Day 342, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Romans 15:13–16:27
A Christian Welcome!
At Christmas time, Easter, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day, families and friends visit our homes and churches. How will we receive them? Today’s lesson will help us be more welcoming.
How would you wish to be received if you were a stranger in a church or home? In today’s Bible reading, the Apostle Paul is not personally known to the Christians in Rome. The Roman believers have heard about his ministry, and their good works encourage the apostle, but still, they have not met each other.
Many people are wary of those they do not know. This is why Paul goes to such great lengths to explain himself and his evangelistic efforts. He wants to present himself honestly, not as one who would take advantage of the Roman believers. His message is the good news of Jesus Christ, and Paul wants a welcome reception. He can share the gospel with them personally when they finally meet, not just by letter.
The gospel
Paul shares the gospel that, although we are sinners, our holy God provided a way for reconciliation. He wants to forgive our sins, give peace to our souls and spiritual life so we can spend an eternity of happiness with him.
To provide forgiveness, God sent his Son Jesus into the world. Jesus was God and man (see more about the tri-une nature of God).God’s Son was compassionate, a great teacher, miracle worker, and he offered spiritual life to his people.
However, the Jewish leaders didn’t welcome him and even plotted his death. It seemed like a victory for Satan, the religious leaders, and all enemies of the Christian faith when Jesus died. However, the disciples’ grief, sadness, and fear didn’t last long.
After three days, Jesus rose from the dead. He paid the penalty for our sin, and then he conquered the grave! He was seen by his disciples and many more over the next month, including over 500 at the same time (1Corinthian 15:3-9). Before Jesus went back to heaven, he told his disciples to go to the whole world, to both Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews), and proclaim the saving grace of God (Acts 1:8).An inclusive message
The good news Paul shared with the Romans is that salvation is now for Jews and Gentiles. Although they have different heritages and cultures, they are one body of believers in Christ. God brought salvation to the Jews to fulfill promises made to the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Lord brought salvation to the Gentiles to show his mercy, even as he predicted in Old Testament prophecies (2Samuel 22:50; Psalm 18:49; Deuteronomy 32:43; Psalm 117:1).Now Paul instructs the Romans, as he did the churches in Asia, to “accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God” (Romans 15:7 NIV). All are now one in Christ, so Paul wants them to welcome each other and live in unity.
Can we welcome others who are not like us? Perhaps they do not have the same culture, nationality, race, or social standing. Does that matter? No, we Christians are to welcome all our brothers and sisters in Christ. And, if others are not Christians, we should remember the gift of salvation is for everyone.
How can we receive a welcome if we are strangers?
We can observe how the Apostle Paul did it in our Bible reading and learn from him.
- We must acknowledge that our reputation will precede us. Because of this, we should live godly and be trustworthy.
- We should let our hosts know who we are and what connections we have to them to seem less like a stranger and more like a friend (Romans1:1-16).
- We should speak positively of our hosts, compliment them, and believe the best about them (Romans 15:13-14).
- We should let them know why we are coming (Romans 15:14-29). People will most likely receive us if we live honestly and have honorable intentions.
How do we get our hosts to accept our friends?
Again, we may learn from Paul’s example. He shares his friends’ positive characteristics and deeds and why they should be welcomed. Also, he tells them that they send their greetings. It is difficult to resist those who are friendly and already accept us. Although our friends may be strangers, it is natural to return a kind greeting.
Prayer and Preparation
Paul ends his letter requesting that the Roman believers join his gospel ministry by praying for him (Romans 15:30-33). He has prepared the way for his arrival and wants them to join him in anticipation of their meeting. Will we extend a proper Christian welcome to those ministering for Jesus Christ? They need our love and support!
Discussion
What is the gospel of Jesus Christ? Who is it for?
How can we give a welcome to others?
How can we receive a welcome among strangers?
Focus Verse
Romans 15:7 (NIV) “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
My prayer response
Dear Father in Heaven, you are holy, but you made a way to be welcomed into your presence. Your Son Jesus came and died for our sins and was raised to life. We will be welcomed into your kingdom if we trust in him alone for our salvation. Hallelujah! May we share the gospel with others so they, too, will be welcomed into your kingdom. This is your will.
Please provide for our daily needs as you have always done. You know what they are and are faithful to meet them. We rely on you. Thank you.
Forgive us for our sins of selfishness, and prejudice against strangers. Help us to forgive others who may have acted this way toward us. Lead us away from the temptation to exclude others from our group or to be unwelcoming. May we behave like Christ. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Please send your comments to me
Looking Ahead: We return to the book of Acts and see the Apostle Paul acting with Courage and Wisdom in Adversity. This Next Lesson will help you when you face adversity.
Back to top of page
Return to Chronological Bible Studies main page
Go to Scriptures main page
Go to Topics main page
Go to Home pagere-edited 12-9-2021
COPYRIGHT @ 2019, MASTER'S TOUCH BIBLE STUDIES