Romans 15:1-4

 

Romans 15:1-4

Bear Ye One Another’s Burdens

 

Rom 15:1  We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

Rom 15:2  Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.

Rom 15:3  For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.

Rom 15:4  For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

  

1. The Purpose of the Church – vs. 1-2
1. Those that are stronger in the faith are to lovingly care for the weaker brothers

                                                              i.      There are those that are new babes in the faith

1.      1 John 2:12 

                                                            ii.      There are those that are more mature but not advanced in their faith

1.      1 John 2:13 

                                                          iii.      There are those that have grown strong spiritual muscles in the faith

1.      1 John 2:14 

2. Those that are stronger in the faith are to put others before themselves

                                                              i.      It is easy to get focused on what we want to accomplish, but we must ask ourselves is this building unity in the church

1.      Psalm 133:1 

2.      Zephaniah 3:9 

3.      John 10:16 

4.      1 Corinthians 1:10 

                                                            ii.      We are all to put others first

1.      Do you have good intentions for your brother?

a.       2 Thessalonians 3:11-13 

2.      Do you desire his spiritual growth?

a.       Colossians 1:28 

2. The Person of the Church – vs. 3
1. If the previous verses do not describe you then you must find sustenance in the person of Christ

                                                              i.      Christ was not self-serving

1.      Christ did not want to go to the cross, yet He said not my will but thine be done

a.       Matthew 26:39-42 

                                                            ii.      Christ was willing to take the curses meant for you upon Himself

1.      Psalm 69:9 

2.      Psalm 69:20-21  

3. The Precept of the Church – vs. 4
1. If the first two verse do not describe you then you can find sustenance in the pages of scripture

                                                              i.      Scripture grows your mind

1.      2 Timothy 3:16-17 

                                                            ii.      Scripture enlarges your patience

1.      James 5:7-11 

                                                          iii.      Scripture gives you comfort

1.      Psalm 119:80-81 

                                                          iv.      Scripture provides you with hope

1.       Lamentations 3:22-26