Group of diverse people standing on a grassy hill at sunset with raised arms and smiling faces
Bible, Family, Psalms, Rejoicing, Romans, Scripture

JOIN THE FAMILY

ROMANS 15:10

“Again he says, ‘REJOICE, YOU GENTILES, WITH HIS PEOPLE.’”

When I married my wife way back in 1985, I was immediately welcomed into her family. Her parents and seven siblings, along with their spouses and children, became my family also. Also, my wife became family to my parents, siblings and their families. We are part of the Willis/Barker union. Over these almost 41 years, we have both grown closer to the other side of the family. Sure, we may argue and disagree from time to time, but the love we have for each other is always there.

Paul quotes from the first part of Deuteronomy 32:43 in today’s verse linking the Gentiles with the Jewish nation (“with His people”). Matthew Poole says regarding this verse, “Here it is evidently implied, that the Gentiles should become the people of God, and join with the Jews in his worship and service and rejoice in the sense of his goodness and mercy to them. The partition wall is now taken away, and they both became one sheepfold under one Shepherd.”

APPLICATION

This verse may sound simple, but it wasn’t. The Jews and the Gentiles were not exactly friends. Jews considered Gentiles as unclean and unworthy of any recognition by God. Remember the story of Cornelius and Peter in Acts 10? God had to show Peter beforehand that He had declared unclean things to be clean so that Peter would understand when Cornelius asked him to come. God was rewriting who belonged in His family.

Jesus came and declared all men worthy of being called God’s children. It was the Father Who declared to Peter, “‘What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy.’” That was the message of the cross. God sent Jesus to die for all mankind. Therefore, we can say along with the Psalmist, “Rejoice, you Gentiles, with His people.”

Listen carefully! You belong in His family. Nobody can tell you otherwise. If you have yielded to the call of the Spirit and have decided to follow Jesus, you belong. I don’t care where you came from. It doesn’t matter what race or nationality you are, you are now in His family. You can rejoice along with all His saints. Satan doesn’t want you to believe that, but it’s true. So, join the chorus and sing it loud. Hosanna, to the King of kings!

Thank You for adopting me into Your family, O God.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Wooden sign reading MERCY hanging from a wooden beam with greenery and stone buildings in background
Bible, Forgiveness, Mercy, Praise, Psalms, Romans, Scripture

HIS MERCY

ROMANS 15:9

“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 PRAISES TO YOUR NAME.’”

I can remember crying out to God for mercy during my last health related battle. I was undergoing chemotherapy in preparation for a stem cell transplant and was suffering greatly. Without going into great detail, let’s just say I was at the end of my physical endurance. I was trusting the Lord to heal me, but there were days when I simply begged for mercy, for relief from the pain and suffering. And God is faithful. Here I am seven years later writing to you. His mercy is sufficient.

As Paul writes these words in today’s verse about God’s mercy to the Gentiles, it seems he breaks out in song quoting Psalm 18:49. It reminds me of Psalm 2:8, “‘Ask it of Me, and I will certainly give the nations as Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth as Your possession.’” Paul, a Jew, had been given the assignment by God to reach the Gentiles with the Gospel. He desired for them to experience God’s mercy firsthand.

APPLICATION

Let me remind you that mercy is not getting what you deserve while grace is getting what you don’t deserve. The Topical Lexicon describes this Greek word like this, “eleos speaks of God’s compassionate response toward human misery and of the believer’s corresponding attitude toward others. It is more than sentiment; it is love that moves to act and to relieve. Every one of its twenty-seven New Testament occurrences carries this note of active compassion, whether describing God’s saving initiative or the believer’s ethical obligation.”

I was actually surprised that eleos was not used more than 27 times. One of my favorite verses where it is found is 1 Peter 1:3. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” Don’t you just love that? His mercy “has caused us to be born again.” It’s mercy’s fault, amen?

Another verse where Paul uses eleos is Titus 3:5. I really love this one. “He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we did in righteousness, but in accordance with His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,” There is nothing we can do to obtain this mercy on our own. His mercy is given freely and graciously. Have you received His mercy? If so, rejoice in it. If not, why not today?

