Harmony and unity

Apostle Paul's advice

I welcome and bless you who are here to worship God!

Today, I am going to say about “Harmony and unity among believers”.

Let us read together today’s word.

Romans 1

16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."

Have you ever written a letter to someone?

When I was in my twenties, I sent a lot of mail to my boyfriend, girlfriend and got many envelopes. We love each other because we know the friend's situation more deeply.

Romans is the apostle Paul's letter to their believer brothers and sisters lived in Roma.

The letter starts like this.

Romans 1:

7 To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 10 in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God's will the way may be opened for me to come to you. 11 I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong-

We can assume how deep Paul's love for his gospel fruit lived outside of Jerusalem, in Asia, Greece, and Rome. As you know, Paul chose to have his trial in Rome in front of the Roman Emperor Nero, instead of standing trial in Jerusalem.

Which was his right to do because he was a Roman citizen.

God had told Paul to go to Rome to preach the Gospel, and Paul followed through.

When his stay in Rome, he could spread the Gospel not only to Jews but also to Gentiles.

He has multiple free statuses to preach and meet new believers during his two-year trial.

Wherever he goes, he shouts out Gospels.

What is Gospel? The word "gospel" comes from the Greek word evangelion. Gospel means good news. If that what is good news? What is bad news?

God loves you and created you to know Him personally. He had a wonderful plan for you. But, Man is sinful and separated from God, so we cannot please Him personally. Jesus, God's Son, came to earth to reunite us with God through his sacrifice.

Jesus lived a life without sin. And then he died for our transgression instead of me. Jesus lived, died, and rose again for sinners. This is God's solution to our predicament.

If we receive Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, we can know God personally and experience His love abundantly. That is the core of the bible.

Good news! Halleluiah! Paul wants to emphasize this belief.

Romans 1.

16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."

Paul lives as a missionary, preaching the Gospel from Israel, Antioch, turkey, Greece, and Rome everywhere he reaches. One day, He heard the Roman church members had arguments and trouble between Jews and Gentiles.

Of course, Paul feels sad and discouraged. So, he wants to give them clear Christianity and principle.

Roman 14

1 Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters.

2 One man's faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. 3 The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him.

As you can see, there were many troubles in Roman churches.

The central conflict is between Romans and Jew Christians. One group is an influential, wealthy Roman citizen. The other is Jews descendants come from Israel as enslaved person. Romans could eat all kinds of food they wanted, but Jews tried to follow their tradition, still Moses' rule of clean food. Romans lived in big houses luxurious enough for their time; contrary, Jews are poor conditions and spent much time laboring.

Jews achieved the right to meet in synagogues only one day among the seven days,

but Romans worshiped God every day when they wanted.

One group is major the other is minor. Different backgrounds, country, and historical culture. How can't they have conflict?

Roman 14

5 One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.

If you think only Sunday in particular, yes, no problem. (It’s Jew’s insist.) Others say every day is holy. yes, that is also meaningful. (It’s rich and free Roman’s belief.)

Maybe nowadays, the church also has a lot of difficulty among believers.

Young and adult generation gab, rich and poor’s lifestyle, decisions about new pastoral staff, worship service structure, church event, and so on.

Paul stresses church unity and a warm heart. He instructs the “weak in faith” and the “strong” in faith.

Roman 14

19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble.

21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall.

When you prepare delicious meals like goat Brochette and grilled chicken for your family, you see the neighbor is hungry and has nothing to eat.

Then you do better share the food. If someone comes to church wearing dirty closes and shoes, do not avoid them.

Asking about their living condition, give the soap, detergent, and clothes as possible.

Roman 15

1We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.

2 Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build them up.

Paul advises everyone to be tolerant of one another and to live by personal conscience in the walk with Jesus. Every Christian tries to become a peacemaker.

We have to accept differences that are not discriminate.

Days and food do not matter, but Jesus himself matters to us.

Paul urges the Roman believers again.

Roman 15

5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus,

6 so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

In conclusion, we must live harmony, generous, abundant believers' relationship with Jesus Christ. I want to read together apostle paul's sincere wish.

Roman 14

8.If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

9.For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.

Let us pray!

Heavenly Father! Thank you for sending us Jesus Christ as savior and lord.

Sometimes we make mistakes, sin, hate, boast and disharmony daily.

We confess our debt, so forgive us, heal us, and pour your abundant love.

We want our community to be your proud. Be with us, God.

We prayed in Jesus' name. Amen!

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Referance : CONFLICT AT ROME : ROMANS 14 by Russell Duke

4 spritual laws by Bill Bright