Improving Our Serve

LESSON:   IMPROVING OUR SERVE

TEXT:         Rom. 14:1-15:7

INTRO:       The Bible speaks of “when you come together as a church”- I Cor. 11:18. In that particular case

there were so many problems, Christians were actually acting more like worldlings. Being together for a common cause can be difficult. In fact, just being part of the common cause-assembled or not- can be taxing. Contributing factors are: age, interests. upbringing, religious background, country of origin, opportunities.

I.    WE ARE LOOKING AT A TREMENDOUS PASSAGE THAT IS RELEVANT IN ANY AGE- Rom. 14:1-15:7

      A.   It Reminds Us of the Challenges of Unity in the Body

            1.   A Wagon Wheel Gives Us The Picture

            2.   Key Verses are Rom. 15:5,6

            3.   1st and last verses give us hope (but not easy)

      B.   This Passage Can Be Easy and Enlightening

            1.   IF we keep the CONTEXT in mind

                   a.   The PRACTICAL PORTION of letter

                         (1)  11 chapters of sin, salvation, justification, sanctification, foreknowledge, predestination

                         (2)  Then 12:1,2- transformation

                   b.   This is the field work after the classroom.

            2.   IF we keep certain CONCEPTS in mind

                   a.   Only spiritual brother and sisters involved

                   b.   Their spiritual welfare is key

                   c.   Nothing is inherently sinful in this passage

                   d.   Accept one another

                   e.   Strong and weak in faith identified

                   f.    Judging one another is out.

II.   OUR GIANT ISSUE IS STILL PROPER CONCERN FOR EACH ANOTHER

      A.   Acceptance

      B.   Not Passing Judgment On His Views

      C.  Do Not Judge His Person

      D.  Make Allowance For Differences

      E.   Do Not Cause A Sibling To Stumble

      F.   Consider Christ’s Death Was For Him Too

      G.  Try Hard To Build Up Not Tear Down

      H.  Make An Effort To Not Cause a Brother to Fall

      I.    If Strong, Bear With Failings Of The Weak

CONCLUSION

      Most of our difficulties do not involve either gospel or doctrine. More problems have come because of carpet color or some other item the Bible is silent on.

      Let me encourage you to run to this passage when these things confront us.

      In this way we will IMPROVE OUR SERVE;