Father God, Your mercy is more than enough. Thank You for showing mercy to me in the depths of my despair.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Ancient manuscript on stone altar lit by sunlight from a church window
Bible, Eternal Life, Eternity, Father, Holy Spirit, Promises, Scripture

A PROMISE IS A PROMISE

ROMANS 15:8

“For I say that Christ has become a servant to the circumcision in behalf of the truth of God, to confirm the promises given to the fathers,”

It is so important that we keep our promises. Parents have to keep their promises to their children. When dad promises to take the children to the park after school, he needs to make that his priority. When mom promises to bake cookies for her son’s class, she needs to bake them with earnest. I read a quote this morning that really stung. It said, “Twenty years from now the only people who will remember that you worked late are your kids.? (Sahil Bloom) Keep those promises you make to your children and grandchildren.

Christ kept not only His promises, but the Father’s promises. After all, He and the Father are one, right? I love how Ellicott expresses his view on this verse. “My doctrine is that Christ came with a two-fold purpose: on the one hand, with a mission to the Jews, the chosen circumcised race, to vindicate to them the truthfulness of God in respect to His promises, by Himself confirming and fulfilling those promises; and, on the other hand, with the object to exhibit the mercy of God in rescuing the Gentiles from their state of condemnation, and giving them cause to glorify God’s name.”

APPLICATION

What are these “promises” Paul refers to here. The Topical Lexicon says, “The noun epaggelia occurs fifty-two times in the Greek New Testament and consistently denotes a divine commitment that is certain, gracious, and future-oriented. Every use anchors the reader in God’s unbreakable word, whether the referent is the patriarchal inheritance, the outpoured Spirit, salvation in Christ, or the consummation of all things.” Wow! A divine commitment! When God promises something, He keeps it!

One of my favorite verses is Joshua 21:45. “Not one of the good promises which the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed; everything came to pass.” Can you say that about the promises you’ve made? I sure can’t. It seems today promises are not considered worthy of keeping. Isn’t that sad? Divorce rates among believers are practically the same as among unbelievers. Breach of contracts in business occur daily. Promises made should be promises kept.

Of course, one of the greatest promises Jesus made and kept was the sending of the Holy Spirit into our lives as believers. Just look what He said in Acts 1:4-5. “4 Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, ‘Which,’ He said, ‘you heard of from Me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’” Again, promise made, promise kept. Thank You, Jesus.

I give You praise, O Lord, for being a promise keeper. Help me be more like You in that way.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Acceptance, Bible, Blessed, Family, Forgiveness, Passion, Romans

ACCEPTED

ROMANS 15:7

“Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us, for the glory of God.”

In my years of ministry, probably one of the biggest desires of the children and youth I worked with was the need to feel accepted. I spent many years working with abused and neglected children who were cast away by their parents. These parents chose drugs, alcohol or partners over their children. These children longed for acceptance from just about anyone which led many to choose poor relationships themselves. It was truly heartbreaking.

Paul urges us today in verse 7 of Romans 15 to “accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us.” Do you truly understand your acceptance by Christ? Do you feel the depth of His love and sacrifice for you? Most of us don’t. We doubt it when times get tough. Where is God when I’m hurting? Have you ever said that? I have to admit I have felt that at times. But His acceptance isn’t just relegated to here. His acceptance is eternal. Wow!

APPLICATION

Paul uses a verb here that is used a dozen times in the New Testament, five times by him. I love the definition in HELPS Word-studies, “aggressively receive, with strong personal interest.” Doesn’t that change the way you see how Christ accepts you? Paul uses the word back in Romans 14:1 and 3, twice here in today’s verse and once in Philemon 1:17 when he instructs Philemon to accept Onesimus as if he was accepting him.

Christ accepts us while we are yet sinners. Never forget that. He doesn’t expect us to clean ourselves up first. He picks us up right where we are and He does the cleansing. When Paul says that Christ accepts us, he uses the Aorist Indicative Middle. I know that blessed you, lol. But listen, that means he is stating a fact about what Christ did and the middle voice means Christ chose to do that. He chose to accept you. That should light your spiritual fire.

And when Paul tells us to “accept one another,” it’s a Present Imperative Middle. That means it’s a command that you should continually do but, again, you choose to follow that command. Is there someone you need to choose to accept today? Make it a point to reach out to them and share how much God loves them. Tell them you love them too and want to walk with them in their spiritual journey. You will be the blessed one.

