Kingdom Hope
7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. 8 For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9 and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name.” 10 And again it is said, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.” 11 And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him.” 12 And again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope.” 13 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 15:7-13 ESV)
Be reminded who we are in Christ:
We are new creations, reconciled to God and now a minister of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:17-19)
We are God’s workmanship—His handiwork, born anew in Christ to do His work (Ephesians 2:10)
We are chosen of God, holy, dearly loved saints. (Colossians 1:2; 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 1:4)
We are favored sons and daughters of God; he is spiritually our Father (Romans 8:14, 15; Galatians 3:26; 4:6)
We are a joint heirs with Christ, sharing in his inheritance. (Romans 8:17)
We are connected to the true Vine, a channel of Christ’s life, bearing fruit according to his will and provision. (John 15:1, 5, 16)
Paul summarized our identity with the simple statement, “Christ has welcomed you.”
We must understand our identity in Christ in order to view others in their proper identity.
Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. (Romans 15:7)
You and I glorify God when we welcome someone as a born-again brother and sister in Christ.
The King of kings and Lord of lords saves people by becoming a servant. All people, Jew and Gentile alike, should marvel at this truth. The Son of Man, came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28 ESV)
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14 ESV)
For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. (Hebrews 2:10 ESV)
Jesus became a servant who was obedient, even to the point of death on the cross. (Philippians 2:8-9).
As the representative of mankind, he has fulfilled all that was required by God the Father.
He served by becoming the substitutionary sacrifice, becoming victorious over sin and death.
He is the second Adam, getting right what the first Adam got wrong. Jesus, as the righteous and holy servant of God, provided for our redemption.
That Jesus is a servant is mankind’s greatest hope. God has provided through Jesus what we could not provide ourselves, perfect obedience, redemption, forgiveness of sin, righteousness and eternal life in heaven.
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 ESV)
God’s Part Our Part Our Results |
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God is hope (13) Believe Abound in hope God fills us with joy and peace (13) God’s word promises and confirms hope (9-12) God moves in power by his Spirit (13) |
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Communion
26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” (Matthew 26:26 ESV)
27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. (Matthew 26:27-28 ESV)
