Coming to the end of Romans, we are reminded again of what it is all about—not only this letter but life itself. Jesus Christ came to bring his creation back into a right relationship with God. We, the church, are the people who are living in this reality even now. Our task is to provide a vivid witness to the world of what it looks like to live in the truth of Christ crucified and risen. We do this by living not for ourselves but for others, focusing on what binds us together. The hope, peace, and joy that result should be the hallmarks of the church…and are the very things that all people crave.

Romans 15:1-7, 13

Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. 2 Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification. 3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.” 4 For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

7 Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God. 8 For I say that Christ has become a servant to the circumcision on behalf of the truth of God to confirm the promises given to the fathers, 9 and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy; as it is written,“Therefore I will give praise to You among the Gentiles,
And I will sing to Your name.” 10 Again he says, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people.” 11 And again, “Praise the Lord all you Gentiles,
And let all the peoples praise Him.” 12 Again Isaiah says,

“There shall come the root of Jesse,
And He who arises to rule over the Gentiles,
In Him shall the Gentiles hope.” 13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Discipleship Conversations

For Adult Homes & Groups

1. Read Romans 15. Notice the two distinct parts as Paul moves from the concluding exhortation (vv 1-14) to specific and personal details about his own plans (vv 15-33).

2. What is Paul’s driving motivation? How does that compare with what drives your church, your group, and your own life? Considering Paul’s heartaches and trials (2 Corinthians 11:23-29), how can such a motive result in joy and peace?

3. What image do you think the church typically presents to the world? What does Paul think should be our witness? What does your church or group need to do to more fully reflect God’s plan for His church?

4. What one thing can you do this week to witness Christ’s reality in your own life more brightly?

5. What does it mean to “be of the same mind” (v 5)? Is there a “Christian way” to look at what is going on in the world? Who decides what that should look like? Why is unity within the body of Christ so important? How do we strive for unity even when we are so different?

Pray Together:

O God, from whom come all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works, give to us, Your servants, that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey Your commandments and also that we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may live in peace and quietness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

For Families with Kids

1. Read Romans 15 together. Where was Paul hoping to travel next?

Look at a map of the New Testament world. Why would it make sense for

Paul to go to Rome? What sort of help do you think he was counting on from the church in Rome?

2. Read verse 2. Why do you think God wants you to please your neighbor and not yourself? Tell about a neighbor and a way you can encourage them.

3. What are some ways that you might think differently than your friends? What are the things that you and your friends should agree about? How does following Jesus change the way that you are a friend to other people?

4. Why do you think unity in the church (and family!) matters so much to God? How does thinking about others first help unity?

5. Sing a song of praise together (nothing fancy, just a simple song done with one voice).