Originally Presented: January 11th, 2009

Scripture Reading: Romans 15:1-6

The first section of Romans 15 is a continuation of the subject introduced in chapter 14, namely how Christians view each other and treat each other in the face of disagreement concerning non-essential matters.  (Remember that originally there were no chapter and verse divisions in the Biblical manuscripts.  The  chapter divisions were added in 1205 and verse divisions were added in the 1500's.)

Romans 15:1-6 is another call for unity in the church when differences regarding practice in life are present.  The call to tender consideration of the views of others is seen in Romans 15:1,2.  This is not new.  We see the same call in Romans 14.  What is new in this passage are two results of harmony within the church.

"Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus" (Rom 15:5).  We experience greater encouragement and are able to better persevere when we live in harmony with each other.

We see a second result of church harmony in verse 6.  ". . . that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."  God is honored by our unity.  Corporate church life is never to be an end in itself.  The glory of God is always the final and ultimate result and purpose.