Christian Service and God's Worldwide Glory

Romans 15:4-13

The hope of God's worldwide glory. All scripture inspires hope, 4, by instructing us in the divine redemptive purposes for man and the earth. Human relationships of God's redeemed ones are to glorify the Father, 5-7, promoting His praise and honor. Harmony among God's people is for the purpose of a united voice of praise to God.

8-13. The world is the the ultimate outreach of the gospel. God's plan embraces the extension of the gospel to the entire globe in which both Jew and Gentile are glorifying God. For this purpose Jesus ministered to one nation, 8, so that eventually in the future kingdom all nations might join in glorying God the Father, 9-12.

As a 'servant of the Jews on behalf of God's truth,' 8, Christ had as His ultimate purpose not only the calling out of a people for His name in this age but the confirming (not abrogating) of His promises to the patriachs. These promises guarantee worldwide Gentile conversion when the kingdom is restored to Israel. Their fulfillment awaits the second advent. The promises are taken from the Psalms (18:49;117:1) from Moses (Deut 32:43), and the prophets (Isa 11:10).

They show that God's goal all the while is the nations of earth glorifying Him in worldwide adoration.