Untitled Sermon

Building Up-Edification

Key Scripture: ; ; Romans 15.1-4

Key Actions/Subjects: Encouragement, Vision, Strength, Fitness, Community

Romans 15:1–4 NASB95

1 Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. 2 Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification. 3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.” 4 For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

I. Self-Awareness And Looking Out For Others

II. Putting Ourselves Under Another in Support

Understanding, undergirding

I was rock climbing with a friend a very long time ago. The climb began as an adventure and ended in a near tragedy. Looking to have fun, and conquer something there was a mild climb that looked intriguing. As we progressed upward and neared the top of the face, my friend could not follow my lead. Fear was soon to follow, and then fatigue. He could have just simply stepped down to an easy place to rest but was paralyzed by fear, and peeling off of the rock at that point would have been about a 90 foot fall.

I worked my way beneath him, and found solid foot holds and hand holds. I told him he could rest a bit, regroup and move upward. He freaked out, and I threatened to slap him if he didn’t calm down. I said, “If you fall on me, we will both fall, and it will end poorly.” Then I said, “Let’s pray.”

I cannot tell you that a rope was thrown from above and we climbed joyously to the top. I can tell you that this guy found the trust to get a grip, move upward, and get to the top.

Sometimes you must put yourself at risk, you must take a place of discomfort in order to help another person move on. It will cost you something.

III.