REBC Adult Bible Study - Romans 15
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Good evening church
Please turn your Bibles to
As we continue our study of the Epistle to the believers in Rome
This chapter begins with a focus on continuing the dialogue started in regarding the relationship between those of strong and weak faith
Then, this chapter also discusses the hope for the gentiles and Paul’s ministry to the gentiles
not judging other believers regardless if they are strong or weak in faithPaul reminds us that God alone is the judge and we have to be careful how we treat our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ Paul here reminds us that the diversity of the church displays Christ’s power to bring together dissimilar people in genuine unityHowever, Satan often works on man’s unredeemed flesh to create division and threaten that unityAs you may recall in our study of Paul discusses our struggle between our redeemed mind and our flesh that is still ruled by sinSatan’s plan is to threaten unity and Paul addresses in this passage what will arise when mature (strong) believers—both Jews and Gentiles—conflict with immature (weak) believersPaul, knowing that the mature Jews and Gentiles would be able to understand these struggles...Addresses most of his comments to them
Finally, this chapter closes with Paul’s plan and desire to visit the believers he is writing to in Rome
Opening Prayer
Opening Prayer
Before we dive into the text...Please join me one more time in prayer before we start
Reading:
Reading:
Verse 1: Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves.
Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves.
As we discussed last week with ...
We need, as those strong in faith, to bear the burden for those who are of weak faith
“To bear” means “to pick up and carry a weight”
It is used of carrying a pitcher of water, of carrying a man, and figuratively of bearing an obligation
The strong are not to simply tolerate the weaknesses of their weaker brothers and sisters
They are to help the weak shoulder their burdens by showing loving and practical consideration for them
This is not about pleasing ourselves
So, this may be uncomfortable or a sacrifice but as those who are strong in faith...
We are commanded to bear this
Verse 2: Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification.
Our focus...
Our main driving force...
We interacting with those of weaker faith...
Is to please our brothers and sisters in Christ
Our main driving force...
Is to be concerned with their edification...
Their own spiritual benefit
Why should we be doing this?
Verse 3 answers our question
Verse 3: For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “THE REPROACHES OF THOSE WHO REPROACHED YOU FELL ON ME.”
Hear, Paul quotes from , one of the most frequently quoted psalms in the New Testament
For the choir director; according to Shoshannim. A Psalm of David.
1 Save me, O God, For the waters have threatened my life.
2 I have sunk in deep mire, and there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and a flood overflows me.
3 I am weary with my crying; my throat is parched; My eyes fail while I wait for my God.
4 Those who hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head; Those who would destroy me are powerful, being wrongfully my enemies; What I did not steal, I then have to restore.
5 O God, it is You who knows my folly, And my wrongs are not hidden from You.
6 May those who wait for You not be ashamed through me, O Lord God of hosts; May those who seek You not be dishonored through me, O God of Israel,
7 Because for Your sake I have borne reproach; Dishonor has covered my face.
8 I have become estranged from my brothers And an alien to my mother’s sons.
9 For zeal for Your house has consumed me, And the reproaches of those who reproach You have fallen on me.
10 When I wept in my soul with fasting, It became my reproach.
11 When I made sackcloth my clothing, I became a byword to them.
12 Those who sit in the gate talk about me, And I am the song of the drunkards.
13 But as for me, my prayer is to You, O Lord, at an acceptable time; O God, in the greatness of Your lovingkindness, Answer me with Your saving truth.
14 Deliver me from the mire and do not let me sink; May I be delivered from my foes and from the deep waters.
15 May the flood of water not overflow me Nor the deep swallow me up, Nor the pit shut its mouth on me.
16 Answer me, O Lord, for Your lovingkindness is good; According to the greatness of Your compassion, turn to me,
17 And do not hide Your face from Your servant, For I am in distress; answer me quickly.
18 Oh draw near to my soul and redeem it; Ransom me because of my enemies!
19 You know my reproach and my shame and my dishonor; All my adversaries are before You.
20 Reproach has broken my heart and I am so sick. And I looked for sympathy, but there was none, And for comforters, but I found none.
21 They also gave me gall for my food And for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.
22 May their table before them become a snare; And when they are in peace, may it become a trap.
23 May their eyes grow dim so that they cannot see, And make their loins shake continually.
24 Pour out Your indignation on them, And may Your burning anger overtake them.
25 May their camp be desolate; May none dwell in their tents.
26 For they have persecuted him whom You Yourself have smitten, And they tell of the pain of those whom You have wounded.
