My Brothers Keeper (2)

Romans 15:1–14 KJV (WS)

We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust. Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

My Brothers Keeper

Romans 15:1-14

The answer to that age old question “Am I my brothers keeper?” is found here in Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. He plainly states that we, as stronger or more mature christian, are to lift up the weaker less mature christian as they struggle with the sickness of sin in their walk of faith. We are to do this with humility not for our gain or vain glory.

As mature Christians we are to be pleasing to our neighbours in order to lift them up and to help them so they might come to know Jesus and continue in the faith and grow in maturity which would be for their good. (1Cor 9:20-22)

I. The Strong (Ro 15:1-6)

A. Hold up the weak with humbleness. (v. 1)

B. Help their neighbour grow in faith. (v. 2) Eph 4:12, 29

C. Have the examples of Christ in scripture to follow. (v. 3-4) Psa 69:9-10 2 Tim 3:16 2 Pet 1:21

D. Have the mind of Christ (vs. 5-6) Phil 2:5-8

II. The Servant (Ro 15:7-12)

A. Minister to the Israelites (v.7-8) Matt 10:5-6, Ro 1:16, Ro 11:11

B. Minister to the Gentiles (v. 9-12) Acts 10:34, Ro 2:10-11

Verse 9 refers to Psa 18:49. Verse 10 refers to Deut 32:43. Verse 11 refers to Psa 117:1. Verse 12 refers to Isa 11:1, 10

III. The Spirit (Ro 15:13-14)

A. Working in them (v.13) Gal. 5:22-23

B. Working though them (v.14) Ro 12:12-21

Conclusion: 2 Pet 3:9