Declaring God's Glory...Together

“We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For 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 former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 15:1-6).

This week in our Care Group meeting we discussed the nature of Christian fellowship. Since our meeting I read the passage above. It reflects much of what we discussed.

1. God has called all his children (i.e., those who have placed their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior--Matth 16:16) to consider each other and how we might edify ("build up") each other (Phil. 2:1-4).
   
2. As with all areas of the Christian life, Christ is our model. The Son of God humbled himself, leaving the glory of heaven, to seek and save those who were lost (cf. Phil 2:1-11).
   
3. God in His providence has supplied us with His Word written--the Holy Scriptures. As we are led by His Holy Spirit in reading and hearing this Word, we be convicted of sin and led in paths of righteousness (ways that please God) (cf. Jn 16).
   
4. As we, by the power of the Holy Spirit, humbly seek God and seek to live in the humility of Jesus Christ, God will produce a unity among His children. This unity and fellowship will lead us to a particular mission.
   
5. Our mission as a people called by God is to "glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ [with one voice]." This is our great calling, to adore and declare the glory of our great, holy, loving, and gracious God.

Paul's prayer for the Romans is my prayer for you: "May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."

J