"Living Life Together for the Glory of God"

Introduction:

The passage that we are going to cover this morning is a continuation of the last couple chapters, dealing with matters of moral indifference. Tensions had arisen between the converts from Judaism and those from a pagan origin. What Paul pleads for here is harmonious relations between the two groups. Between the Jewish and the Gentile Christians.

Recap:

vv 1-2) Care and concern

[1] If we consider ourselves strong in comparison to someone else, use your strength to serve them in Christ.

Galatians 6:1 ESV

1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

It is such a beautiful thing to love people like Christ. Especially our family. We are called correct each other in love and as that verse states in a spirit of gentleness. Also:

1 Peter 4:8 ESV

8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.

We want to avoid using our “strength” just to please ourselves. Family this isn’t a suggestion. We have been given social duties that extend to our neighbors and too our weak brothers and sisters in Christ.

Galatians 5:14 ESV

14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

If we want to demonstrate a love for God we must be obedient to His Word. We have to be applying these truths to our lives.

1 Corinthians 8:10–11 ESV

10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? 11 And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died.

We’ve brought this up last week as well that our liberties are not worth it if it destroys our brothers and sisters.

The idea behind “bear with” isn’t really bearing with, but bearing up the weaker brother or sister- supporting them with your strength.

This concept goes against our culture, which tells people to “look out for number 1” and despise those who live lives of real sacrifice for the sake of others. Paul here undeniably points the way to true happiness and fulfillment in life- get your eyes off of yourself, start building up others and you will find yourself built up.

This echos what happens in discipleship:

Proverbs 27:17 ESV

17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

Also we are to encourage each other:

Hebrews 10:24–25 ESV

24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

vv 3-4) Put others first

vv 5-6) Obedience for the glory of God

vv 7- 13) Loving others