But Why?

Study of Romans: Message Thirty-One

Wednesday Nights at MFBC

Romans 15:1-13.

ETS: Paul explained why believers are considerate of and welcoming towards other believers.

ESS: Believers consider and welcome others because God is most glorified and His glory is most furthered in doing so.

OSS: [Ethical] {I want the hearers to evaluate whether or not they live among others in a way that God is glorified and His glory is spread.}

PQ:

Why does Paul instruct the believers to please and welcome their neighbors?

UW: Reasons

Intro.: [AGS]: Have you ever had a son or daughter, namely a teenage kid that has real sass, respond to your instruction with a sarcastic, disrespectful, “BUT WHY?” [TS]: The text today recorded explanation behind Pauls instruction to the believers giving reason behind his instruction to them to please their neighbor and welcome them. [RS]: We should consider and welcome our neighbor because God is most glorified and His Kingdom is most furthered in doing so. Maybe, though, for you, you are like the frustrated teenager asking, “BUT WHY?!”

TS: Let us examine a few reasons together now.

We please our neighbor for the following reasons: [vv. 1-6]

Edification of neighbor [2]

Glorification of God [3a, 6a]

Cooperation of Scripture [3b-4]

Unification of believers [v. 6b]

We welcome one another for the following reasons: [vv. 7-13]

Honoring Jesus [7-13]

Concluding Remarks:

Prayer:

May God grant you to live in harmony with one another [v. 5]

May God fill you with all joy and peace resulting in an overflow of hope [v. 13]

Takeaway Questions:

[1] Have I considered the purpose behind the instructions in Scripture calling me to live a certain way?

[2] Am I committed to believers being built up and the Kingdom of God being furthered?

Consulted Resources:

[1] Edwin A. Blum, “Romans,” in CSB Study Bible: Notes, ed. Edwin A. Blum and Trevin Wax (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2017).

‌[2] Albert Barnes, Notes on the New Testament: Romans, ed. Robert Frew (London: Blackie & Son, 1884–1885).

‌[3] Adam Clarke, The Holy Bible with a Commentary and Critical Notes, New Edition., vol. 6 (Bellingham, WA: Faithlife Corporation, 2014).

‌[4]William Barclay, “The Letter to the Romans” in The New Daily Study Bible (Louisville, KY: The Westminster John Knox Press, 2017).

‌[5] Warren W. Wiersbe, “Romans” in Be Right: How to be Right with God, Yourself, and Others (Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook, 2008).