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One Heart, One Voice: Following Jesus Together - Romans 15:5 Series
Contributed by Dean Courtier on Dec 22, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: God calls His people to something radically different—not uniformity, but unity rooted in Christ. Discipleship is not a solo journey. Following Jesus is a shared walk, shaped by patience, encouragement, and Christlike humility.
One Heart, One Voice: Following Jesus Together - Romans 15:5
Introduction: A Divided World Longing for Unity
We are living in an age of noise, division, and fractured voices. Social media amplifies outrage. Politics divides families. Even churches can find themselves split over preferences rather than principles.
Yet in the middle of this fractured world, God calls His people to something radically different—not uniformity, but unity rooted in Christ.
Discipleship is not a solo journey. Following Jesus is a shared walk, shaped by patience, encouragement, and Christlike humility. And that brings us to one of the most pastoral prayers in all of Scripture.
Romans 15:5 (NLT): “May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.”
This is not a suggestion. It is a prayer birthed out of Gospel reality.
I. The Source of Unity: God Himself
Romans 14–15 addresses tensions between Jewish and Gentile believers—differences in conscience, culture, and practice. Paul does not minimise disagreement, but he re-centres the church on Christ.
The phrase “May God, who gives this patience and encouragement” reveals the source of unity.
The Greek word for patience is hypomone—not passive tolerance, but steadfast endurance under pressure.
The word encouragement is paraklesis—comfort that strengthens and exhorts.
Unity does not come from personality compatibility—it flows from God’s character.
Psalm 133:1 (NLT): “How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!”
Psalm 133 was sung by pilgrims travelling to Jerusalem. Unity was not theoretical—it was practised in community worship.
Charles Stanley: “God will not ask us if we were successful, but if we were faithful.”
Faithfulness to Christ always leads us towards unity, not self-assertion. Pride divides; submission to Christ unites.
Disciples ask not, “Am I being heard?” but “Is Christ being honoured?”
II. The Pattern of Unity: Jesus Christ
Romans 15:5 (NLT): “…as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.”
Unity is not grounded in compromise—it is grounded in Christlikeness.
Philippians 2:5–8 (NLT): “You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had…”
This early Christological hymn reveals Jesus’ humility. The Greek word phroneo (“attitude”) speaks of a settled mindset.
Jesus did not cling to His rights—He laid them down.
The Conductor
An orchestra contains many instruments, but unity comes when all submit to the conductor. Christ is not one voice among many—He is the one we follow.
Tim Keller: “The essence of Gospel humility is not thinking more of myself or less of myself, but thinking of myself less.”
When Christ shapes our thinking, unity becomes a joyful by-product, not a forced effort.
Ask yourself: Does my attitude reflect Christ crucified—or self enthroned?
III. The Purpose of Unity: The Glory of God
Romans 15:6 (NLT): “Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Unity fuels worship. Discord silences witness.
Greek Insight
The phrase “one voice” comes from homothymadon—same passion, same purpose.
John 17:20–23 (NLT): Jesus prays that unity among believers would convince the world of the truth of the Gospel.
John Piper: “Unity in the church is not achieved by ignoring truth, but by cherishing Christ above all.”
When Christ is central, secondary issues lose their power to divide.
Our unity preaches before we ever speak.
IV. The Gospel That Creates Unity
Unity is not achieved by effort—it is created by the cross.
Gospel Declaration
Christ’s Death:
Romans 5:8 (NLT): “Christ died for us while we were still sinners.”
Christ’s Burial and Resurrection:
1 Corinthians 15:3–4 (NLT): Christ was buried and raised on the third day.
At the cross:
Pride is crucified
Sin is forgiven
New humanity is born
The Foot of the Cross
At the foot of the cross, no one is taller than another. Grace levels us all.
Max Lucado: “Grace is God’s best idea.”
Grace dismantles division because it reminds us that we are all saved the same way—by mercy alone.
V. Call to Action: Living Romans 15:5
For Believers
Pursue patience intentionally
Speak words that build, not break
Submit preferences to Christ’s lordship
Colossians 3:12–14 (NLT): “Make allowance for each other’s faults… Above all, clothe yourselves with love.”
21st-Century Relevance - In a culture addicted to outrage, disciples choose grace. In an age of cancellation, Christians practise reconciliation.
Invitation to Salvation:
Perhaps you’ve admired Christian unity from a distance but never entered into it. Unity begins with reconciliation to God.
Today, repent of your sin. Believe that Jesus died, was buried, and rose again for you. Trust Him as Saviour and bow to Him as Lord.
Follow Jesus—and find your place in His family.
Conclusion & Benediction:
May the God who gives patience and encouragement shape your heart.
May Christ Jesus govern your attitudes.
May the Spirit empower you to walk in harmony.
Go and follow Jesus—with one heart and one voice.
