ADVENT 2 – December 8, 2019 – Romans 15:4-13
Introduction: Grace be to you and peace, from God our Father, and from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Our text is the Epistle Lesson just read, from Romans 15. We begin with prayer.
Dear fellow disciples of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ:
- For our contemplation this morning, “n and the Gospel reading. First, that God invites and encourages all “the nations” to look to Jesus, and inquire of God through Him. Second, that God’s “resting place is glorious.” And God wants all of us to get to that “resting place.”
- For those who have been reclaimed by God, those who have come to know and believe His love through faith in Jesus Christ, there are added blessings even in this life. And these blessings are actually quite a bit better and more powerful than mere physical blessings like wealth.
- And key to all of this is the Holy Scriptures of God, the Bible, and the means by which people are informed through the Scriptures, and that is the Church. You are part of that – both receiving the blessings and bestowing them on others!
- So, in view of the glory of God’s resting place, and in view of His will that all be saved:
I. In The Church God’s Scriptures Give Us Instruction
A. Providing Us With Strength And Hope
Text: “Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”
B. Bringing Peace And Harmony Within The Church, Between Individuals
Text: “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another.”
C. This Creates A United Voice Of Praise To God
Text: “So that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
D. So We Are To Be Welcoming And Hospitable To One Another
Text: “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”
Statement: Even here and now the coming of God’s kingdom into our hearts and minds brings strength, hope, peace, harmony, and comradery within the church. This is part of the salvation of God; the kingdom of God is not just future blessedness but immediate blessings here and now. Pray God, along with the apostle, that we too receive these blessings from God.
Application: But let us also be aware of these things that God wills for us to have and enjoy – and let us receive them and live accordingly! Yes, the peace and bliss of God’s heavenly kingdom will be perfect. But why not at least to some degree actualize these blessings here and now? This is God’s good and gracious will – and we should glorify Him for granting us these blessings!
Transition: And we must always remember that:
II. God Wants All People To Enter His Glorious Rest
A. Both Jews And Gentiles
Gospel: “Do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham.”
Text: “Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy. As it is written, ‘Therefore I will praise You among the Gentiles and sing to Your Name.’ And again it is said, ‘Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people.’ And again, ‘Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol Him.’”
B. God Wants To Fill Us With Joy And Peace In Believing
Text: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing.”
C. So That By God’s Spirit We May Always Abound In Hope
Text: “so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
Statement: We are the Gentiles whom Christ has served with salvation, and whom God has called to peace, joy, and hope. We now glorify God for His mercy, and receive His endurance and encouragement! We abound in hope – by the power of the Holy Spirit!
Application: The future kingdom of God will be wondrous – the home of righteousness, where “they shall not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord.” Even so, by means of His Word, the Scriptures, God begins actualizing these blessing here and now among those who know and believe His great love for us!
Conclusion: In our life together within the church, within the kingdom of God, we receive these blessings, and we are privileged to share them and pass them on to others, and to encourage them as well with the mercy and promises of God. In this way we also encourage one another to rejoice and praise God! For all of this, may we give thanks and praise to God, Amen.
Votum: And the peace of God, which surpasses all human understanding, shall keep you hearts and minds in the true faith, which is in Christ Jesus, even unto life everlasting, Amen.