Bible Study with Danelle

We have come to the final two chapters in Romans and the end of Paul’s letter.

Paul has some final reminders to the Romans (and us) that we have to continue to build each other up. Especially those strong in faith to help those that are new or struggling. If we ignore others just to please ourselves, we can destroy God’s work.

This is why, for me, I get so frustrated with unwelcoming churches. And I don’t mean the “showy” type of welcoming. You can have all the coffee and donuts, a great greeter team, special parking for new people, and a ton of groups or events…BUT…if the members of the congregation ignore or look down on you or love gossip and cliques, it won’t bring people to Jesus. It only pushes people away. I feel we need to be working as the church to welcome everyone. Not just the believer, but the skeptic. We need to be building up each other and not building up just ourselves.

Paul also warns us about pastors that spark division and obstacles to God’s teachings. He tells us (and some of us have probably experienced it) there will be pastors and church leaders that are smooth talkers and use flattery to deceive people. But they are not serving Jesus. They are the false teachers he warns us about.

Paul reminds us that Jesus came as a servant leader to show God’s truthfulness, give hope, and confirm the promises from the Old Testament. He quotes Isaiah in Romans 15: 9-12.

The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope.

Romans 15:12

Paul reminds us that the Old Testament scriptures are just as important now as they were then. I can honestly say I have not read all of the Old Testament, but it is something I plan to work on this year. Maybe we will go through some books together.

Paul’s mission was to spread the news about Jesus to anyone who had not heard, but mainly to the Gentiles (non-Jews). He prayed that we would all live in harmony together as Christians to glorify God.

May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Romans 15: 5-7

As Paul finished his letter the Romans, he has many personal greetings in the beginning of chapter 16. Of note, there are 8 women that he greets and it shows the important role women held in the early church.

Paul also reminds us to be wise to what is good and what is evil. Praying for discernment is always so important. If you ever have a question about what God would say about a situation, turn to the Bible. God has laid it all out for us.

As we conclude our time in Romans, I want to pray this over you as Paul did to the Romans:

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Romans 15:13

Amen!