Romans and Paul's Confrontation With Disunity (Part 2)

In the first half of Paul's letter to the Romans (chapters 1-11), Paul establishes the fact that there is no room for BOASTING in the gospel. Why?

1.) All humans are GUILTY SINNERS, not just the unclean Gentiles or the rebellious Israelites (1:18-3:20).
2.) God's RIGHTEOUSNESS doesn't come through Jewish birthright or works of the Law but rather through Jesus' death on the cross (3:21-5:21).
3.) Life transformation is the work of the HOLY SPIRIT and not manufactured through human effort (6:1-8:39).
4.) God's PROMISE of salvation is available to ALL humanity, not just an elite few (9:1-11:36).

So how does Paul APPLY the gospel message to confront the disunity that exists within the church at Rome? Here's how...

POINT #2: WHEN WE TRULY UNDERSTAND THE GOSPEL, WE STOP BOASTING AND START SERVING AND SUBMITTING!

According to Paul, the gospel message promotes a life of humility which creates unity among believers. And so in the second half of his letter to the Romans [the imperative section], Paul calls the church to a life of humility. Check out these verses...

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual act of worship. (12:1)

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. (12:3)

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor...contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. (12:9, 13)

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. (12:16)

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. (13:1)

Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. (13:8)

As for the weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. (14:1)

Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer [on matters of food or drink etc.], but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. (14:13)

So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. (14:19)

Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up...May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus that you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. (15:2, 5-7) 

THE BOTTOM LINE
The gospel message (when understood correctly) leaves no room for self-promotion. And when we stop promoting ourselves, we can begin building others up through sincere acts of encouragement. This was Paul's hope in his letter to the Romans: That unity would be restored as people more accurately understood themselves in light of the gospel.

And so may a bond of unity be established and grow between you and others as you better understand yourself in light of the gospel message. And as a result, may you find yourself loving others extravagantly!