How does Romans 15:9 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Romans 15:9—A Global Anthem of Mercy - “so that the Gentiles may glorify God for His mercy.” - “Therefore I will praise You among the Gentiles; I will sing hymns to Your name.” - Paul cites Psalm 18 to show that God’s plan always included non-Jews praising Him. - The verse’s flow: 1. God shows mercy. 2. Gentiles respond with worship. 3. The result is God’s glory spreading beyond Israel. Matthew 28:19-20—The Marching Orders - “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,” - “baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son” - “and of the Holy Spirit,” - “and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you.” - “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” - Jesus sends His followers to every ethnic group, promising His presence until history’s end. How the Two Passages Interlock • Same Audience Scope - Romans 15:9 points to “Gentiles.” - Matthew 28 calls for “all nations.” - Both stress a worldwide reach—no people group excluded. • Same Ultimate Goal - Romans: Gentiles “glorify God.” - Matthew: make disciples who obey Jesus—lives that likewise glorify God. • Same Catalyst: Mercy Displayed, Message Declared - Mercy shown to Gentiles drives their praise (Romans 15:9). - The gospel message—centering on that mercy—drives disciple-making (Matthew 28). • Same Foundation in the Old Testament - Psalm 18: “Therefore I will praise You, O LORD, among the nations;” - God’s heart for the nations was never Plan B. • Same Empowering Presence - Jesus’ promise “I am with you always” matches the mercy that makes worship possible. - Divine presence fuels both proclamation and praise. Old Testament Echoes Confirm the Pattern - Isaiah 11:10: “the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples;” - Psalm 67:3: “May the peoples praise You, God; may all the peoples praise You.” - Genesis 12:3: “all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” These threads weave a single fabric: God blesses the nations so the nations bless God back. Living It Out Today • View every ethnic group as a target for both evangelism and worship. • Share the gospel as an act of extending God’s mercy; expect worship to follow. • Teach new believers the whole counsel of Christ so their praise rests on obedience. • Draw confidence from Christ’s abiding presence; His mission and Romans 15:9’s vision succeed together. |
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