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"Just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God."

Text: Romans 15:7

DIFFICULT RELATIONSHIPS

As Paul wrote to the Romans, he knew that difficult relationships existed in the Church. Two difficulties may be highlighted:-

1. Jews and Gentiles

Even though there was common faith between Jewish and Gentile believers, nevertheless, ethnic difficulties existed.

2. The Strong and the Weak

Strong and weak believers did not always get along with each other easily. Paul devoted an entire chapter (Romans 14) to help improve relationships between “the strong and the weak”.

APPLYING THE CONCEPT OF GLORIFYING GOD

Paul encouraged his readers to bear in mind the doctrine of glorying God and then to apply it in life.

“Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also
received us, to the glory of God.”
Romans 15:7

1. Difficulty in receiving one another

a) The tensions in the Church made it difficult for the believers to receive one another easily.

b) This difficulty must be addressed and resolved.

2. Receive one another just as Christ received us

a) How did Jesus receive all sinners who came to Him?

Three things may be highlighted from a text Paul wrote to Timothy:-

i) With exceedingly abundant grace (1 Timothy 1:14)

ii) With faith (1 Timothy 1:14)

iii) With love (1 Timothy 1:14)

b) The challenge to emulate the example of the Lord Jesus Christ

i) To receive one another in the same manner (as stated above).

ii) Thus glory will redound to God.