I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another. Romans 15:14
This afternoon, I continued my study of Romans. Using my commentary - Exalting Jesus in Romans (eBook) - I continued with chapter nineteen Great Commission Christians, which covers Romans 15:14-15:33. My focus today is v15:14-15, which my commentary refers to under the heading "Be Part of a Healthy, Gospel-Centered Church." While I have been posting on how Paul has been focusing on church unity, here, Paul offers words to help us understand where a church should focus around which unity can be built. Key words from today's verses are "full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another." Goodness implies love; filled with all knowledge implies understanding of the gospel and scripture; and instruct one another implies how we are to study the Word together and to "sharpen" each other, borrowing from Proverbs 27:17. I am also reminded how in the early formation of the church (Acts 2:42-47), how the new believers "had all things in common" meaning that although they call came from different walks in life with unique challenges, etc, they shared a passion for Jesus Christ - a much stronger bond than say a common interest in reading, movies, or food, etc. We should unite around this shared passion for Christ, and again not let unessential matters divide us.
As I charge forward with this chapter in my commentary, I read from the commentary that this section (Romans 15:14-33) is a missionary focused, written by the "greatest missionary ever." As I unpack this section, the commentary will provide eight (8) takeaways, starting with today's which use v15:14-15 to help us understand characteristics of a gospel-centered church.
Comment and discuss this post here.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has placed me in great gospel-centered churches where I am known, loved and where I have grown in Christ! Huge blessings indeed - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such blessings. My sin continues, including worry, etc. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
