Romans 15 - Capitol Commission

 

Endure the Race   

 

 10 April 2012 

RON J. BIGALKE, PASTOR/MISSIONARY, CAPITOL COMMISSION, 912.659.4212 

Bible Study Title 

 

 

Ron J. Bigalke , PhD  / PO Box 244, Rincon, GA 31326‐0244 / www.capitolcom.org / [email protected] 

 

AN EXAMPLE OF PERSEVERING 

CAPITOL  BIBLE STUDY   ( month ly schedule)      

• 2  TUESDAY, 10 APRIL @ 12 NOON in 123 CAP  ND

• 2ND TUESDAY, 8 MAY @ 12 NOON in 123 CAP 

Tuesday, 10 April 2012 Romans 15 – “Endure the Race” Perseverance is one of the most frequent words using throughout the New Testament Epistles. Christians are continually exhorted to preserve. Why? The reason is because we experience challenges, difficulties, and opposition that prevent us from persevering. Consequently, we find the continual encouragement to persevere. Most people were not familiar with The Lord of the Rings prior to the release of the movie. Perhaps now most are, at least, familar with the general plot. One of the primary characters, Frodo, must bring the accursed “ring of power” (a symbol of evil) to be destroyed in Mordor, where it was forged by Sauron, the Dark Lord, who is the primary antagonist. Throughout the fiction series (whether the book or movie), Frodo’s perseverance is apparent. Frodo is always aware of the tremendous duty that is his alone. Realizing the challenges, difficulties, and opposition to persevere, Frodo remarks repeatedly, “I know what I must do.” Scripture teaches us that same perseverance. Hebrews 12:1-2 – Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. We are taught by both example and precept to persevere (in the lives of Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David, Daniel, Paul, and others). Repeatedly, the Bible exhorts the people of God to persevere. The supreme example of perseverance is the Lord Jesus Christ, “who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame.” Our Lord persevered, and He is our supreme example in Romans 15.

(15:1-13) As the Epistle to the Romans is near its conclusion, the behavior of the Lord Jesus Christ is an example to us. The manner in which Christ conducted Himself in difficult circumstances is the same manner in which Christians are to conduct themselves toward weaker brothers or sisters in Christ. “Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves” (15:1). As opposed to criticizing fellow believers, we are to encourage one another to glory, and thank God for His blessing and provision (14:6). Believers are to edify one another in the Lord (15:2). Verse 3 quotes an Old Testament passage (Ps 69:9) that asserts how Christ was willing to suffer reproach even though there was absolutely no reason for such shameful actions. The exhortation to believers is that we would also reserve our personal preferences, if such self-denial would benefit someone who needs to be encouraged to persevere in faith, and to do so with joyfulness. The same Old Testament passage that prophesies and describes the behavior of the Lord Jesus Christ should give us encouragement and guidance for how to persevere also.

IF  WE  ARE  DISTRACTED  BY  INSIGNIFICANT  MATTERS,  WHICH  DO  NOT  DEMONSTRATE  AN  ETERNAL  PERSPECTIVE  IN  LIFE,  IT  IS  THEN  THAT WE HAVE DEPARTED FROM THE WILL OF GOD.   

In both verse 4 and 1 Corinthians 10:11, we have a prophetic (eschatological) reason why we need to understand the Old Testament Scriptures. The Old Testament “was written for our instruction” and “as an example.” Both biblical passages affirm that there are greater things occurring in God’s plan of the ages than our relatively small concerns in the present. Eating and drinking (i.e. Rom 14) and yielding ourselves to sin (1 Cor 10) are distractions that prevent us from running “with endurance the race that is set before us.” If we are distracted by insignificant matters, which do not demonstrate an eternal perspective in life, it is then that we have departed from the will of God. The specific relevance of the example of Jesus finds application in verses 5-13 with regard to attitudes toward “one another.” The “perseverance” and “encouragement” that one derives from reading the Old Testament, practicing the behavior of Jesus Christ, and serving one another grants God’s people the ability “to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus.” How valuable would it be for fellow members of the Capitol community—who are Christians—to speak with “one accord” and “with voice glorify the Lord God”? Would we witness revival in Georgia? Ask yourself whether your actions demonstrate belief that you are the answer to the needs of Georgia, or whether your behavior demonstrates

 

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that God is the answer. After assessing yourself honestly, what would you need to change “to be of the same mind . . . according to Christ Jesus”?

that we experience in this life—as Christians—should be regarded as opportunities to glorify God, and to make them an “offering” to God lest we tempt ourselves to pride or self-confidence as our attitude.

