Jim Gallagher

Romans 15:5-6
“Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

This chapter contains many prayers of which this is the first. Paul is praying that the church might be like-minded, or rather, have one mind. As we look at the church today we see it is anything but one-minded. Worship styles vary from rock bands to congregational hymns; some churches meet in traditional buildings, while others meet in schools, parks or store fronts. Doctrinally, some churches are Calvinistic, Arminian, or somewhere in between. We have pre-, post- and mid-tribulation teachings, and there are even different views on how to perform a baptism.

Individual Christians, within the same church, also have a wide variety of opinions. From week to week, one thinks the worship or sermon was excellent, while another complains about the length, delivery or content. Who is right? If Paul is exhorting us to have the same mind, which mind should we have? I suggest to you, Paul is not instructing every Christian to have my mind or yours, but to have the mind of Christ. Writing to the Philippian church Paul said,

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, . . .” Philippians 2:5

The mind we must develop is the mind that was in Christ; a mind-set that sought above all else, to be pleasing to the Father. “For even Christ did not please Himself…” (Romans 15:3). Practically, this was worked out as He lived for the things that please God, and exalted others above Himself. As we follow the life of Christ, we read of the needs of others being placed above His own. We know of times where He was hungry and tired, but that never stopped Him from investing in the lives of those around Him. The sick, weak, hurting, and unloved, all found a place of honor when they came into contact with Christ.

When I filter my thinking toward God and others, with the way Christ lived, I will find I am developing His mind. It is seen in laying aside the sinful things in life, placing the needs of others above my own, and seeking to please God above all else. Notice this is a commission given to every believer. It is not for a select few. Every Christian must live life by thinking of God and others, the way Christ did.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Romans 15 

1. We are to bear the burdens of others and please our neighbor for his good. How are you doing in that area of life?
2. According verses 5-6, how does our God of patience and comfort enable us to glorify Him?
3. Who gives us the power and fills us with all joy and peace in believing?
4. In verse 20, Paul felt it was more important for him to preach the good news in areas that had not yet heard it. Do you have a missionary’s heart? Do you think you are called to be sent out to the mission field?
5. Verses 25-29 tell us that Paul must go down to Jerusalem to take a financial gift from the believers in Greece to Christians in Jerusalem. Paul said, “It pleased them indeed.” Turn in your Bible to 2 Corinthians 9:7. How is your attitude toward the art of tithing?
6. According to verse 30, Paul begs the brethren to strive with him for what purpose?

Old Testament:
Nehemiah 7- Build Your House
Nehemiah 8- Celebration