27 Add iniquity to their iniquity, And may they not come into Your righteousness.
28 May they be blotted out of the book of life And may they not be recorded with the righteous.
29 But I am afflicted and in pain; May Your salvation, O God, set me securely on high.
30 I will praise the name of God with song And magnify Him with thanksgiving.
31 And it will please the Lord better than an ox Or a young bull with horns and hoofs.
32 The humble have seen it and are glad; You who seek God, let your heart revive.
33 For the Lord hears the needy And does not despise His who are prisoners.
34 Let heaven and earth praise Him, The seas and everything that moves in them.
35 For God will save Zion and build the cities of Judah, That they may dwell there and possess it.
36 The descendants of His servants will inherit it, And those who love His name will dwell in it.
9 For zeal for Your house has consumed me, And the reproaches of those who reproach You have fallen on me.
“Reproaches” refers to slander, false accusations, and insults...
Men hate God, and they manifested that same hate toward the One He sent to reveal Himself
And the truth of the matter is that even Jesus did not please Himself...
His ultimate purpose was to please God and accomplish His will
Remember Jesus did not want to go to the cross
He prayed passionately that the Father would remove this from Him
42 saying, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.”
But thank God Jesus was more concerned with pleasing the Father than pleasing Himself
Jesus was more concerned with saving us, His followers, than saving Himself
If our master did not seek to please Himself...
Then we shouldn’t try to please ourselves but instead please those who need our support
In other words...
The willingness of the Messiah to deny Himself and suffer for the benefit of others should serve as an example to the Christians in Rome
Verse 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.
How this should be written on our hearts at all times
All that was written in the Scriptures
Are the perfect instructions for our life today
Scripture reveals who the true God of the universe is
Scripture reveals how we fell out of fellowship with God through the fall of man...
But Scripture also reveals to us God’s rescue mission for His Sheep through the perfect work of Jesus...
And how we, with the leading of the Holy Spirit can come into a saving knowledge of God
Scripture covers the most essential truth we need not only to live our lives on this earth...
But how to spend an eternity with God in heaven
Without the clear and certain promises of the Word of God, the believer has no basis for hope
This is why as His followers we have hope that can never be taken away from us
Verse 5: Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus,
Do not be intimidated by the command to sacrifice your pleasures to serve others
God provides the perseverance and the encouragement to accomplish this task...
And by being obedient and following those commands...
We will, as a Christian community, be united and be of the same mind
This will show others a clear picture of who Jesus is
When we are united...
We function as a well oiled machine
We function as a health body
For we must remember...
We are His hands and feet...
We are His arms and legs...
For we are the Body of Christ
Verse 6: So that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
It is so essential to be one body...
And this unity bring glory and honor to God
So unity with other believers is not just a suggestion...
But it is part of our main existence on this earth...
To glorify God!
Questions or Comments?
Reading:
Reading:
Verse 7: Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.
We must remember...
To accept others in the same way...
God accepted us
We did not deserve to be saved
We where not worthy of a relationship with Him
And He had to sacrifice His life in our place
Surely we can sacrifice our Christian liberties to lift up those who are weaker in faith
Remember this fact
Just like it is our right to live free from the law it was also Jesus right to not be punished for He was innocent
But Jesus took up the cross and we need to take up our burdens all for the sake of others
So just as Christ was a servant, we must also be servants
Verse 8: For I say that Christ has become a servant to the circumcision on behalf of the truth of God to confirm the promises given to the fathers,
By looking at the example of Christ...
Hi example of becoming a servant in humility in oder to reach the lost sheep in Israel...
We need to also follow that perfect example...
And be a servant to those around us for the sake of the Kingdom of God
Verse 9: And for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy; as it is written, “THEREFORE I WILL GIVE PRAISE TO YOU AMONG THE GENTILES, AND I WILL SING TO YOUR NAME.”
“THEREFORE I WILL GIVE PRAISE TO YOU AMONG THE GENTILES,
Jesus’ actions of faithfully reaching the remnant, the lost sheep among the Israelite people...
AND I WILL SING TO YOUR NAME.”
Had the effect of also reaching the gentiles who then all glorify God due to His mercy
Paul also makes it clear that this truth has been foretold in the Old Testament
Paul starts here with a series of quotes from Scripture
In verse 9 he is quoting from both and
50 “Therefore I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the nations, And I will sing praises to Your name.
