Romans Chapter 15

HOW GOD IS GLORIFIED

Introduction

        The glory of God is the

                - Chief purpose of creation                 Gen 1:1; Psa 19:1

                - Chief service of man                        Rom 1:20-21

                - Chief purpose of Christ's coming      Lk 2:13,14; Jn 17:4

                - Chief character of Heaven                Rev 21:10-11

1. Through CHRIST when He redeems us to God [v 7]

        ·        Jn 17:1-3         - Eternal Life - knowledge of true God.

        ·        Rev 5:9-10       - Kings [To serve Him] and Priests [To worship Him].

        ·        Heb 2:9-12       - My brothers and I praising God.

2. Through CHRISTIANS when they relate rightly with one another [vv 5,6]

        ·        Christ's prayer     (Jn 17:22)

        ·        Christ's pattern     (Rom 15:1-3)

              - Bearing other's weakness (v 1)

                 e.g. Sleeping disciples, weak flesh

              - Helping and edifying others (v 12)

                e.g. Peter's denials, Christ's encouragement

              - Accepting injustice (v 3)

                Read the Gospels to understand Christ's life. (v 4) 

       ·        Christ's power / Provision through the Spirit     (Eph 4:1-3,7)

3. Through GENTILES when they are reached with the Gospel [vv 8,9]

        ·        Lk 15:7         Great joy in Heaven

        ·        Acts 11:18     First Gentile conversion and God's glory.

              Note: God honours ministry among Gentiles by unusual outpourings of His Spirit.

        ·        Phil 2:10-11 Every knee, tongue…

        Examples:

                Christ       - "other cities"     (Lk 4:42-43)

                                 - "other sheep"    (Jn 10:16)

                Paul          - "new places"    (Rom 15:20,21)

          Our responsibility for remote areas :-

                Pray (v 30)

                Pay (v 27)

Conclusion

        When we glorify God, we don't go unrewarded:

        A chapter of benedictions!

            1. God of Patience and Comfort (v 5)

            2. God of Hope (Joy and peace) (v 13)

            3. God of Peace (Presence) (v 33)