Romans 15:8-13
8 For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9 and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy. As it is written, “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to Your Name.”
10 And again it is said, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people.” 11 And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol Him.” 12 And again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse will come, even He who arises to rule the Gentiles; in Him will the Gentiles hope.” 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (ESV)
Pride destroys people, making them want to rule over others. It is the sin of narcissism and we see it over the whole world. Looking down on others is called spiritual haughtiness.
This is what a man sent by God tells us what God says, holding up the attributes of the Lord Jesus Christ, the One Solution to all the problems of the world:
- The God of Humility
God in Christ became a Servant (Phil. 2:1-8). We need to become humble servants like the Lord Jesus. - The God of all Humanity
The God of the Jews also extended His mercy to the Gentiles (Acts3:26; 2 Cor. 1:20; Rom.3:29). - The God of Hope
Hope is the one thing humanity wants, but sorely lacks. Only the God who makes glorious promises and keeps them can give us hope with all joy and peace in believing.
The peace of God which transcends all human understanding prevents us from ‘freaking out’ in difficult situations.