49 Therefore I will give thanks to You among the nations, O Lord, And I will sing praises to Your name.
Verse 10: Again he says, “REJOICE, O GENTILES, WITH HIS PEOPLE.”
“REJOICE, O GENTILES, WITH HIS PEOPLE.”
Here Paul is now quoting
43 “Rejoice, O nations, with His people; For He will avenge the blood of His servants, And will render vengeance on His adversaries, And will atone for His land and His people.”
The gentiles one day worshipping with Israel has been prophesied since the beginning and here we see Moses writing about it
Verse 11: And again, “PRAISE THE LORD ALL YOU GENTILES, AND LET ALL THE PEOPLES PRAISE HIM.”
“PRAISE THE LORD ALL YOU GENTILES,
This is a quote from
AND LET ALL THE PEOPLES PRAISE HIM.”
1 Praise the Lord, all nations; Laud Him, all peoples!
The psalmist here is writing again of this prophecy
Verse 12: Again Isaiah says, “THERE SHALL COME THE ROOT OF JESSE, AND HE WHO ARISES TO RULE OVER THE GENTILES, IN HIM SHALL THE GENTILES HOPE.”
“THERE SHALL COME THE ROOT OF JESSE,
And finally here Paul is quoting
AND HE WHO ARISES TO RULE OVER THE GENTILES,
10 Then in that day The nations will resort to the root of Jesse, Who will stand as a signal for the peoples; And His resting place will be glorious.
The Root of Jesse is referring to Jesus as a descendant of David, whose father was Jesse
And here it is clear that to the gentiles who are, in fact, His sheep...
And to the the Israelites who are also His sheep...
Both those sets of remnants from each group will find there hope in no other name than in Jesus
Questions or Comments?
IN HIM SHALL THE GENTILES HOPE.”
Reading:
Reading:
Verse 13: Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Our source of hope and joy and peace is all only found in God
This is why those who are without a true and genuine relationship with God are...
Hopeless, depressed and in a state of constant conflict
These are warning signs that one need a real relationship with God
Medicine will never completely solve the problem...
Medicine will help and is a tool God gives us to use but it will not solve the root problem and will not fix all ones problems
Alcohol and drugs will numb you temporarily but it wont fix all your problems
Hobbies and activities will entertain you temporarily but it won’t solve these deeper rooted problems
Even the support and love of the best family and friends can’t fix these kinds of problems
Only the Holy Spirit can give you hope, joy and peace that can never go away
Verse 14: And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another.
Paul is here, showing us a perfect example of encouraging his brothers and sisters in Christ
As he encouraged the believers of stronger faith in Rome, he expected them to encourage others
We too are expected to follow this example and this will have a positive ripple effect in creating stronger believers...
In creating a solid community of believers
Verse 15: But I have written very boldly to you on some points so as to remind you again, because of the grace that was given me from God,
Paul is being very transparent
He knows that his letter has been filled with very bold points
The reality is that when we read Romans...
It should fell like a gut punch...
It should challenge us
And Paul wrote in this very real and very clear method because we have been shown so much grace from God
Verse 16: To be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
And Paul discusses his ministry
He is focuses on reaching the gentiles...
Ministering to gentiles the truth found in the gospel message
This is Paul’s offering that is acceptable in front of God’s eyes
And this is all even possible by the power of the Holy Spirit
So, we ourselves need to focus on the offering we need to give God
And we must remember, this offer is only made possible by the power of the Holy Spirit
So, we need to lean on Him so that we can present Him with a good and faithful offering
Questions or Comments?
Reading:
Reading:
Verse 17: Therefore in Christ Jesus I have found reason for boasting in things pertaining to God.
Let us boast...
And let us boast boldly Jesus Christ
For it is because of Him we owe everything
Verse 18: For I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me, resulting in the obedience of the Gentiles by word and deed,
And here is another place to follow Paul’s example
Let all our conversations and our attention be about Christ
Have all that we do be done for the glory of God
For every accomplishment we have done is only made possible by Him
We are simply His tools and we must be obedient to follow Him
Our humility in following our God will always impact others in a positive way...
Here Paul shows how giving the glory and credit to God will result in the obedience of others
Verse 19: In the power of signs and wonders, in the power of the Spirit; so that from Jerusalem and round about as far as Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
Note where it says “I have fully preached the gospel of Christ”
We are not to hold back any truth found in the gospel...
