house of David, thus being the fulfillment of the promise that he was given.

But this verse from Isaiah shows something different. It shows that “there shall be a root of Jesse.” Paul has already shown that the root supports the tree and the branches, not the other way around (Romans 11:18). Therefore, the “root of Jesse” isn’t speaking of someone after Jesse, but before. It is an indication of the eternality of Christ. This is similar to the words of Micah –

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
Though you are little among the thousands of Judah,
Yet out of you shall come forth to Me
The One to be Ruler in Israel,
Whose goings forth are from of old,
From everlasting.” Micah 5:2

It is this “root of Jesse” who “shall rise to reign over the Gentiles.” The prophesied Messiah would not just be the Messiah of the Jews, but of all people. This is actually prefigured in the book of Genesis in types and pictures such as the life of Jacob and the life of Joseph. What God is doing in human history through Christ has effect for all people.

These, and many other quotes from the Old Testament, were missed by the Jewish people though. Instead of realizing that God was using them to bring salvation to all people, they couldn’t see beyond their own national identity. Paul is reminding them, and us, that Jesus is the hope of all nations. And so he finishes his quoting of Isaiah with, “In Him the Gentiles shall hope.”

“Hope” doesn’t even hint at harsh rule. Instead it is a term of eager anticipation and even longing. The Jewish people expected the Messiah to come forth, rescue them, and rule over the world from Jerusalem for their sake and for their exaltation. Rather, Paul shows that His coming wasn’t one of harsh rule over a disobedient people, but one of joy at the reign they would be under.

It is true that after the church age, Christ will physically return to earth and rule from Jerusalem and amidst His people Israel, but that is another dispensation which will come after the church age. During this time, Christ is our ruler and in Him many Gentiles have placed their confidence, their trust, and their hope.

Life application: The whole body of Old Testament Scripture – the Law, the Writings, and the Prophets, testify to the work of God in Christ for both Jew and Gentile. Christ Jesus is the hope of all people. Make every effort to pass on the good news to those around you today.

Lord Jesus, all of Scripture points to Your work in human history. The Law, the Prophets, the Writings, and the new Testament all show Your love for people of every persuasion. Because this is so, help me to look at all people with the same love. Give me the undying desire to spread the word of hope and redemption found in Your cross and resurrection. Amen.

Tuesday, 14 January 2014

And again:
“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles!
Laud Him, all you peoples!”
Romans 15:11

In the previous verse, Paul used the Torah (the Law) to demonstrate that God’s attention was directed toward the salvation of the Gentiles as well as the Jewish people. Today he will cite another section of the Jewish Scriptures, the Ketuvim (the writings) to witness to the same fact. As a major portion of the writings are to be found in the psalms, he chooses a verse from there. But more than just an arbitrary psalm, he goes to the 117th Psalm. This is a psalm which is notable for several reasons.

1) The 117th Psalm is the shortest chapter in the Bible. It is simple and direct in its purpose and intent.

2) The 117th Psalm is a part of the “Hallel.” This includes Psalms 113-118 and is the portion of the psalms which are openly recited at the time of the Passover. In the New Testament, we read this about the night of the crucifixion –

“Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.’ And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.” Matthew 26:27-30

This “hymn” would have been a portion of the Hallel; the psalms which they would have completed during the Passover meal.

3) After completion of the New Testament, the 117th Psalm is the very center of the Bible. It is as if it is an axis upon which Scripture pivots.

In using the 117th Psalm, and this particular verse from it, we are shown that God’s heart is as equally directed to the salvation of the Gentiles as toward the Jews. This is even more clearly understood when considering that Jesus’ singing of this hymn occurred before His crucifixion. It was as if He were trying to wake the world up to the fact that the cross was intended for all people.

The Israelites were selected for a mission and were set apart for a purpose, but they are not the end of God’s redemptive plan, they are the means in which He would bring it about for all people. In setting Israel apart, God used them to usher in the Messiah, thus bringing Himself glory from both Jew and Gentile.

And so, because of God’s great work in Christ, all people can recite the Hallel, knowing that they were included in Jesus’ thoughts as He went to pray at Gethsemane and then was nailed to that tree. Let the world sing of God’s great act – “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples!”

Surely the LORD (Jehovah) has done great things for His people in the Person and work of Jesus.

Life application: God has done the work, but it is incumbent on each person to accept that work. Call on Jesus, be reconciled to God, and Praise the Lord for His mighty deeds.

Heavenly Father, surely Your word testifies to Your love for all people. Both Testaments show Your heart, eyes, and mind are focused on Jew and Gentile alike. You have done the work through Christ, now we must either accept or reject the offer. Me… I receive Jesus – His cross for my sin. What a bargain! Thank You for the cross of my Lord. Amen.

