Outline Romans 15
15:1-3 - Not to please self
15:4-6 - God gives perserverance
15:7-13 - Praise among Gentiles
15:14-21 - Paul’s ministry
15:22-29 - Paul’s journey
15:30-33 - Strive with me
1 Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves.
2 Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification.
3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, "THE REPROACHES OF THOSE WHO REPROACHED YOU FELL ON ME."
V. 1 - “Now we who are strong” - This verse emphasizes the principle Paul has been preaching in the preceding verses (Rom 14:1-23). The focus is on the well-being of those around you, rather than yourself. (See: Phil 2:3-4) Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luk 19:10) He humbled Himself, became a human, and died in order for those who believe may live eternally. (Phil 2:5-8)
“Bear the weaknesses...” - For example: If it does not bother you to eat meat, and you know your friend is offended by the same - Don’t eat meat when you are eating with them. This is not saying that either eating meat or not eating meat is better or worse than the other.
V. 2 - “Each of us is to please his neighbor” - Be on the lookout (“B.O.L.O.”) for your fellow believers. Be confident that your behavior won’t lead them to doubt their faith or commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ!
V. 3 - “For even Christ did not please Himself“ - Jesus became a human for us, in order to accomplish God’s grander purpose for us. He said, “My Father, if possible, let this cup pass from me! Yet not what I will, but what you will." (Matt 26:39) This verse ends with a quote from Psa 69:9. God’s judgement against sin fell upon the one and only sinless person. If people are offended by me as a believer, then God’s reputation is besmirched. May it never be! If my behavior causes another believer, or someone interested in God’s message of salvation, to question their belief or to reject Jesus. Shame on me! May it never be!
The psalmist says it best: “Let none who rely on you be disgraced because of me, O sovereign LORD and king! Let none who seek you be ashamed because of me, O God of Israel!” (Psa 69:6)
Another side of this quote is that those who hate God and Jesus will express their hatred and anger out on Christian believers. Persecution of Christians is similar to that which has followed that of the Jews. Persecution of believers is not the emphasis here, but disdain for Christ easily feeds the desire to denigrate Jesus and His followers.
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