Romans 15:1-6
Notes
Transcript
Unity
Unity
We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
Those who are strong are those who are free in Christ and not leaning on rules of religion. These rules are not the determining factor in coming to Christ.
To bear = sympathetic toward the weak, even willing to restrict their freedom to prevent the weak from acting against their consciences.
Showing the love of Christ
Unity of the Spirit
the infirmities = (failings) hinderances of traditions/religious laws
the weak = those unconfident
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
We must be willing to help those who don’t see things the way you do, or say something that you don’t agree with, who maybe strong in their opinions but weak in faith
Strength is service
Pleasing Neighbors
Pleasing Neighbors
Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
Supports the 2nd greatest commandment
Seek ways to build our neighbor
Example of Christ
Example of Christ
For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
Christ was willing to endure shame for the Father and for us. He didn’t misuse His freedom to take advantage of people - He used his freedom to serve
Paul refers to
For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up;
And the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me.
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Christ could have chose an easier path but
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Strength of OT
Strength of OT
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
The OT was a source of encouragement and instruction for Christians
To show them what to do and what not to do
Unity
Unity
Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
God gives us what we need in order to unite.
He is patience
He is consoling - comfort
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Unity2
Unity2
That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
When we live in harmony God can hear the harmony of our heart and mind
let it be a sweet sound in your ear
And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,