Likeminded

  030726- Meditational Nuggets from the abook of Acts Chapter 15 KJV 

  Likeminded

[4] For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

 [5] Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 

Romans 15:1-7 KJV

[1] We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 

[2] Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. 

[3] For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. 

[4] For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

 [5] Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 

[6] That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

[7] Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

Paul wrote his epistle from these verses, reminding every believers, even in our era that strength in Christ is not about proving we are right or exercising freedom—it is about lifting others up. The strong are called to bear the weaknesses of the weak, not criticize them.

Christ Himself is our model. CHRIST JESUS did not please Himself but bore reproach for our sake. 

If the Son of God laid down His rights for us, how can we cling tightly to ours?

These Scripture molds our endurance and hope. Unity glorifies God. And acceptance of one another reflects the acceptance we have received in JESUS CHRIST our Savior. 

HENCEFORTH we are encourage to: 

1. Support the Weak (v.1–2)

Paul teaches that spiritually “strong” believers should patiently support those who are “weak” in faith, rather than acting selfishly. The goal is not self-pleasing, but helping others grow (“edification” means building them up spiritually).

2. Set CHRIST JESUS as our Example (v.3)

He points to Jesus Christ as the model. Christ did not act to please Himself but endured reproach and suffering for others. The quoted line comes from the Old Testament (Psalm 69:7-9), showing that His suffering was foretold. Psalm 69:7-9 KJV

“[7] Because for thy sake I have borne reproach; shame hath covered my face. 

[8] I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother's children. 

[9] For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me. “

We too may suffer for the sake of our faith in Him. This should remind us then; endure, for in so doing, we become stronger in our faith in Him 

3.See the Purpose of Scripture (v.4)

The Scriptures were written to teach and encourage believers. Through patience and comfort found in them, believers develop hope. Paul emphasizes that the Old Testament still has purpose as our school master and value for Christian instruction.

4. Seek Unity Always Among Believers (v.5–6)

Paul prays that God—described as the source of patience and encouragement—would help believers live in harmony with one another, united in mind and voice, glorifying God together.

5. Sustain Acceptance of One Another (v.7)

Just as Christ accepted all of us believers despite our weaknesses, we too should accept one another. Unity and mutual acceptance bring glory to GOD.

Let us all be instructed with these following: 

• Personal Conviction

We Christians differ on lifestyle issues particularly on food and how we make our days sustainable. It may seems different from us the ways of others, but that does not gives us the right to judge them, for there is One Judge: our Loving Savior. 

May we be reminded by this principle: Don’t flaunt freedom if it harms someone else’s faith.

• Patience comes from maturity

If you understand something another believer does not, your role is not to win arguments but to gently build them up.

• Promoting Christian Unity Glorifies God

Paul says we glorify God “with one mind and one mouth.” A divided church weakens its witness; a unified church magnifies Christ.

• Prompting carefulness makes us to always remember How we Were Received

Christ accepted us at our worst. That should shape how we receive others at their weakest.

Let the word of GOD dwells in our heart always as the saved and pardoned believers, and that we may keep reminding ourselves we are so blessed that we may also be the channel for others also to be blessed. 

Romans 15:8-16 KJV 

 8 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:

9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.

10 And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.

11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.

12 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.

13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

15 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,

16 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 Ghost.

Noted from these verses are these:

A. Paul consistently stated that JESUS CHRIST became “a minister of the circumcision” — meaning He came first to the Jewish people:

• Minister for the Jews v 8

• Show God’s truthfulness

• Confirm the promises made to the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob)

This shows that God kept His covenant promises; sending His Son to first minister to the Jews’ spiritual emptiness. Then extending His compassionate grace to all nations. 

• Merciful to provide once and for all salvation for the Gentiles (vv. 9–12)

B. Paul coherently explains that the Gentiles (non-Jews) glorify God because of His mercy.

He supports this by quoting Old Testament passages:

⁃ Psalm 18:49 KJV “Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.”

⁃ Deuteronomy 32:43 KJV  “Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, and to his people.

⁃ Psalm 117 KJV “O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.

⁃ Isaiah 11:10 KJV  “And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.”

In verse 12 he quoted from the book of Isaiah “the root of Jesse,” referring to the Messiah descended from Jesse (King David’s father). This prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who would reign over and is trusted by the Gentiles.

This verses shows:

• God’s plan always included the Gentiles

• GOD’s provision for salvation is for all nations

• Mentor us and Teaches us about undaunted Hope (v. 13)

Paul offers a beautiful blessing:

• God is called “the God of hope”

• Believers receive joy and peace through faith

• Hope comes through the power of the Holy Ghost

This verse emphasizes:

• Faith → Joy & Peace → Overflowing Hope

C. Paul’s Confidence in the Believers is an encouragement to us that we should be as how he wrote in verse 14, an affirmation that the Roman believers are:

• Full of goodness

• Filled with knowledge

• Faithful to enable themselves to instruct one another

These promote spiritual maturity within the church.