If we do, then we are not preaching the gospel but a lie
You can’t preach God as merciful if you do not discuss His wrath
You can’t preach God’s love without discussing His judgement
Today there are many idols in modern Christianity...
And unfortunately the are called “Jesus” or the “Holy Spirit” or “God”...
But they are not the Father, Son and Holy Spirit as found in the Bible
They have the same name but are totally different
May of these false images of God are really at it’s core the worship of a genie who will grant your every request
Or a “God” who lives to serve you, making you a “God” of your own image
This is unacceptable and a knowledge of that “God” cannot save
This is why it is imperative to preach the whole gospel message
Verse 20: And thus I aspired to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named, so that I would not build on another man’s foundation;
Paul explains his rule that he is searching to build up the Kingdom of God by reaching those who have not yet heard the gospel
His rule here destroys the narrative by the Roman Catholic Church that Paul or Peter where the founders of their church
We can also learn from Paul that we are not called to just do the same exact work as our brother or sister in Christ...
But we must answer our own calling and reach those God asks us to reach
A Pastor will reach his audience at church but what about the community around?
As the church we need to reach the people that we have direct access to that other believes may not have the same opportunity to reach
Verse 21: But as it is written, “THEY WHO HAD NO NEWS OF HIM SHALL SEE, AND THEY WHO HAVE NOT HEARD SHALL UNDERSTAND.”
“THEY WHO HAD NO NEWS OF HIM SHALL SEE,
Paul quotes
AND THEY WHO HAVE NOT HEARD SHALL UNDERSTAND.”
15 Thus He will sprinkle many nations, Kings will shut their mouths on account of Him; For what had not been told them they will see, And what they had not heard they will understand.
This verse refers primarily to Christ’s second coming...
However, in its broader application it refers to the process of evangelism that began in Paul’s day....
And continues throughout church history until Christ returns
We see that when we evangelize and preach to others...
God will soften hearts so that those who did not previously understand will come to a saving knowledge of Him
Verse 22: For this reason I have often been prevented from coming to you;
Do to the work Paul was called to do, it did not allow him to visit Rome when he originally planned to go
This may be an issue we deal with too
Our plans, even if they are good and have a Godly purpose, may not be God’s will or on His timing and we need to accept that
Not
Questions or Comments?
Reading:
Reading:
Verse 25: But now, I am going to Jerusalem serving the saints.
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Verse 24: Whenever I go to Spain—for I hope to see you in passing, and to be helped on my way there by you, when I have first enjoyed your company for a while
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Verse 25: But now, I am going to Jerusalem serving the saints.
Verses 23 and 24 discuss Paul’s future plans to visit Spain and on the way there to visit Rome
However, his current plan is to help the believers in Jerusalem...
Who are in need of financial assisitance
Verse 27: Yes, they were pleased to do so, and they are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to minister to them also in material things.
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Verse 27: Yes, they were pleased to do so, and they are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to minister to them also in material things.
Verse 26 discussed other churches that have contributed to helping the poor in Jerusalem
And here Paul makes the case that as gentiles, they are indebted to Jerusalem for the spiritual benefit they now have...
Therefore, Paul makes if clear we need to help each other both spiritually and physically...
We are one body of believers...
The one who is strong spiritually should help the weak spiritually
The one who is strong financially should help the one struggling financially
This is what a real Christian community should look like...
And this should be the example we show the world
Questions or Comments?
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Verse 29: I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.
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Questions or Comments?
Reading:
Reading:
Verse 30: Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me,
This is a plea from Paul...
An urgent call...
By the power of God, Paul is begging that the Romans strive together with him in prayer
May we covet the prayers of others as Paul here pleads for prayers from other believers
The reality of the matter is that we will only be this passionate about the prayer from others if we really understand what prayer is
Prayer is a personal conversation with the God of the universe...
And there is true power in prayer as seen throughout Scripture...
Such as Moses praying to God when Israel has to cross the red sea...
Jesus praying to the Father to feed the crowds...
Verse 31: That I may be rescued from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may prove acceptable to the saints;
May our service always be acceptable to the saints
This is not to be confused with pleasing the world
This is that those who are born-again and have a relationship with God confirm that your service is pleasing
Verses 32-33: So that I may come to you in joy by the will of God and find refreshing rest in your company. Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Even with Paul sharing his heart and desire to visit Rome...
He understands that this is up to God to decide and is by God will if it happens
Verse 33: Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
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Questions or Comments?
Closing Prayer
Closing Prayer