This chapter gives us an additional motive as to why we should not please ourselves. It is to please Christ, who did not please Himself, but patiently bore all the reproaches of men. We should be likeminded toward one another. The Old Testament scriptures contain many illustrations of what happened in those days so that we could learn patience and be comforted who have hope in the same God. We should also remember that Christ received us with all our imperfections. We certainly weren’t perfect when we came to Him for salvation. In like manner, we are to receive one another, as Christ also received us for God’s glory. The Roman believers were mostly Gentiles. The Apostle shows that there were many Old Testament scriptures that told of blessing going out to Gentiles (verses 9-12). He is called “the God of hope” because He is able to bring to pass everything that He has promised. He can also fill us with all joy and peace when we believe. If we really love the brethren, we will care for their needs. Here we read that the Gentiles of Macedonia and Achaia helped their poor Jewish brethren in Jerusalem. That’s because the love of God was shed abroad in their hearts. Lastly, Paul wanted the dear Roman believers to pray for him. He requested this because he knew that they had the love of the Spirit in their hearts.
1. The Old Testament scriptures were written for our learning. Name three things that we learn from reading them. __________ Romans 15:___
2. How are we to receive one another? __________ Romans 15:___
3. What can the God of hope fill us with? __________ Romans 15:___
4. For whom did those of Macedonia and Achaia make a contribution? __________ Romans 15:___
5. For the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ and for the love of the Spirit, what did Paul request of the Romans? __________ Romans 15:___