Romans 15:1-13
June Memory Verse: All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
Read: Romans 15:1-13
“We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” That is a mouthful. Paul commands the Church to build up his or her neighbor “for his good.”
In the context of Romans, Paul is writing to a church in conflict with some who say certain standards must be maintained. In chapter 14, and expressly said here, Paul states that love limits the liberty I have in Christ. Why? Because this is Christ’s example for us.
Even when we disagree on matters of Convictions and Preferences, as Tim discussed yesterday, we must “live in harmony, in accord with Christ Jesus” and “with one voice glorify God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.” This may require the “endurance and encouragement” that only comes from God.
In verses 8–13, Paul again addresses the Jewish-Gentile debate—Christ came through the Covenant promises to the Jewish people to “confirm the promises given to the patriarchs.” However, Paul then quotes several passages showing that Gentile inclusion was always part of the plan.
Today, our country is as divided as I have ever seen it. Race, gender, politics, even a virus has torn people apart—to mask or not to mask, to vaccinate or not to vaccinate. How many times over the last year have you heard, said, or thought something like this, “How can a believer in Christ do __________?” or “How can a Christian believe ___________?” Most of these issues we’re talking about are Convictions and Preferences—not clear Commands of Scripture.
As Christ followers, we must do everything within our power to let the most offensive thing about our lives be the Gospel. It is offensive enough. When we align ourselves with the truth of God’s plan of salvation and live in accordance with His Word, we will not please everyone. However, we must genuinely seek the absolute best of those around us—building them up in Christ.
What this looks like is the text I got from a young lady who visited our church a few times. She said she felt very welcomed and very cared for, but it appeared we believed different things and she wouldn’t be back. She was very thankful for how she was treated, but she knew we would never align with her. I’m not 100% sure what she took issue with, and she didn’t respond when I asked for clarity, however, I was very encouraged by her message.
I want every person I interact with to leave feeling cared for even if we have a clear disagreement based on the Commands of Scripture. Remember, we can win arguments, but that doesn’t mean anything if we lose relationships.
By: Tyler Short
Read: Romans 15:1-13
“We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” That is a mouthful. Paul commands the Church to build up his or her neighbor “for his good.”
In the context of Romans, Paul is writing to a church in conflict with some who say certain standards must be maintained. In chapter 14, and expressly said here, Paul states that love limits the liberty I have in Christ. Why? Because this is Christ’s example for us.
Even when we disagree on matters of Convictions and Preferences, as Tim discussed yesterday, we must “live in harmony, in accord with Christ Jesus” and “with one voice glorify God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.” This may require the “endurance and encouragement” that only comes from God.
In verses 8–13, Paul again addresses the Jewish-Gentile debate—Christ came through the Covenant promises to the Jewish people to “confirm the promises given to the patriarchs.” However, Paul then quotes several passages showing that Gentile inclusion was always part of the plan.
Today, our country is as divided as I have ever seen it. Race, gender, politics, even a virus has torn people apart—to mask or not to mask, to vaccinate or not to vaccinate. How many times over the last year have you heard, said, or thought something like this, “How can a believer in Christ do __________?” or “How can a Christian believe ___________?” Most of these issues we’re talking about are Convictions and Preferences—not clear Commands of Scripture.
As Christ followers, we must do everything within our power to let the most offensive thing about our lives be the Gospel. It is offensive enough. When we align ourselves with the truth of God’s plan of salvation and live in accordance with His Word, we will not please everyone. However, we must genuinely seek the absolute best of those around us—building them up in Christ.
What this looks like is the text I got from a young lady who visited our church a few times. She said she felt very welcomed and very cared for, but it appeared we believed different things and she wouldn’t be back. She was very thankful for how she was treated, but she knew we would never align with her. I’m not 100% sure what she took issue with, and she didn’t respond when I asked for clarity, however, I was very encouraged by her message.
I want every person I interact with to leave feeling cared for even if we have a clear disagreement based on the Commands of Scripture. Remember, we can win arguments, but that doesn’t mean anything if we lose relationships.
By: Tyler Short
4 Comments
"love limits the liberty I have in Christ"
This spoke to my heart today. I'm reminded of scripture's command to not be a stumbling block to our brothers & sisters. We have many freedoms in Christ but we must be careful to use them correctly. As we strive to share Christ with Muslims & Jews we must be aware of things like dietary restrictions and special holidays. Muslims just finished a month long observance of Ramadan in the middle of May. During this time they fast from sunrise to sunset. I work in a business where I interact with a number of Muslims and I try to use that period of time to show sensitivity to their beliefs and, when possible, discuss their faith. This has led to some great gospel conversations where I can share with them what Jesus means to me and how He has changed my life. As Tyler said in the commentary, Jesus set the perfect example of selfless humility by giving up His freedoms to meet people where they were. Thanks for the good word today Tyler.
Good word TS! Building gospel relationships are #1 priority!!
Through text chains and group me I can say that my connect group consistently builds each other up. We must continue to do so even over summer break. People realizing that others truly care more about them then themselves is indeed acting out the gospel.
Just as in the case of becoming a believer, submitting your life to God and following Christ is a matter of the heart, so too is living a Christ-like life. It is all a matter of the heart, so that in all situations we must do a heart check. If we do things from a position of love, even if we still make some mistakes, we will be pleasing to God and bringing Him honor. And others can not fault you if you are truly acting out of love.