Thank You, Lord, for accepting me. Help me accept others with the same passion.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Division, Passion, Romans, Scripture, Unity

ONE VOICE

ROMANS 15:6

“so that with one purpose and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

What kind of car is mentioned in the Bible? A Honda. It says they were all in “one accord.” Get it? Accord, like Honda Accord. I know, not very funny. What do you expect from a 65 year old missionary? We can wear out a good joke.

Why in the world did mention that? Because in today’s verse, Paul uses a word translated as “one purpose” which can also be translated as “one accord.” The Greek literally means “same passion.” Now, that is not so easy to do in most churches. People have their own opinions about how things should run. Paul also said we should be in “one voice.” That’s the point I want to concentrate on today.

APPLICATION

In Matthew 15:18 Jesus tells us, “‘But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and those things defile the person.’” The word “mouth” there is the same word used for “voice” in our verse today. Getting people in the body of Christ to speak with one voice is next to impossible. I have seen the biggest fights happen in churches over the color of the carpet or the songs that the choir should sing. Our mouth, our voice has a way of revealing what is really in the heart.

Barnes says it well, “That they might join without contention and unkind feeling, in the worship of God. Divisions, strife, and contention in the church prevent union in worship. Though the ‘body’ may be there, and the church ‘professedly’ engaged in public worship, yet it is a ‘divided’ service; and the prayers of strife and contention are not heard;” How true? You may have seen this yourself. You may have even been guilty of such “double talk” that caused division. Lord, forgive us if we ever allow our mouth to do that. Amen?

Paul wraps up this verse showing why it is important to have one purpose and one voice. He says so that, “you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” That is our reason for unity. We should always be about glorifying the Father, making Him known. I think Peter says it well in 1 Peter 4:11. “Whoever speaks is to do so as one who is speaking actual words of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” Can I get an amen? Are your words and actions giving glory to God? That is the question.

Father, I desire to glorify Your name about all. Help me guard my tongue so as to not do anything to cause disunity.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Body, Encouragement, Gifts, Perseverance, Romans, Scripture, Unity

GIFTS FROM THE FATHER

ROMANS 15:5

“Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another, according to Christ Jesus,”

As a father and grandfather, I love to give good gifts to my children and grandchildren. Of course, as most grandparents, I love to spoil my grandchildren. Whether it be a new Hotwheel for my grandson or a doll for my granddaughter, it’s such a joy to see their excitement when they receive it. As our children and grandchildren get older, the gifts change, don’t they? The Happy Meal from McDonald’s doesn’t have the same effect on a teenager as it did to a five year old. But the gift is still a gift.

Paul tells us in today’s verse that the Lord gives us a couple of very special gifts. Perseverance and encouragement are given to His children for the purpose of helping us have “the same mind with one another.” We’ll get to that in a minute. But let’s look at these two gifts and how they apply to our Christian walk personally and corporally.

APPLICATION

“Perseverance” is the Greek word hupomoné. This word is used 32 times in the New Testament. The first time it’s used is in the parable of the sower in Luke 8:15. “‘But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word with a good and virtuous heart, and hold it firmly, and produce fruit with perseverance.” We are told to persevere in our fruit production for the Lord. The Lord gives us this perseverance so that we will not become weary and give up. That reminds me of another passage where it used and translated as “endurance.” In James 1:2-4 we read, “2 Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” Perseverance perfects and completes us.

The word “encouragement” is paraklésis and can be defined as comfort, consolation, exhortation or entreaty. (Strong’s Concordance) In 2 Corinthians 1:3, God is called the “God of all comfort.” Don’t you just love that? Take a minute and read 2 Corinthians 1:3-7. I promise you will be blessed by it. God comforts so we can comfort. When you go through a difficult situation (death of a loved one, loss of a job, etc.), God comforts you so that you can comfort others going through a similar time.

God always has a reason to give us special gifts. He wants to bless us, yes, but He also wants us to bless others. Thus, the reason that is stated in today’s verse – “to have the same mind with one another.” God desires unity in the body of Christ. Through perseverance and encouragement, we are able to be unified. Accept those gifts today and bless someone else.

Use me, Lord, to be a blessing to others. Thank You for these special gifts.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Wooden sign reading 'The Hope is Jesus' with a cross in a grassy rural area
Bible, Encouragement, Hope, Jesus, Messiah, Perseverance, Romans, Scripture

THE HOPE

ROMANS 15:4

“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.”