Monday, 13 January 2014

And again he says:
“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people!” Romans 15:10

This is a direct quote from Deuteronomy 32:43 which comes from the Song of Moses. This is the last verse of the Song of Moses which is a poetic snapshot of the coming history of the nation of Israel. In particular, this song is actually a scathing indictment on the apostasy Moses foresaw would come upon them. It speaks of their rebellion, turning away from the Lord, and His resulting judgment. And after all of the strong words of condemnation and doom, the song ends with restoration –

“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people;
For He will avenge the blood of His servants,
And render vengeance to His adversaries;
He will provide atonement for His land and His people.”

What is clear is that God is faithful and covenant keeping, even when His people turn away from Him. He will never reject them or utterly destroy them, thus violating His promises to them. This glorious God who is truthful to His covenant people Israel (verse 15:8) is also merciful to the Gentiles (verse 15:9). And so together, Jew and Gentile are asked to “receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God (verse 15:7). The idea is that truly, in Christ, there is no favoritism. He is the Lord of Jew and Gentile and therefore we are to receive each other just as Christ has received us.

It is important to not separate what Paul is trying to tell us from the overall context of what he has been giving instruction on. Throughout chapter 14 and the opening of chapter 15, he has been educating the church on “doubtful matters.” These come about based on who we are as individuals coming into the body of Christ. Jews may find some things difficult; gentiles other things. We are to accept one another’s shortcomings just as Christ has accepted us. If He has received someone, then how can we reject them? And so Jew should not look down on Gentile nor should Gentile look down on Jew over doubtful matters. Instead, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people.” Together, we can all give glory to God for His truth and mercy.

Life application: Instead of tearing others within the body down over “doubtful matters,” let us glorify God who has called us, despite our failings, into the body of Christ. Let us glorify God for His bestowal of favor upon His people.

Lord God, You received me despite my many years of failing. I walked a crooked and unsound path in life and yet You washed those years and those many sins away. And even now today, how often I fail You! But in Your rich mercy You sent Jesus to cover it all. In Him is pardon and in Him is full-redemption. I have no fear, just gratitude… immense gratitude. Thank You for Jesus! Amen.

Sunday, 12 January 2014

“…and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written:
‘For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles,
And sing to Your name.”‘ Romans 15:9 

In the previous verse, Paul showed that “Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers.” But now, he will demonstrate that even the Old Testament, which was predominantly directed to “the circumcision,” also showed that Christ would come to be glorified among the Gentiles as well. He begins by quoting a portion of David’s writings. The quote is actually found in both 2 Samuel 22:50 and Psalm 18:49. Paul amends it for the purpose of explaining the gospel. The original is recorded as –

“Therefore I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the Gentiles, And sing praises to Your name.”

Romans 15:8 & 9 are actually one unified thought which have been divided into two verses. By linking them together as he did, Paul is showing that Jesus is God’s truthful fulfillment of the Old Testament to the circumcision as well as the merciful embracer of the gentiles apart from the law in the New Testament. In this then, praises should flow to God through Christ from the Jew for His fulfillment of their law and praises should likewise flow from the Gentiles for His grace upon them apart from the law. There should be a harmonious chord of rejoicing that both Jew and Gentile are saved by the work of Christ and freed from the constraints of the law. Both can now participate in the covenant community by faith in His work alone without reverting to that which He has fulfilled.

It is evident that what God did in Christ completed two different actions – one towards Jew and one towards Gentile, but it doesn’t result in doing two different things. Rather, it results in one gospel. This is why Paul said in Romans 10:12, “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.”

The intent of God’s work in Christ was not a resulting Jewish community of believers who would continue to failingly adhere to the Law of Moses and a separate Gentile community who would be granted heaven’s access completely apart from the law. Rather, the work of God in Christ is the fulfillment of the law for both Jew and Gentile. And so the Jew is told to not remain under the burden of the law, but to rest in the work of Christ alone. In Hebrews 13:12, 13 the Jew is thus instructed –

“Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach.”

There can be no “one foot in the law and one foot in Christ.” It is all Christ or it is no Christ, for Jew and for Gentile. As obvious as Paul’s writings are, many fail to see and receive the pure gospel which is the work of Christ on behalf of all. The re-imposition of the law on Jew, or the imposition of the law upon Gentile, can only lead to condemnation. There is no longer a sacrifice from the law which is acceptable because Christ is the end of the law for all who believe.

Life application: It has become popular in many circles today to place the stress back on the law as a necessary part of one’s Christian walk. This is particularly so in many Messianic communities. But this is not the truth of God in Christ. Christ is our rest and in Him alone can we rest. Do not be led astray by those whose terminology twists the purity of the gospel of Christ.

O God, today I want to reaffirm the principle tenets of my faith: I stand on the Bible alone as the word of God and no other teaching or church tradition is necessary to my faith; I stand by faith alone in the work of Christ with nothing added to it for my justification; the grace of Christ is my only plea before You, my hands are empty and I will boast in nothing but the cross of Christ; my hope is in nothing more and nothing less than the work of Jesus Christ. Thank You, O God, for the all-encompassing and all-sufficient work of Jesus. Amen.