September 23, 2012
Morning Service

In chapter 13 we got very close and personal as we discussed how our transformed life affects the areas of politics, our money, and our time.  We are to place God first in all three.  It was made very clear that we are to obey, honor and pray for those who have authority over us because God is the one who placed them there.  We are to pay our taxes and manage our money in such a way that it portrays a good witness for Christ to others.  Paul called us to wake up and realize how fleeting time is and use what we have been given wisely.

Rom 14:1 And receive him who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things.

·         We discussed areas where this applies such as; food, drink, and days we choose to worship.  We are not to lay stumbling blocks in front of fellow believers who are not as far along in their walk of faith that we are.

Rom 14:23  But, the one doubting, if he eats, he has been condemned, because it is not of faith; and all that is not of faith is sin.

·         The general rule becomes; follow your heart.  If you feel something is wrong to do in these areas then don’t do them, but don’t lay that burden on others.

 

Paul continues this thought as we enter into chapter 15.

 

Rom 15:1-6  Then we who are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.  (2)  Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good, to building up.  (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 things were written before were written for our learning, so that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.  (5)  And may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like minded toward one another according to Christ Jesus,  (6)  so that with one mind and one mouth you may glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

·         When Christ “made all things new,” He delivered us from the bondage of the law, traditions and personal convictions.  We are saved by grace, NOT by works.  We have been given liberty in many areas of our lives to allow the Spirit to lead and guide us.

·         Paul instructs us again that we are not to use this liberty at the risk of offending a weaker brother.  If you know he feels it is wrong to eat meat, don’t eat meat in his presence.  Our mind set is not to be about us, but about building up our neighbor.

·         Christ is our example that the transformed life will seek to follow.

 Mat 20:28 even as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.

 

The scriptures are given for us to learn from (verse 4) and take comfort in knowing He is faithful.  It will build our patience which strengthens our hope which keeps us going.  Paul’s wish is for that comfort, patience and hope to unify us together to be of one mind in seeking our Lord and one mouth (voice) to glorify His Name.  It is not about us, it is all about Him.

·         Notice the progression of our mouth; 3:14, 10:9, and 15:6.

 

Rom 15:7-13 Therefore receive one another as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.  (8)  And I say, Jesus Christ has become a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers,  (9)  and that the nations might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written, "For this cause I will confess to You in the nations, and I will praise Your name."  (10)  And again He says, "Rejoice, O nations, with His people."  (11)  And again, "Praise the Lord, all the nations, and praise Him, all the peoples."  (12)  And again Isaiah says, "There shall be a root of Jesse, and He who shall rise to reign over the nations, in Him shall the nations trust."  (13)  And may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

·         We are instructed to receive others, just as Christ received us; not on social status, ancestry, or spiritual maturity; but for the sole purpose of promoting the glory of God.

·         He justifies his opinion by quoting several OT scriptures which support this fact.

·         He quotes Psalms 117:1; “Praise the Lord, all the nations, and praise Him, all the peoples.”  I believe that includes us.

·         Verse 13 is a prayer that we have joy, peace and hope abounding in our lives.

 

Rom 15:14-21  And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brothers, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.  (15)  But, brothers, I wrote to you boldly, as reminding you in part, because of the grace that is given to me by God,  (16)  that I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the nations, ministering the gospel of God, so that the offering up of the nations might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit.  (17)  Therefore I have boasting in Christ Jesus as to the things pertaining to God.  (18)  For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ did not work out by me for the obedience of the nations in word and deed,  (19)  in power of miracles and wonders, in power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem, and all around to Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.  (20)  Yea, so I have been eager to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man's foundation;  (21)  but as it is written, "To whom nothing was said about Him, they shall see. And they who have not heard shall understand."

·         Though Paul had never been to the Roman Church, he edifies them with his confidence of their goodness, knowledge, and their ability to admonish one another.

·         Paul then speaks very frankly revealing his true character and passion.  He points all glory for his ministry back to the One who called him.  All was given to him by the grace of God and he was faithful to fulfill his calling of ministering the gospel of God.  He surrendered his life totally to God and was used as “an instrument of righteousness.”

1Co 10:32-33 (NLT) Give no offense, either to the Jews, or to the Gentiles or to the church of God; (33)  that is the plan I follow, too.  I try to please everyone in everything I do.  I don’t do what I like or what is best for me, but what is best for them so that they may be saved.

 

1Co 11:1 Imitate me as I also imitate Christ.

 

D. L. Moody was moved by a preacher who said, “If only one man would give himself entirely and without reserve to the Holy Spirit, what that Spirit might do with him!”  His answer to that was, “Why not me?”