The Imitation of Christ
Opening Prayer
Lord, teach me how to please You first, others second, and myself last.
Read Romans 15:1–6
We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
New International Version (NIV)
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Meditate
“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps” (1 Pet. 2:21).
Think Further
Here, what was implicit in Paul’s previous words becomes explicit: the example of Jesus in working his way to the cross is the reference point in knowing how to live. That he did not please himself or seek his own narrow interests but endured insults for the sake of others (2,3) is the very reason why those who claim to follow him should do likewise. They are therefore to bear with others they consider to be weak and to lay aside their own preferences when those preferences conflict with seeking the well-being of the weak (1,2). Previously, Paul painted a glorious portrait of what a loving Christian community should be like (Rom. 12:9–18), but by now it is clear that the church in Rome is not without its issues. These largely revolve around the melding into one community of those from very different Jewish and Gentile backgrounds. The fact that it is essential to make this somehow work emerges elsewhere as a crucial achievement for the early Christian church: “For he himself is our peace, who has made
the two [groups] one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility” (Eph. 2:14). To fail here would be to fail completely. It would imply the impotence of the Gospel to transform lives and communities.
It is for this reason that Paul labors his point. Having laid out in his previous teaching the theological basis for the new community, reconciled to God and to each other by grace through faith, he now insists upon what must happen. It would not happen, though, apart from diligence and endurance anchored in hope (4). Nor would it ever be realized without continual encouragement to overcome the challenges (5). The grand purpose is that, with the right mutual attitudes, this church should come to be of one mind and one voice in proclaiming God’s glory (6). Talk about a challenge!
Apply
Have you taken up the challenge? Similar issues confront us as confronted the Romans. Are you determined to make it work?
Closing prayer
Lord, You prayed to the Father that we may someday become one in the Father and the Son (John 17:21). Help me to do my part to achieve this.
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