A SPIRIT OF UNITY

ONE HEART

Read Romans 14–15

       For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Romans 14:7-8 NIV

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      As a mixed congregation of Jews and Gentiles with different backgrounds, the Roman believers also had differences of opinion on what was acceptable behavior. Some wanted to celebrate certain holy days and others did not. Some had convictions about buying meat that had been sacrificed to idols, and others did not. Paul says, “… let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way." (14:13)

      The principle here is that we are to edify and encourage our Christian brothers and sisters. While being true to our own convictions, we should “accept one another, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God” (15:7)

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      Lord, I pray that nothing I do will be a stumbling block to another Christian. I pray for a spirit of love and unity, even when I may have strong opinions about a matter. I pray that what comes out of my mouth will glorify You, and build up the fellowship of believers.

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     "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."   Romans 15:5-6 NIV

GOD'S IRREVOCABLE PROMISE

A DAY OF AWAKENING

Read Romans 11–12

     As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies on your account; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved… for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable. Romans 11:28a-29 NIV

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     In this section Paul addresses the believers who were saved as a result of his ministry to Gentiles. Paul’s own people (the Jews) have for the most part, rejected the gospel, but one day there will be an awakening in Israel. He writes,
     “I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved… (11:25-26a NIV)

     Paul reminds the Gentile Christians that God still has plans for the Jews who are now opposing them: He says, “Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God's mercy to you. (11:30-31 NIV)
 

     In view of this great mercy to them and to us, what are we to do? "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service." Romans 12:1 NKJV

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     Lord, I am so thankful that the gospel was presented to me with the gift of faith to believe it. I am praying for the many people who seem unable to come to faith and receive your gift of salvation. Give us wisdom as we share Your Word in a way they can understand, and draw them by Your Spirit to become part of the family of Christ.

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     For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.  Romans 12:3 NIV