I often read stories of persecuted saints and how they held on to their faith through their hope in Jesus Christ. They knew He would see them through, no matter how bad it got. The difference in their hope and the hope of the world was they had THE hope. Their hope was solely in Jesus, not the end of the persecution or their imprisonment. Their hope was the only true hope. Their hope was secure.

In today’s verse, we have a word missing in the translation. I looked at 26 different translations, and they all miss it. It’s an important word because it signifies something special. The word is “the.” That may seem to be a small, insignificant word, but here it means something. Paul says at the end of the verse, “we might have hope.” Actually, the Greek reads “the hope.” The definite article is there. That’s the difference between a general hope and the hope in a specific hope. That hope is Jesus, the Messiah.

APPLICATION

Looking at the verse as a whole, Barnes list three observations. “We may learn here, (1) That afflictions may prove to be a great blessing. (2) that their proper tendency is to produce ‘hope.’ (3) that the way to find support in afflictions is to go to the Bible.” I would differ with Barnes on that second point since he too leaves out referring to “the hope.” We don’t produce that hope. We have that hope in Christ Jesus. He gives it to us at Calvary. There is no greater hope than this.

Ellicott does bring this out in his commentary when he says, “Literally, the hope—i.e., the Messianic hope. The promises of Scripture centre in the hope of the future Messianic glory, and the fortitude with which the Christian endures his trials is to be sustained by that hope, and itself reacts upon the hope and makes it held with firmer tenacity.” I love that! Don’t you?

What are you “hoping” in? Do you say, “I sure hope I can get through this trial I am going through”? Perhaps you may have said that about someone else you see suffering. Listen carefully. You, as a follower of Christ have that hope. No matter what you or any other follower of Christ goes through, you have the hope. You have it because He gave it to you. You have it because He is returning one day. You have it because… Never doubt that. Don’t let Satan try to trick and deceive you into thinking all hope is gone. That’s a lie from the pit of hell. He knows “The Hope” is very much alive and active in the lives of His followers. Keep looking up!

Gracious Father, thank You for the hope of glory, Jesus Christ, Your Son.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bound man with crown of thorns standing among Roman soldiers mocking him
Bible, God's Will, Insults, Persecution, Reproach, Romans, Scripture

ENDURE IT FOR OTHERS

ROMANS 15:3

“For even Christ did not please Himself, but as it is written: ‘THE TAUNTS OF THOSE WHO TAUNT YOU HAVE FALLEN ON ME.’”

When I read this verse, I thought of the heckling and even assaults that have occurred against people who stand for the life of the unborn. For decades now the abortion clinics have murdered millions of babies, and the industry does not want believers to speak out against it. People have been arrested, jailed and persecuted for trying to educate those with unplanned pregnancies, offering alternatives to abortion. These warriors endured the taunts and threats for the sake of the unborn.

If that offended you, I am sorry. I am an unashamed defender of the unborn. I truly believe Jesus is too. Every child that is conceived is from the Lord, no matter how they came into the world. They are innocent and have a right to life like every other person. Christ endured the taunts and jeers of the people for the sake of all. He suffered and died to set us all free. Paul says in today’s verse that He did this without any thought of Himself. He only wanted to please the Father.

APPLICATION

The Greek word for “taunts” is oneidismós. It is described by HELPS Word-studies as “reproach (reviling); an insult aimed to damage (disgrace) reputation. In the NT, oneidismós suggests undeserved condemnation, i.e. which does not ‘hold up’ after the situation is correctly (fully) understood.” In other word, the taunts and reproaches are baseless and are usually stirred up by hateful emotions. Let me ask you, “Who do you think gets the glory in that?” That’s right – the devil. He loves to stir up strife.

This word is used five times in the New Testament, three times by the writer of Hebrews. In 13:12-14, we read, “12 Therefore Jesus also suffered outside the gate, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood. 13 So then, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. 14 For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come.” Isn’t that a great passage? We bear the taunts and reproaches because we know what is to come.

Jesus told us in Matthew 5:11-12, “‘11 Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.’” People are watching how you respond to these taunts and reproaches. Point them always to Jesus.

