Have you ever heard a Christian say that they felt that the Old Testament was obsolete, that it wasn’t necessary anymore? Perhaps you have even felt that way. Perhaps you felt that it was just way too long and way too old. That it was just a lot of dusty, ancient history, and dry words from long-dead prophets. Perhaps keep one or two beautiful psalms, but you felt the rest could be stashed away on a bookshelf somewhere. There are even a few denominations that feel that way, and do not ever use or read from the Old Testament. Thankfully, those are few. In our Scripture today from the New Testament book of Romans, God, through the words of St. Paul, tells us something about the books of the Old Testament.
When Paul wrote his letter to the church in Rome, the Old Testament was already many hundreds of years old. The last book written was Malachi, which was written around 430 BC, which was close to 500 years earlier than when Paul wrote this epistle. Our Scripture is near to the end of the epistle, and in our opening verse, the Apostle reminds the believers that the Old Testament is still very important to them, and to us today, as well. Those books, from Genesis to Malachi, are not outdated (vs. 4). They were written for our instruction, not just for the people who lived before Christ, but for those believers in Paul’s day, and for us today. As we read in II Timothy 3:16, all Scripture is inspired by God, which includes the Old Testament. As God’s inspired Word, it is not something that we can just lay aside. It is sufficient for teaching and encouragement. We do not need human philosophy, as the Bible provides true hope.
As Paul continues in this passage, he encourages these believers to be likeminded with each other, of one mind and one voice (vs. 5-6). When Christians are united in Christ, their worship will glorify God with one voice. However, being likeminded does not mean that we compromise with doctrine or truth. Different churches can have different opinions about minor issues, like how many hymns are sung each Sunday and at what point in the service, or when the offering is taken, or even if a box should be put in the back for people to drop their offering into. However, with doctrinal truth, we should never compromise. True unity is doctrinal unity, agreement in the truth of God’s Word, not in joining with those who reject the truth and inspiration of the Bible just so that they get along.
We are called to receive other believers, just as Jesus received us (vs. 7). We are to welcome them, regardless of background, because salvation is by grace alone, not by works, or race, economic or social standing. This leads into his teaching that Jesus came both for the Jews and also for the Gentiles, which he backs up with several quotes from the Old Testament (vs. 8-12). Jesus came as a minister to the Jews to confirm God’s promises to them. However, contrary to what some were teaching then in opposition to Paul’s teaching, the Gentiles were also included in God’s plan.
Paul gives us several references from the Old Testament where God told His people quite plainly that the Gentiles were included in His plan for salvation. He gives us quotations from Psalm 18:49; Deuteronomy 32:43; Psalm 117:1; and Isaiah 11:1, 10. God’s promises all throughout the Bible are literal and they are trustworthy. We see that the Gentile people are invited to share with Israel in God’s mercy. The church is made up of all nations, united in Christ, fulfilling God’s eternal plan.
Our Scripture passage ends with a blessing of hope, joy, and peace (vs. 13). God Himself is the God of hope. We have the power through Him to shake off the chains of despair. Joy and peace come only through faith in Jesus, not through worldly pursuits. Christian hope is not a vague wish. Christian hope is a sure confidence that we will receive what God has promised us. Because God keeps His promises, we can live with joyful hope.
As Christians, we can be strengthened with the hope that we have in Jesus Christ. This world is filled with godlessness and evil. It is easy for Christians to be discouraged and fearful. Instead, we needed to be like a sunflower, whose bright face follows the sun. We need to keep looking to the Son of God, looking to Him day and night. No matter how difficult our circumstances, no matter how hopeless our situation, divine hope can fill our hearts, knowing that one day God will wipe away every tear and take away all pain.
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