Romans 15 highlights Paul’s heart for sharing the gospel and seeing it permeate the hearts of all who may hear of it and grow from it. The apostle shared the light of Jesus with Christ followers in Rome, that they would lean into their purpose of glorifying God and growing in their knowledge and love for Him.

What issues were the believers in Rome fighting against? How did Paul seek to encourage them despite all these difficulties present within the church?

From this chapter, we notice that though the truth of the gospel has gone out among believers in Rome, difficulties still exist among Jesus’ people. It appears the stronger believers within the church had trouble dealing with and bearing the weaknesses of their brothers and sisters in Christ. Paul reminded the church that they were to walk alongside one another, building up and building out the kingdom of God. They needed to experience the endurance and encouragement that Jesus offers to His people, which are gifts that we, too, still need as the church today.

Division was still present between the Jews and Gentiles in the Roman church, as believers from opposite backgrounds found their common ground in Jesus alone. Paul used his words carefully so that the gospel’s power would be made apparent in his interactions with them and through their interactions with another as the body of Christ. The gospel was always meant to transcend culture and upbringing, uniting us by the power of the God who created us.

As you prepare to teach this to your kids, remember that Paul’s concern was for the readers of his letter to recognize their need for God and to live lives that bring honor to His name. May your interactions with the boys and girls in your group be so steeped in the grace and encouragement of Jesus as you lead them in the love and light of their Savior.