Help Each Other
In Romans 15:1-7, Paul continues the last thoughts of chapter 14 in asking his readers to help the weak stand strong, both in Christ, and in their lives. He told them to not seek to please themselves, but to put others first. Not only would how we act toward others let them know what Christianity was all about, it would validate everything we told them Christianity was about.
He pointed out that the Old Testament, while a history of the Jewish people, was also filled with prophecy about what was to come. Christ could have stayed in heaven and let mankind suffer after the rebellion of Adam and Eve. But it was already decided that if they took the path they took, that He would empty Himself and come down to provide a path to reunification between God and man.
Christ made that choice either before Adam and Eve sinned or at the very least before the first prophecy about His eventual victory over Satan which was given as Adam and Eve were sent out of the garden of Eden. Living among men versus living in heaven was a sure step down for Him. But the love that God and Christ had for man caused Him to choose that path from the beginning, and he followed through.
We need to receive each other, lift up each other, and give for those who don't yet know Christ or who haven't accepted Him as Savior with the same spirit that Christ sacrificially chose us. His goal, that all should be reunited with God through His sacrifice on the cross should extend and be our goal as well.
Extend Grace to All
Romans 15:8-19 describes Paul's work to evangelize the Gentiles for Christ. He felt that it was his special commission to reach this group for God. Others were called to reach the Jewish people. But the reality is that God wants all to be reached for Him. That's just as true today as it was in Paul's day.
Paul went on to declare that everyone who accepted Jesus as Savior had reason to rejoice and praise the Lord. Gentile or Jew, master or slave, bond, or free, rich or poor, all could equally praise God because each had received the same gift regardless of their position in life and history.
Paul wanted every Christian to also admonish and train up each other in his absence, so that the church of Christ would increase in size daily. Paul didn't seek glory for himself for those who had chosen Christ either by his teaching, his letters, or the works that God did through him.
Paul also declared that all the glory go to God for everything that man might say Paul accomplished. He recognized that it was the work of the Holy Spirit and God that had wrought many signs and wonders from its initial outpouring in Jerusalem to the far reaches to whom Paul had ministered.
He didn't boast of the great things Christ did in His ministry. He simply lifted up God as the one who was doing the work. The Christian church would be much better off if all the leaders of the church recognized that this was still true. I doubt that there are any ministers today who could equal Paul. If Paul didn't feel worthy to trumpet his accomplishments, how can any of us today?
Especially Those Who Haven't Heard
Romans 15:20 gets special note, even though a small one. The Holy Spirit constantly drove Paul to minister to new locations. In this verse, he says that he always tries to go somewhere that has not heard of the gospel before this time. He declares that he doesn't want to build on the shoulders of others work.
Today, I doubt that there is any Christian leader or teacher or commentator who hasn't leaned on someone else's work. First of all, we all lean on the New Testament, which is really mostly a bunch of letters from Paul and a few others to churches trying to direct their paths.
Once the printing press began producing Bibles for the masses and especially once it was translated into the common tongue from Hebrew and Greek to Latin and then to individual languages, we have all stood on the shoulder's of others. Today, with the internet, it is easy to look up information about any Biblical subject you might want to study and read what many have written about it over time.
Just as then, though, we need to be sure that what we are reading lines up with the Bible. There is much that is written that should be ignored, and perhaps some of this commentary falls in that category. But we must always let the Holy Spirit be our guide in what resources we use, read, and take to heart. Don't spend your time only reading commentaries. Also read the Bible and make sure you don't drift away from its truth.
Finally, realize that Paul wasn't condemning standing on another's foundation (as long as that foundation was Biblical). But he realized that he only had so much time and life that he could give and it was important to reach as many as possible for God before he died. His passion was spreading the gospel message and going down the same road that others had previously traveled wasn't accomplishing that purpose.
We must also listen to the Holy Spirit in where we put our efforts and how we use our time. It is important to make sure that what is being preached is true, and if it isn't, to try to direct the course of action in the proper way. But for those who are grounded in the Bible, Paul felt it was better to keep reaching others than to go and reiterate what they had already heard. So let it be with us. Don't forsake the assembling together in a church body as strength comes from relationship. But also, don't get so caught up in church activities and life in general that you don't spend any time trying to save the lost.
Future Plans
In Romans 15:21-33, Paul effectively close out his letter. Though another chapter follows when he gives praise to particular individuals, this details his future plans, God willing.
Here, he makes note of plans to reach Spain. Think of his travels and how far he reached. He couldn't just hop on a jet and be in Spain in an hour. His travels took a long time and he reached people all along his journey. He tells of his plans to return back through the area, taking an offering from Macedonia and Achaia to Jerusalem to help with the poor and starving Christians there.
He closes, requesting their prayers both for his ministry, his protection, and that the offering he is taking from those areas to Jerusalem will be received. After these things are accomplished, he hopes to return and share the joy of God with them to refresh them and him.
Let us also pray for a revival of spirit in the hearts of all Christians today. Let us also pray, as Paul did, for peace of God to be with each of us around the world.