It is amazing that Paul writes such a comprehensive, and yet personal letter to the church at Rome. Amazing because Paul had not met most of the church, and as he tells us in both Romans 1 and Romans 15, he had been hindered from being with them. But the nature of the letter to the Romans gives us some insight and encouragement about the nature of the body of Christ, the Church. It shows us that Christians are bound together by the work of Christ and the love of the Spirit in a unity that goes beyond familiarity or commonality. The unity that believers have in Christ is expressed in their commitment to the mission of Christ, their willingness to support each other in practical ways, and their devotion to prayer for each other. Paul explains each of these aspects as he closes out chapter 15, where we see “The Unity of Jesus’ Church” (Romans 15:22-33).

I. Unity in Mission
A. Priority of Mission
B. Partnership in Mission

II. Unity in Assistance
A. Serving Each Other
B. Showing the Unity of the Body

III. Unity in Prayer
A. Sharing Particular Requests
B. Sharing Kingdom Requests

Questions for consideration: (1) Why is it so important for the Church to be united in mission? What happens when it is not? (2) What tangible ways can you show to a watching world that all Christians are one people, united in Christ? (3) How do you make sure that you are praying for others and their needs? How do you make sure others know about your needs?