“Obedient by Word and Deed” (Rom 15:8-24)

The gospel produces obedience in us.  It is makes us loving to each other, so that others can be saved - “I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.  For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not worked by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, through many signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ” (Rom 15:17-19).

Jew and Gentile are redeemed to God and elected for salvation, so we are brothers, and we don’t let petty differences cause us disturbance, breaking unity - “Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: and that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to you among the Gentiles, and sing unto your name. and again, He says, Rejoice, you Gentiles, with His people.  And again, Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; and put praise on Him, all you people. And again, Isaiah says, There shall be a root of Jesse, and He that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in Him shall the Gentiles trust.  Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit” (vs8-13). We put small things aside because we share the same faith and God.

Thus, knowing His salvation, we are comforted and empowered to go into the world with the gospel, using God-given gifts to serve the elect - “And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.  Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, that I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit“ (vs14-16).

The glory of Christ has made us able to admonish one another, producing obedience and love in those that hear. We STRETCH out Christ to others by faith in the promise, using our gifts as individually commissioned in the cause of Christ, doing what we can. 

We are right to serve God by serving others, giving to the cause of Christ that they may be saved and comforted - “Yes, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man‘s foundation: but as it is written, To whom He was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.  For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you. But now, having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you; whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way there by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company“ (vs20-24).  He has made us helpers together in the work.