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The church at Rome was evidently started by Jews who'd come to faith during Pentecost (Acts 2). It had grown and begun absorbing Gentiles into its ranks. Paul had never been to Rome. But based on what he'd heard about the church there, he sent this letter to introduce himself and to clearly explain how both groups fit into the faith.

Romans 15:5-13

1. What cultural divide among believers in Rome do you think Paul was addressing (vv. 8-9)?
2. So what was his purpose in quoting from Deuteronomy, the Psalms, and Isaiah (vv. 9-12)?
3. What, according to verse 7, causes God to be glorified?
4. How were you accepted by Christ?
5. Does He reject anyone who comes to Him in faith?
6. What is it about mutual acceptance, according to verse 6, that glorifies God?
7. What attitude adjustments on your part could contribute in your church to the complete harmony that Paul was advocating?

Ask God for His help in accepting and living harmoniously with believers you might naturally prefer to avoid.

5 May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other—each with the attitude of Christ Jesus toward the other. 6 Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 So accept each other just as Christ has accepted you; then God will be glorified.

8 Remember that Christ came as a servant to the Jews to show that God is true to the promises he made to their ancestors. 9 And he came so the Gentiles might also give glory to God for his mercies to them. That is what the psalmist meant when he wrote: "I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing praises to your name."

10 And in another place it is written, "Rejoice, O you Gentiles, along with his people, the Jews." 11 And yet again, "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; praise him, all you people of the earth."

12 And the prophet Isaiah said, "The heir to David's throne will come, and he will rule over the Gentiles. They will place their hopes on him." 13 So I pray that God, who gives you hope, will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in him. May you overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Copyright © 2005 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Lord Jesus, I tend to cold-shoulder those You reach out to with compassion. Please change my heart.

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