Romans 15:1-13 is a powerful reminder of the call to live a life that glorifies God by serving and encouraging others. It challenges us to look beyond ourselves, live in unity, and extend love to those around us, just as Christ has shown love and patience toward us. In this passage, Paul encourages the church to imitate Christ’s example, live in harmony, and share the hope of the gospel with everyone.

This sermon focuses on three key lessons from the passage: Support the Weak, Seek Unity, and Welcome Everyone.


1. Support the Weak

Scripture 15:1-3:  We who have strong faith should help the weak with their problems. We should not please only ourselves. 2 Each of us should please our neighbors. Let us do what is good for them in order to build them up. 3 Even Christ did not please himself. It is written, “The bad things people have said about you have been aimed at me also.” (Psalm 69:9)


Paul begins by addressing the responsibility of the strong to bear with the weak. This means that those who are mature in faith should not criticize or look down on others who may be struggling or weaker in their faith. Instead, we are called to encourage and support them.

This is not about pleasing ourselves or seeking our own comfort. It’s about helping others grow and drawing them closer to Christ. Paul reminds us in verse 3 that Christ Himself did not live to please Himself. He bore the insults and struggles of others to bring us salvation. If Jesus, the perfect Son of God, could humble Himself to serve us, how much more should we serve others?


Application

  1. Look around your church, family, or community. Who might need your encouragement?
  2. Spend time helping someone grow in their faith—whether by praying with them, listening to their struggles, or guiding them gently.
  3. Choose to be patient with others, even when it feels inconvenient or hard.


Discussion question: How can we help and serve others in a way that brings glory to God?


2. Seek Unity

Scripture 15:4-6 4 Everything written in the past was written to teach us. The Scriptures give us strength to go on. They encourage us and give us hope. 5 Our God is a God who strengthens and encourages you. May he give you the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had. 6 Then you can give glory to God with one mind and voice. He is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul highlights the importance of unity among believers. Unity doesn’t mean we all have to think or act the same, but it does mean we need to work together in love and mutual respect. The church is meant to be a place where people from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives come together to glorify God with one voice.

Paul reminds us that Scripture was written to teach, encourage, and give us hope. This hope should motivate us to be patient and loving with one another, even when we disagree. God’s desire is for us to have the same attitude as Christ, who was willing to humble Himself and serve for the sake of others.


Application:

  1. When conflicts or disagreements arise, remember that unity glorifies God.
  2. Seek to understand others’ perspectives and build bridges instead of walls.
  3. Pray for God to give you the endurance and encouragement to live in harmony with others.


3. Welcome Everyone

Scripture 15:7-13: 

7 Christ has accepted you. So accept one another in order to bring praise to God. 8 I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews. He teaches us that God is true. He shows us that God will keep the promises he made to the founders of our nation. 9 Jesus became a servant of the Jews. He did this so that the Gentiles might give glory to God for his mercy. It is written,“I will praise you among the Gentiles. I will sing the praises of your name.” (2 Samuel 22:50; Psalm 18:49) 10 Again it says,“You Gentiles, be full of joy. Be joyful together with God’s people.” (Deuteronomy 32:43) 11 And again it says,“All you Gentiles, praise the Lord. Let all the nations sing praises to him.” (Psalm 117:1) 12 And Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will grow up quickly. He will rule over the nations. The Gentiles will put their hope in him.” (Isaiah 11:10) 13 May the God who gives hope fill you with great joy. May you have perfect peace as you trust in him. May the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope.


In the final section, Paul urges believers to welcome one another as Christ has welcomed us. This call to hospitality and love goes beyond just being polite. It means actively showing kindness, grace, and acceptance, especially to those who are different from us. Paul also emphasizes that the gospel is for both Jews and Gentiles—for everyone, regardless of background. God’s mercy extends to all, and our lives should reflect that same inclusive love. As we welcome others into our lives and into the church, we point them to the hope and joy found in Christ.

In verse 13, Paul ends with a beautiful prayer: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” This reminds us that our hope comes from God, and as we trust in Him, we can share that hope with the world.


Application:

  1. Look for opportunities to welcome someone new into your life or church community.
  2. Reflect on how Christ has shown mercy and acceptance to you—let that motivate you to extend the same to others.
  3. Share the hope and joy of the gospel with those who may feel left out or forgotten.


Discussion question: What does Romans:5:1-13 teach us about Jesus Christ? How can you apply them to your life?


  1. Jesus selflessly bore the burdens of others (Romans 15:3).
  2. He serves as a model of humility and patience (Romans 15:5).
  3. Jesus welcomes all, regardless of background (Romans 15:7).
  4. He fulfills God's promises to both Jews and Gentiles (Romans 15:8-12).
  5. Jesus is the source of hope, joy, and peace through the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).


Conclusion: Romans 15:1-13 challenges us to live selflessly, seeking to serve others for the glory of God. As we support the weak, seek unity, and welcome everyone, we reflect the love and character of Christ. These actions aren’t just about being good people—they are acts of worship that point others to the gospel and build the kingdom of God.


Let’s remember:

            •           Supporting the weak shows the compassion of Christ.

            •           Seeking unity demonstrates God’s power to bring people together.

            •           Welcoming others reflects the mercy and hope of the gospel.


As we live out these truths, may the God of hope fill us with joy and peace, so that we overflow with hope and bring glory to His name.