Monday, June 27, 2022
For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, "THE REPROACHES OF THOSE WHO REPROACHED YOU FELL ON ME." Romans 15:3
A Call to Serve
God’s call to service is not separate from His call to salvation and discipleship. For the one who seeks to disagree that the fullest of life is possible in this manner Paul points to the course of life chosen by the Savior. Philippians 2 tells us Jesus chose this course as He came to earth. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Philippians 2:5-7
Here Paul says that "He did not please Himself". This could mean that Christ did not attempt to disdain or drive His disciples into truth, but patiently dealt with their ignorance. Christ worked within the confines of the understanding and character of His disciples. While there may have been a better or higher way. He determined to meet them at their level.
The Word of God tells us that patience is necessary to accomplish the work of God. This is a patience that is not of our making but is received from God. For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:4-6 We discover that Christian fellowship is not a work of man but God. To attempt to do any work of God in human strength is foolishness. Therefore, God is author of Christian unity.
Paul then gives us direction as to how we should act toward one another and why we must act in such a way. Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God. For I say that Christ has become a servant to the circumcision on behalf of the truth of God to confirm the promises given to the fathers, and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy; Romans 15:7-9a
Did you see the command? Accept one another…Just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God. Paul did not say we should accept them after they had done anything to make them worthy. Did Christ make you change all of your thinking before He died for you? Does Christ require you acting just like others before He ministers to you? It is Christ that accepts us and it is because He understands us.
Note the EXPANSE of Christ's acceptance. Jew or gentile, slave or free, male or female...all are one in Christ! All are EQUAL in Him! Spiritual pride by those who feel they have a corner on God dishonors Christ and His open love.
The ability to accept others fully to open the door of ministry and fellowship comes from God. Obedience is mine to do what God has enabled. Remember this, where the Spirit of Christ is, the power of Christ is.
I am Loved, I am Loved, I can risk loving you.
For, the One who knows me best loves me most.
For, the One who knows me best loves me most.
And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another. Romans 15:14
