November 21st, 2023

21st November 2023


Pray (ACts)


Read (Romans 15v5-7)


Message (Scott Woodburn)


The study of Scripture produces in us endurance and encourages us to hope in the unchanging promises of the Lord. This should be no surprise for the God who has spoken His Word is the God of both endurance and encouragement (v5). The Lord needs neither of these things, rather He freely gives both to His beloved people. As Paul brought this truth to the Romans he also prayed asking that the God of endurance and encouragement would help the Romans to live in harmony with one another.


There were to be no divisions in the church based in the city of Rome and any disagreements over food or days were to be put to one side. Just as Jesus did not please Himself (v3) so too Christians should seek unity rather than personal victory and so act in accordance with Christ (v5b). Once more I stress that we should not turn a blind eye to heresy - if your brother believes that Jesus did not rise from the dead then you should not overlook this serious issue in pursuit of unity. It is as J.C. Ryle once said "Unity without the Gospel is a worthless unity, it is the very unity of hell."


However if you and your brother disagree over the outworking of your Christian liberty - put these disagreements away. Time is short and instead of disagreeing over food the church with one voice should be preaching Christ and glorifying God (v6). It is a worthwhile pursuit to always be clear about the grand vision of the church. We do not take our place in the local fellowship in order to please ourselves, instead we gather to worship the Lord and make much of Christ. I'll never be convinced that our opinion on secondary issues is more important than Calvary.


Therefore, in response to all Paul has said about Christian liberty, we are to welcome each other just as Christ has welcomed us (v7). We may not always agree on every issue but we should not put unimportant barriers or stumbling blocks in each others way. Remember that at one time we were strangers to God and without hope in this world. We were not good and the Lord considered us His enemy. But by the grace and mercy of God, Jesus welcomed wayward lost sinners like you and I. It is by grace we have been saved and so dear brothers and sisters, welcome each other. For Christ's sake. Amen.     


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC


Q102 What do we pray for in the second petition? In the second petition, which is, Thy kingdom come,” we pray, that Satan’s kingdom may be destroyed; and that the kingdom of grace may be advanced, ourselves and others brought into it, and kept in it; and that the kingdom of glory may be hastened.
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