Study—Romans 15:1-7

Observations:

Who are the strong? Those who understand that they have been saved by grace through faith in Christ.

Who are the weak? Those who still struggle with trying to earn their righteousness in order to please others and God.

What does it mean to bear the failings of the weak? To not pass judgement, show grace and defer to other’s needs over your own freedoms.

Who is our neighbor? Our neighbors are those God calls us to be a good samaritan too. Going above and beyond and the extra mile to serve someone in need of help.

Who’s reproaches, reproached Christ? The Jews, rejection of Jesus as the Christ.

“Former days, the scriptures,” ? Old testament laws prophecies that spoke about Jesus.

What “hope” is Paul talking about? The hope we have in Christ who took on all our sin, so that we might be forgiven and set free to love like him.

Who is Paul saying should live in “harmony” in accord with Christ Jesus? Jews & Gentiles.

How do you glorify God? Build others up, like the scriptures show that Jesus did and live in harmony together (look up definition of harmony, greek or hebrew word).

Outline/Commentaries:

Main theme Romans 15—Glorify God by being a Christ like example.

#1. Seek to build others up

Romans 15:1–4 ESV

We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

#2. Live in harmony (one voice)

Romans 15:5–7 ESV

May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Conclusion:

Building others up and living in harmony with them brings Glory to God, as a Christ like example.