• Motivate us believers through Paul to be full of goodness , for the edification of others. V14

D. Paul’s Calling to the Gentiles to acknowledge him as the apostle to the Gentile people. (vv. 15–16)

Paul explains why he wrote boldly:

• God gave him grace

• He was appointed as a minister to the Gentiles

• He describes his work in priestly language

He pictures the Gentiles themselves as an “offering” presented to God, sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

• Minding every believers,  that He called an apostle for the Gentiles; giving boldness to Paul  to confirm it in his epistle: that it is he the one being called. v15,16

JESUS our LORD, Savior and Master came first to Israel His people, then also to the Gentiles who are not; for one purpose: Salvation of every soul. Then He unites all saved Jews and Gentiles in one body: in JESUS CHRIST Body. We all Believers are called to live in hope, joy, and peace, to edify and encourage each others. It should be cleared to us, that Paul’s mission is to make Gentiles know about The LORD’s compassionate love; commissioning him: for the Gentiles to God as an acceptable offering.

Romans 15:17-22 KJV 

 17 I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.

18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,

19 Through mighty 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.

20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:

21 But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.

22 For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.

E. Paul conclusively wrote in this epistle that he would not speak for himself but for the things which be of GOD’s. The things that pertains to his calling, as well as His workings in him. That he will never dare to proclaim about those things which was not instructed by Him; that as he is called to be an apostle to the Gentiles, as he was empowered by the HOLY GHOST through signs and wonders, he preach the Gospel of Christ from Jerusalem even unto the region of Illyricum. 

Paul stated that he had fully preached the gospel:“From Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum…”for these reasons:

1. The Scope of His Ministry 

Jerusalem was the starting point of the early church, while Illyricum (a Roman province in the Balkans) represents the western extent of his missionary efforts up to that time.

This shows the vast geographical spread of his ministry.

2. The Set up of His Mission Strategy

Paul intentionally avoided building on another man’s foundation, this means he has different calling from the twelve apostles lead by Apostle Peter:

⁃ He sought to unreached areas.

⁃ He stand up to preach where Christ had not been named.

⁃ He steadfastly fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah 52:15 (quoted in verse 21).

He prompted His calling was pioneering and missionary in nature.

3. The statement why He Had Not Yet Visited Rome. 

Because he was focused on reaching new territories, he had been “much hindered” from coming to the believers in Rome. His delay was not neglect — it was dedication to his specific calling.

Paul is teaching us that:

⁃ His ministry belongs to God.

⁃ His authority comes from Christ.

⁃ His power comes from the Holy Spirit.

⁃ His  mission is to the Gentiles.

⁃ His motion is focused in pioneering gospel work.

As the LORD JESUS CHRIST set Himself for us an example, even called Apostle Paul to teach us the things we believers must be. Let this epistle to Romans give us understanding, that we be likeminded on how our ministering for the LORD should be.  

Romans 15:23-29 KJV - 

23 But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;

24 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 thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.

25 But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.

26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.

27 It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.

28 When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.

29 And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.

Another take from this chapter,  true converted soul and a consecrated heart of Paul.

For his heart desire is to be with his mission field in Rome: the Romans who have been converted to faith in CHRIST, but he need to be in Jerusalem to bring with him the help sent from Macedonia; to provide the needs of the poor church members in Jerusalem. 

What he conveyed to us from these verses, is for us to know the kind  of heart GOD’s servant have: 

• Always willing to be a channel of blessings to the needy; particularly his fellow brethren.  

• Aware of the burden he has: to feed the flock the LORD entrusted to him. 

Romans 15:30-33 KJV 

“30 Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;

31 That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;

32 That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.

33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.”

Then Paul, concluded this chapter by asking prayers from the believers who are in Rome; surmising his concerns about his unbelieving people from Jerusalem: 

⁃ That his life should not be in danger from the hand of them who wage their fist to destroy him because of his obedience to CHRIST.

⁃ That his service, bringing with him the love offering from Macedonia and Achaia will be acceptable to the church in Jerusalem.

⁃ That after his mission trip, he will be able to come to them who are in Rome.

It happened, but not the way as he hoped. For plot to kill him instigated by the unbelieving Jews and their rulers caused his imprisonment; prompting him to appeal to Caesar. The whole story has been written in the book of Acts from Chapter 21 to chapter 28 where it was recorded entire 

His last words in this chapter is a form of blessings all of Roman believers; from where all of us believers,  who’s going through a lot of trials can rely upon. That even if things happens opposite to what it should be, we must keep our faith and trust in the promise of our LORD. For indeed, the GOD whom we serve is the GOD of peace, who is with us; giving us comfort in the time we are push to the edge of discouragement, fear and uncertainties.  

So when in calamity, when in confusion, even when in chaos brought by atrocities, let us all be likeminded in faith, hope and in charity. 

That the GOD in CHRIST JESUS most Mighty Name,  whom we serves, be lifted up and magnify in the place we dwells. 

To GOD be all glory forever and ever! Amen!

Good morning🙏❤️