What have we seen over the last sevearl verses?

// Encouraged by the example of Christ (vv. 1-3)
// Encouraged by the Scriptures (vv. 4-7) >> The Scriptures in general are fuel for your faithfulness as a believer. Consistent consumption is the key.

• Today, there is more encouragement to be found. Throughout Romans 14-15, Paul has been giving us principles for

in the local church.
• Today, his encouragement is this: God’s purposes and plan began long before you, yet they fully include you—and they will continue far beyond you. Jesus Christ is the

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of God’s plan. So we can be encouraged by looking at His role in God’s plan.

Jesus came to

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the promises of God

Romans 15:8 | For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs,
• The

that God made with the “patriarchs” (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, etc.) gave increasing clarity about His plan.
• God is the ultimate promise-keeper. He makes promises and in

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we get our answer to those promises >> 2 Corinthians 1:20 | For all the promises of God find their Yes in [Christ Jesus]

Jesus came to

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a new family: the Church.

Romans 15:9-12 | and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name.” And again it is said, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.” And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him.” And again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope.”
• Vv. 9-12 contain more quotations from the OT (2 Samuel 22:50; Deuteronomy 32:43; Psalm 117:1; Isaiah 11). Paul is connecting the dots between the Old Testament, the calling God gave him, and what has been happening in the early

.
• Ephesians 3:6 | This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
• In Christ, both the patriarchs of the

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covenant and the Gentiles in the

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covenant would “glorify God for His mercy.”

Jesus came to encourage us and give us hope

Romans 15:13 | May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
• Just as Paul did in v. 5, Paul’s mind turns to benediction, prayer, and

. These truths should do something inside of them – and us.
• What is the impact on us in these two purposes for the coming of Christ? We can be

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in God’s plan for us, for His truthfulness, and in hope that His promises will come true.
• We can be encouraged to

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with our brothers and sisters in Christ in the church. As we look at His fulfilled promises in Scripture, we will be filled with hope by the God of hope, causing us to abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. We will have joy and peace in believing.