The problem with regard to “those without strength” indicated a more serious problem among believers, namely hostility between Jewish and Gentile Christians among the assembly at Rome. If the Christians would conduct themselves as Christ did, there would be a unified “voice” glorifying God (15:6). The series of Old Testament passages that are quoted emphasize the truth that although He was a Jew, the Lord Jesus ministered equally among both Jews and Gentiles (15:7-13). Christ’s ministry to the Jews was necessary because it confirmed “the promises given to the fathers” (15:8). Nevertheless, the Lord did not neglect the Gentiles; rather, He also ministered to them. The command for Christians “to glorify God” requires ministry to all groups without discrimination.

The second self-assessment that the Apostle Paul noted was that he was a pioneer. He was able to bring the gospel of Christ to others because he “fully preached” from Jerusalem in the east to Illyricum in the west (15:19). Paul proclaimed Christ where He was not heard or known. The Apostle Paul knew well the maxim: “train someone to replace you.” With a very few exceptions, whenever Paul established new local churches, he appointed leaders to continue the ministry, and then persevered into new territories.

AS  WITH  ALL  DIVINE  COMMANDS,  THERE  IS  THE  NEED  FOR  DIVINE  PROVISION.   

Although the command given in Romans 15:1-13 is presented with gentleness, it is not an easy requirement to heed. As with all divine commands, there is the need for divine provision. The doxology in verse 13 emphasizes the availability of divine provision. “Joy and peace” are manifestations of “the fruit of the Spirit” (Gal 5:22), and any “hope” for the present and the future is “by the power of the Holy Spirit.” You will “abound in hope” as the Holy Spirits first abounds in you, which means both knowing and living the holy and inspired Word of God, the Bible.

THE  MOST  EFFECTIVE  LIFE  IS  ONE  THAT  IS  BALANCED  BY  BOTH  PLANNING AND PRAYER.   

Second, godly individuals will maintain balance in their planning by means of prayer (15:30-33). It is often tempting to make detailed plans without the ministry of prayer. Conversely, one can exhaust much time praying without being organized. Neither extreme is pleasing to the Lord. The most effective life is one that is balanced by both planning and prayer.

AN EXAMPLE OF BUILDING  (15:14-33) The previous section of Romans 15 emphasized the need for unity among believers. The emphasis, however, upon that need was given with confidence that those who are “full of goodness” and filled “with all knowledge” will “admonish one another” (15:14). The resolute statements with regard to unity are necessary for the proclamation and purpose of the gospel of grace (15:15-21).

Romans 15 concludes with the Apostle’s intent to come to the church in Rome “in joy by the will of God.” The will of God is always a cause for joy (16:19; cf. Acts 21:13-14; Phil 1:13-14). The continual source of joy is the fellowship that believers have with God through faith/trust in Jesus, and through obedience to the will of God, which is to be primary in our lives. Thank you for allowing Capitol Commission the honor to provide ongoing Bible studies to you. If you have any questions, please feel free to talk with me, or contact me by email or phone (912.659.4212). We are praying for you personally throughout the day and week (1 Tim 2:1-4).

ANY BLESSING OR SUCCESS THAT WE EXPERIENCE IN THIS LIFE—AS  CHRISTIANS—SHOULD  BE  REGARDED  AS  OPPORTUNITIES  TO  GLORIFY GOD LEST WE TEMPT OURSELVES. . . . 

   

The historical labors of the Apostle Paul contain two self-assessments. First, he stated that was “a minister” (Gk. leitourgovn / leitourgon), employing a word that means to serve as a priest. The converts to Christ is the offering presented to God (an offering sanctified by the Holy Spirit). It is noteworthy that the Apostle Paul regarded those he led to faith/trust in Christ Jesus as offerings to glorify God, not himself. Any blessing or success

 

The closing verses of Romans 15 (vv. 22-33) reveal the Apostle Paul’s hopes and plan for the future, and communicate two important principles for fulfilling the will of God in our lives. First, godly individuals make plans, some of which are for the remote future (15:22-29). Paul believed the Lord’s return was imminent (Tit 2:11-14) and thus Christ Jesus might change his plans at any moment. He also realized that the Lord Jesus might grant him a long life. Consequently, plans that extended well into the future were essential. We should plan as if the Lord will return today, yet also plan for the future, so we are prepared if He does not (cf. 1 Thess 4:1-12).

ABOUT CAPITOL COMMISSION  Capitol Commission state directors are pastors/missionaries who teach weekly verse-byverse Bible studies for the entire Capitol community. State directors also meet personally with many government leaders to proclaim God’s grace in salvation, to encourage our leaders, pray with them, and provide biblical counsel. The mission of Capitol Commission is to reach Capitol communities for Christ—one person at a time, to disciple them, and to prepare them for a lifetime of ministry, wherever God chooses to place them. Capitol Commission is a charitable and religious nonprofit corporation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Capitol Commission is supported by the generous gifts of businesses, churches, and individuals. Capitol Commission is not state-funded; rather, those with a heart for the Capitol community fund it. Please join us in this ministry!

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