Christian Living

How to be Super Christians

My state is on fire right now – not figuratively, but literally.  It’s weird, because everyone thinks it rains all the time in Oregon, and usually it does. But right now, it’s dry, and the air is full of smoke.  Due to these unusual circumstances, I considered not posting something today.  But then I saw what chapter I was planning to write on: Romans 15.  Seeing that this chapter is about bearing one another’s burdens, I felt compelled to write.

In Romans 15, Paul is starting to wrap up his message.  The chapter starts with an encouragement to support one another:

Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification. For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.” For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:1-6

Paul calls the church to put others before themselves, to be of one mind and glorify God together, and to accept one another as Christ accepted them.  This passage echoes the second greatest command to “love your neighbor as yourself” (see Matt. 22:37-40).  As believers, we are to support one another when we are weak and to edify one another.  We are to be unified in Christ so that we can glorify God together.  In the middle of these instructions is verse four, talking about the Scriptures.  The Scriptures offer encouragement and hope for us to persevere.  We need to be in the Word so that we can effectively support our brothers and sisters in Christ. 

Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God. For I say that Christ has become a servant to the circumcision on behalf of the truth of God to confirm the promises given to the fathers, and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy; as it is written, “Therefore I will give praise to You among the Gentiles, And I will sing to Your name.” Romans 15:7-9

Christ was a servant to all, as the Scriptures prophesied, and Paul places Christ as the ultimate example of what it means to put others before themselves, to accept one another, and to serve one another.  If we want to know how to love and serve others well, we need to look to Christ’s example.  He was people-focused, He cared for both physical and spiritual needs, He served the despised people like the Samaritan woman, and He humbled Himself by obeying His Father and dying on the cross to save us from sin (see Philippians 2:5-8). 

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Paul prays God would fill them with joy and peace in believing, that they would be filled with hope by the power of the Spirit, and then shares that he plans to visit the Romans on his way to Spain.  It is interesting to note that the joy and peace in believing leads to being filled with hope through the Spirit.  It is hard to be hopeful when you are not filled with joy and peace.    

Therefore in Christ Jesus I have found reason for boasting in things pertaining to God. For I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me, resulting in the obedience of the Gentiles by word and deed, in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of the Spirit; so that from Jerusalem and round about as far as Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. Romans 15:17-19

Paul states that the only thing he can boast in is Christ.  Everything Paul did was a result of Christ working through him, and because of Christ’s work through Paul, the gospel was proclaimed. 

but now, I am going to Jerusalem serving the saints. For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. Yes, they were pleased to do so, and they are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to minister to them also in material things. Romans 15:25-27

Paul tells the Romans that he hopes to visit them soon, but first he is going to Jerusalem because there were churches donating to help the poor saints in Jerusalem.  This is a tangible example of believers bearing one another’s burdens as he stated in verses 1-6. 

This week, we had friends from another state contacting us, asking how they could help people in our church who were impacted by the fires.  When my brother heard about this, he was like, “Man, they are super Christians!”  But in reality, they were living out this chapter.  The early church would share what they had with those in need, and that is what the modern church should be doing too. 

After studying this chapter, here are two applications I came away with:

1: I am called to support my fellow believers and put them before myself.  I cannot live in disunity with other believers, but should love and support them.  This means following Christ’s example of loving and serving others, which sometimes means tough love and calling someone out, other times it means being a listening ear, other times that means meeting physical needs.  I can’t hold people at arm’s length; I am to edify my brothers and sisters in Christ.  Personally, I find it easy to stay in my comfort zone and not support and edify other believers.  If I am uncomfortable, I pull out my phone instead of interacting with others, or I will keep the conversation superficial instead of going deeper and building up my brothers and sisters through conversation.  Maybe you struggle in a similar way, or there are other ways you struggle.  Whatever the case, let’s be intentional about supporting our fellow believers this week. 

2: Joy and peace in believing leads to being filled with hope through the Holy Spirit.  Joy, peace, and hope are connected, one leading to the next, and they are only possible through the power of the Spirit.  I cannot muster up my own joy and peace; if I try to, it won’t last.  But if I allow Christ’s joy and peace to fill me, instead of trying to create my own, then His joy and peace will be constant and provide me with hope.  During these uncertain times, whether you are somewhere affected by fires or just the virus, it is easy to feel like there is a good excuse to not be joyful or at peace.  But the Bible says to rejoice always (see Phil. 4:4, 1 Thess. 5:16), and God is called the God of peace (see Rom. 16:20, 1 Thess. 5:23, Heb. 13:20).  Joy and peace are not found in circumstances, but in Christ.  We can have joy and peace knowing our salvation is secure in Him and being filled with His presence (see Ps. 16:11).  Let’s be intentional about finding joy, peace, and hope in Christ’s presence this week. 

I hope that you were encouraged by Romans 15 today.  Keep seeking Christ, supporting one another, and trusting God to work through whatever circumstances you are facing.  Let’s be “super Christians,” as my brother called it, and show the world who Jesus is by our love! 🙂

With love,

Kelsey