Romans 15:1-13 - Unity of believers with differences of opinions
Romans 15:1-6 Spirit of Unity
The author of this Epistle debates the spirit of unity among the believers. The believers are with multiple talents, qualities and strengths, and weaknesses. The redeemed community must think of how to take care of the weak believers in the church – weak in faith, practice and relationship. God is concerned about all of us in the church and outside the Church. Every believer is accountable to one another, stewards of neighbors and friends. Encouraging one another also requires admonishing one another, and praying for one another. The history of the redeemed and their faith struggles are recorded in the Bible for the benefit of future generations.
The followers of Christ are expected to behave with ‘One Heart and One Mouth’. This is the challenge for all those who are in Christ. The worldwide divisions, problems, and doctrinal issues are huge and the Church has split into many sects, some known as cults. The challenge for any true believer in Christ is to accept one another with a spirit of forgiveness, love, and encouragement. Those who are in Christ and filled with the Holy Spirit, walk by the revealed Word of God would work for unity.
Romans 15:7-13 Spirit of Evangelism
The church is obligated to share the plan of God for humanity. Redemption is the property of God handed over to the redeemed to handle it judiciously with the spirit of love of God for all. The word of God says, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people. Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, sing praises to him, all you peoples.” Here is an open call to Gentiles, who are away from the Gospel, to accept Christ. Unless they know the Gospel, how they would be part of the worshipping Community?
The promises of God to the Patriarchs are to redeem all. No one should be condemned but all need to be redeemed as per the plan of God. This author further explains that the root of Jesse will spring up, and one who will arise to rule over the nations, and the Gentiles will hope in Him. Jesus is the only way, truth, and life. Not only that the distorted, and hopeless world has the only way through Jesus Christ. The Gospel has the power to redeem sinners across nations and communities. We believe strongly that Christ is the only way out of this world of hopelessness. Evangelism is possible and will be successful if only the believers in Christ move forward with unity.
Discussion:
1. How to strengthen the Unity of the believers?
2. Suggest ways and means for Mission and Evangelism in our context.
(For further studies on Romans by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan, please refer to this cite)
