ROMANS 15

Paul encouraged the Roman Christians to bear with one another (strong with the weak), not to please themselves, but to "please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. As Scripture said...Jesus did not please Himself, and

...whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. 

Paul prayed that God would grant them to be like-minded toward each other, that they may glorify God. 

Also, they were to receive one another, as Jesus received sinners into the family of God, including Gentiles, whom He showed mercy. 

There shall be a root of Jesse; and He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, in Him the Gentiles shall hope. 

May the God of hope fill you will joy and peace...that you may abound in hope by the Holy Spirit. 

Paul had confidence in the Roman Christians that they were full of goodness, knowledge, and able to reprove one another. Grace was given to Paul by God to be a minister of the Gentiles and to preach the gospel to them. He planned a visit to Rome but was hindered for awhile. Now he was headed to Jerusalem in hopes to reach more Jews, and thereafter, he planned to stop by Rome on his way to Spain. 

Then he asked that they pray that his work in Jerusalem be acceptable, and that he may come to then with joy by the will of God. 

COMMENTARY

Paul gave more instruction for Christian conduct. He encouraged Christians to "seek the interests of the other man." Edify one another. Also, Jews and Gentiles should be in one body glorifying God. Christians should glorify God in unity. 

Everything written in the Word of God is for our learning and patience, to give comfort and bring hope. 

God receives all men, strong and weak, high and low, Jew and Gentiles, and all should receive one another in fellowship because glorifying God is the main goal. 

God is the God of hope. He is the Rock of Ages, a Shelter in the time of storm. He should fill you with all joy and peace. 

Paul writing letters

 

Jeremiah 23

Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!

The LORD is against the leaders and rulers who did not take care of His people, but instead sent them in the wrong direction with lies, scattering them. He will deal with those false teachers accordingly.

However, the Lord will gather together the remnant of His people from all the countries they were scattered and bring them back into the fold, where they will be "fruitful and increase." Then there will be good shepherds over them who will care for them, and the people will "fear no more." (This is a future promise that has yet to happen.)

Behold, the days are coming, that I will raise to David a Branch of Righteousness; a KING shall reign and prosper and execute judgment and righteousness in the earth. In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell safely; now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. 

(This is Jesus to come, and who has come and will come again.)

The LORD said, "...behold the days are coming that they shall...say...As the LORD lives who brought up and led the descendants of the house of Israel from the north country and from all the countries where I had driven them. And they shall dwell in their own land." (More future promises.)

The LORD lamented over the false prophets and the curse over the land. He warned the people not to listen to them because of the lies that come from them. 

The anger of the LORD will not turn back until He has executed and performed the thoughts of His heart. In the latter days you will understand it perfectly. (Still has not happened, yet.)

Beware of false teachers. They existed for Israel, and they are plenty more today. "For every man's word will be his oracle, for you have perverted the words of the living God..."

I, will utterly forget you and forsake you, and the city that I gave you and your fathers, and will cast you out of My presence. And I will bring an everlasting repreach upon you, and a perpetual shame, which shall not be forgotten.  

COMMENTARY

In chapter 23, the LORD judged the rulers of Israel. 

He also promised to come and take over and care for the poor, who were being neglected and abused. The Jews will return to their land after the church has been raptured, and the LORD will send "faithful shepherds" to care for them. (Future promises.)

When Jesus came to earth, He said: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." He was telling them that their King had arrived. But they rejected Him then. However, He says He will return and set up His kingdom, and righteousness will reign.

The day is coming when I will bring them back into their land that they will forget the deliverance out of Egypt and they will remember this new deliverance which I intend to accomplish. 

God is not through with Israel!

The false prophets always spoke of peace, but men cannot bring peace on the earth. Even if man could it would be a false peace and very temporary. Only Jesus can and will bring peace. "The heart of a man is desperately wicked."

The LORD is patient, but His judgment is coming. 

from Bible Study Tools