Lord, it is hard to hold my tongue when I am falsely accused. Remind me of the suffering of Christ when this happens.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Elderly woman hugging and comforting a younger woman who looks upset on a front porch with house number 42
Bible, Edification, Good, Neighbors, Pleasing, Romans, Scripture

PLEASE YOUR NEIGHBOR

ROMANS 15:2

“Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification.”

What a concept – pleasing our neighbors! In today’s world we do just the opposite. We watch out for ourselves often at the expense of our neighbor. We know Jesus told the famous parable of the Good Samaritan when asked the question “Who is my neighbor?” in Luke 10. That “neighbor” was described as anyone in need. Paul is pointing more towards our fellow believers and our obligation to them. Let’s look at this closer.

I could dissect this verse word for word, but I want to concentrate on two words, “good” and “edification.” That should be our motive for pleasing our brothers and sisters in Christ. Matthew Poole says this in his commentary about today’s verse. “Having said we must not please ourselves, he immediately subjoins, we must please others, viz. every one his neighbour: he means, that we should condescend and accommodate ourselves to others, and give them satisfaction in all things; at least so far as may tend to their good and edification.”

APPLICATION

In 1 Corinthians 10:24 Paul writes a similar statement. “No one is to seek his own advantage, but rather that of his neighbor.” This “good” that Paul refers to in our verse today is the beneficial good. It is not just anything that is good or what you or the person thinks it’s good. It’s something that is actually good for them. Now that may not appear good to them at the time, but it is for their benefit.

The word “edification” is the same word we saw in Romans 14:19 when Paul said to build each other up. It’s the Greek word oikodomḗ  which HELPS Word-studies describes this way, “properly, a building (edifice) serving as a home; (figuratively) constructive criticism and instruction that builds a person up to be the suitable dwelling place of God, i.e. where the Lord is ‘at home.’” I really like that. Don’t you?

There are a couple of other examples that Paul showed us in 1 Corinthians. The first is found in 9:19. “For though I am free from all people, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may gain more.” The other is in 10:33. “just as I also please everyone in all things, not seeking my own benefit but the benefit of the many, so that they may be saved.” Isn’t that the ultimate building up of someone – to lead them to Jesus. Let’s please our neighbor this way.

Father, You have shown me who my neighbor is. Help me serve them well and build them up.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Two volunteers lifting a large box labeled food bank donations filled with canned goods
Bible, Scripture, Weakness, Strength, Bearing, Helping, Romans

HELPING THE WEAK

ROMANS 15:1

“Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength, and not just please ourselves.”

Don’t you just love it when you see someone coming to the aid of someone who needs a helping hand? I will never forget having the privilege of doing that. Sometimes it was an elderly person who needed a hand to get up out of a chair. Or it might have been a child that I could help learn something new or lift something that was too heavy for them. This is a great practice for us to do.

Paul begins chapter 15 today with an admonition to we who are stronger in our faith to come to the aid of those who are weaker. This might be a brand new follower of Christ or someone who just has not been discipled on how to walk with Jesus. Disciple making is the most overlooked discipline of the church today, I believe. We are quick to “save” someone but very slow about discipling them into effective disciple makers.

APPLICATION

Let’s look at some key words in today’s verse. First, what does “strong” mean? It’s the Greek word dunatos which means able, mighty or powerful. Of course, we know our power comes through the Holy Spirit Who indwells us. Therefore, as we help someone, they are exposed to the Spirit’s power, not our own.

Next we read in the verse that we “ought to bear.” The Greek word for “bear” is bastazó which literally means to lift, carry or take up. The same word is used in Galatians 6:2 where it says we are to bear one another’s burdens. Two can lift a lot more than one can. I once taught twelve boys under the age of 11 to lift an 800 log up four feet to place it on a porch. They worked together to achieve the impossible.

Then Paul refers to the other person’s “weaknesses.” That’s the Greek word adunatos. Look familiar? Yes, it is the same word for “strong” with the preposition a– which negates it. So, it means without power, without capability. People who have not learned how to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit or who don’t even possess the Spirit can never face life’s challenges effectively. In Matthew 19:26 this word is used when Jesus says it is “impossible” for someone to be saved with out God.

Are you strong in your faith and in your knowledge of the power than resides within you as a follower of Christ? If so, bear your weaker brothers’ and sisters’ burdens. This will please the Father.

Lord, show me who to lend my help to in order to grow them into effective disciple makers for You.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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