Abound in Hope

Scripture Texts: Romans 15:7-13

Introduction.

You will be relieved to know this morning’s text brings us to the end of Paul’s long exhortation on unity and harmony in the church in Rome.  Our text also ends the main body of the whole letter.  After today Paul concludes the book of Romans with a variety of personal reflections, details, comments, personal concerns and requests.

While we might be weary of this long exhortation on unity, we should ask why did it matter so much to the Apostle Paul?  More importantly, why did the Holy Spirit put it on Paul’s heart to write so extensively about the unity of the church?

Romans 12:16 Live in harmony with one another.

Romans 13:8 Love each other.

Romans 14:1 welcome each other.

Romans 15:5-6 May God … grant you to live in such harmony with one another, … that together you may with one voice glorify God.

Why?  Because it matters to God.

Do you remember what Jesus prayed for His disciples, for His followers before He died?