City Life Starter

I. TEXT: Romans 15:5-7

5 Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6 that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.

II. Study Questions

1. What are the two attributes of God Paul mentions in verse 5?

2. What is the central message of verse 7?

Paul describes in verse 4, the authority of the Word of God in the life of a believer, to assure His readers the supremacy of Scripture.  The same assurance is applied in verse 5 where Paul describes about attributes of God, “endurance” and “encouragement,” that the believers ought to think the same.  Having right attitudes (v. 4-6) will lead them to a right worship (v. 6) with one heart.  Paul wants them to understand that having appropriate understanding of God and unity among the believers are gifts from God (v. 5) which are essentials for the community of believers.

In verse 7, Paul summarizes his argument by concluding we are to accept one another, “just as Christ also received us,” so that we may bring worship and praises to God.  This applies to all believers, both weak and strong, rich and poor, educated and uneducated.  Christians are called for unconditional affirmation and acceptance of each other.  God is glorified when believers from all facets of society, with different culture and backgrounds, accept one another just as Christ accepted us.

God has done (and is doing) something amazing in our midst at City Life Church.  When you walk into the building you find yourself surrounded with different races, backgrounds, education, and a variety of interests, all united for the glory of God.  This has been years in the making, there has been some tough times, heartbreaks and many tears.  But we are here, still standing, believing and trusting God that He will use us for His glory, that as Christ’s church, united for one purpose, to honor God and make disciples.  The question is, are you in?  JY