Pastor Lowell Nelson teaches about Romans 15:7-13 "The Example of Christ" on 5/3/2026 for our Monday Upper Room Bible Study.
Romans 15:7-13
The Example of Christ
7 Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.
Christ the Hope of Jews and Gentiles
8 Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers,
9 and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written:
"For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles,
And sing to Your name."
10 And again he says:
"Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people!"
11 And again:
"Praise the LORD, all you Gentiles!
Laud Him, all you peoples!"
12 And again, Isaiah says:
"There shall be a root of Jesse;
And He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles,
In Him the Gentiles shall hope."
13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Pastor Lowell leads this Bible study on Romans 15:7-13, focusing on the biblical mandate for believers to live in unity by imitating Christ’s acceptance of both Jews and Gentiles.
The Model of Divine Acceptance
Believers are commanded to receive and keep on accepting one another just as Christ received us to the glory of God. This theological pillar emphasizes that if a holy God can bridge the massive gap to accept sinful humanity, then the minor differences between stronger and weaker brothers should be easily overcome. Practical application involves moving beyond mere tolerance to a state of active, ongoing acceptance that brings glory to the Father.
The Multi-Generational Witness of the Savior
Jesus Christ became a servant to the Jews to confirm the promises made to the forefathers while simultaneously opening the door for Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy. This study shows that the inclusion of the Gentiles was never a secondary or accidental plan but was a primary doctrine rooted in the original promises to Abraham. By witnessing the love God has for His covenant people, the entire world is invited to experience that same redemptive grace.
The Fullness of Scriptural Validation
Paul uses the four major divisions of the Old Testament—the Torah, the former prophets, the writings, and the latter prophets—to prove that a unified, multi-ethnic family of God was always the intent of Scripture. From David’s songs of praise among the nations to Isaiah’s prophecy of the Root of Jesse, the Bible consistently points to a Savior who reigns over all peoples. This deep scriptural foundation gives believers a solid hope and provides a blueprint for how a diverse body of Christ functions as one.
Final Summary
The heart of this message is that we are saved to share the hope and joy found in Jesus, moving our focus from our own liberties to the center of our faith. True unity is not just a suggestion but a spiritual reality that is powered by the Holy Spirit and validated by the fullness of God's Word. The call to action for the believer is to abound in hope and peace, living in such a way that our acceptance of others serves as a visible witness to the transformative power of the Gospel.
