In Christ Jesus, then. I have reason to boast of my work of God”. We should not boast about our work.
Sharing the Gospel 101- “I will not venture to speak of anything except what has been accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God…” (v 18).
Our God is a God of steadfastness (endurance) and encouragement, God of hope and peace. Therefore, let us with ONE VOICE glorify God.
v. 16 He gave me the priestly duty of proclaiming the Gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. May the Lord cleanse away all our impurities so that we are worthy of standing before God as an offering that pleases Him.
v. 1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Love these verse. Suddenly the empty life becomes meaningful when supporting the weak and being supported by the strong. Community concept of Christianity is very meaningful.
v. 12 The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope.
-If we trace back Jesus’ root little further, interesting characters are connected in His root. Tamar (Judah’s wife), Rahab (of Jericho who helped Joshua), Bathsebha (Uriah’s wife), and Ruth (a Gentile, daughter in law of Naomi) (Matthew 1:2-6). We know the background of these women!
-This reiterates God accepts whoever accepts Him, and use them to do His will. We should not “treat” anyone with contempt.
v. 13 Here is my comfort “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.”
v. 13 has touched me as well! I was reading in NKJV where few words are different ! Every word in this verse is so special.Many key words. What a great wish from Paul!
As the body of Christ we are to treat each other just as Christ has treated us. We are to clothe ourselves with His virtues and treat one another with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. All of this can be accomplished by deciding to love each other and letting Christ’s love flow through us. Love is the bond that brings about this unity and oneness.
Just as Christ has accepted us into His family we are to welcome and receive one another.