Introduction: This morning Paul will deal with the inherent cultural and spiritual division between the Jews and the Gentiles in the church. His point is that such division should not be present in the church. Let’s see why. 7 Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God. • Our with God and each other is a reflection of His glory. 8 Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers, • Jesus became a from among the to prove God true by all the promises of God. 9a and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy • The gentiles were in those promises. They also would receive the mercy of God in Jesus and because of that mercy they too would glorify God. • They should have been looking for the to be reconciled to God just like they were looking for the Messiah. 9b as it is written: “For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles,and sing to Your name." • From 18:49, David who was a picture of the Christ to come praises and confesses God among the gentiles. 10 And again he says: “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people!” • From Dt 32:43, the Gentiles are worshipping with the . 11 And again: “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples!” • From Psalms 117:1, peoples are commanded worship. 12 And again, Isaiah says: “There shall be a root of Jesse; And He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, In Him the Gentiles shall hope.” • From Isaiah 11:10, he promised Messiah would reign over the gentiles and provide them with the of salvation. • The declared it AND AGAIN, the declared it AND AGAIN the declared it. • This was the all along. 13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. • Faith in God’s plan brings joy, peace and hope when we it through the power of the Holy Spirit.