March 1, 2013

Romans - Lesson 16


Text

C. Paul’s personali greetings 16:1-24

Chapter 16
1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea;
2 that you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a helper of many, and of myself as well.
3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,
4 who for my life risked their own necks, to whom not only do I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles;
5 also greet the church that is in their house. Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is the first convert to Christ from Asia.
6 Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you.
7 Greet Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen, and my fellow prisoners, who are outstanding among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.
8 Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord.
9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.
10 Greet Apelles, the approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus.
11 Greet Herodion, my kinsman. Greet those of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord.
12 Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, workers in the Lord. Greet Persis the beloved, who has worked hard in the Lord.
13 Greet Rufus, a choice man in the Lord, also his mother and mine.
14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the brethren with them.
15 Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.
16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.
17 Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them.
18 For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.
19 For the report of your obedience has reached to all; therefore I am rejoicing over you, but I want you to be wise in what is good, and innocent in what is evil.
20 And the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.
The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
21 Timothy my fellow worker greets you, and so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen.
22 I, Tertius, who write this letter, greet you in the Lord.
23 Gaius, host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer greets you, and Quartus, the brother.
  1. [The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.]

D. Paul’s blessing 16:25-27


25 Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past,
26 but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith;
  1. to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever. Amen.


Thought questions for chapter 16

  1. Have you ever felt like a second class citizen, or just second best? How does the Bible elevate the position of women in the first century?
When I really lacked finances. The servant of all is the greatest of all.
  1. What can we learn about Phoebe from this passage?
She was a true servant (possibly a deaconness for women)
  1. How can perverters of the Gospel recognized? See 1 Tim 6:3; Matt 7:15-20
By the results of their teaching. Are they teaching what Christ taught?
  1. How can we safeguard ourselves from them? 2Jn 10; 2 tim 2:14-16; 1 thess 5:22
By adhearing to the teachings of Christ, and wrangling over words.
  1. How is God described in verses 17-27?
God will bring about HIS will.

For Further Thought


Was Phoebe a deaconess? If so, was this position equal to that of 1Tim 3?

I think she was. It was probably equavalent to the men, but its scope was probably limited to women. Some things women would feel comfortable only having other women do for them.


Andronicus and Junias are listed as being outstanding among the apostles. Does this indicate apostolic succession. What about Acts chapter 1?

This does not say that these are apostles the same as Peter and Paul. It could very well be that these men were sent forth with orders by a church for a specific reason.

What is the significance of the phrases “in the lord” or “in Christ” or “Christ Jesus”? How are they used in this passage?
Vss. 3, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13. They (the phrases) are a designation of a Christian.

What kinds of things does Paul commend in the first 16 verses?
Being a servant vss 1-2
A fellow worker vs 2
Risking ones life vs 4
Working hard vs 6
Being a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus
Outstanding among the apostles vs 7
Being in the Lord, in Christ, beloved, a saint, etc 8-15


Compare verses 17-20 with Genesis chapter 3. What is Paul trying to teach from the Hebrew bible?
Satan caused the division of God and man, but God has crushed Satan’s efforts through Jesus Christ.


How should we judge success?
See vs 19 To the extent that we are obedient to Christ and have sanctified ourselves.

How do verses 25-27 summarize Paul’s key themes in this letter?
God has revealed HIS will throughout the ages. HIS will for us is now revealed in Paul’s gospel and is for us all.

What divisions and obstacles are the people to avoid? Vss. 17-20
See also 3:8; 6:1, 15; 7:7; 9:14 and Gal 5:2-6

We are to avoid the things of the world and to live our lives by “faith working through love” see Gal 5:6




By way of illustration

Hindrances
If you want to be distressed -- look within.
If you want to be defeated -- look back.
If you want to be distracted -- look around.
If you want to be dismayed -- look ahead.
If you want to be delivered -- look up!

Suppose some morning we go to a race. Runners are lined up, stripped to the bare essentials. All is ready for the race when suddenly we see another fellow coming to the starting line. But strange as it seems he is fully dressed. He has on a full suit, heavy overcoat, hip boots and a heavy woolen cap. In his hands he carries his lunch bucket and an umbrella. His pockets are filled with medicines. Everyone is surprised that such a person would try to win the race.
Finally we approach him and ask him about it. "Of course," he says, "I'm running the race. What's wrong with what I wear? Is anything wrong with a coat or cap or medicines? After all, the race is long, the terrain is treacherous, and I may become ill. I'm going prepared for whatever may lie ahead." We can't tell him that what he carries is a burden, maybe even a sin. But we know he'll never win the race. Why? Because he is loaded with weights.
The writer of Hebrews told the Christians to lay aside every weight. Self-control requires us not only to avoid sin but also demands the discipline to give up good things that will keep us from being and doing our best for God.



William Bradford, the governor of the Plymouth Colony of pilgrims, insisted, "Those who believe in the Holy Scriptures are bound to observe its teachings. Those who do not are to be bound by its consequences."

  • Larry Burkett, What Ever Happened to the American Dream, p. 43.

The Master's will, for this I pray, Whatever it may be!
I do not want to miss Your best; Reveal it, Lord, to me.
My own desires may lead me wrong, I must consult my God;
His counsel will be justified, When all the way I've trod.
O soul of mine, delight in Him! His Word discern, obey!
The plan you seek to know will then unfold from day to day.
We do not live our lives alone: If I am in God's will,
The lives of others will be helped, His purpose to fulfill!
My all, O Lord, I give to You, My body, mind and soul;
May all the days that lie ahead, be under Your control.
  • Frances L. Hess


People who talk about prayer but never pray.
People who say tithing is right but never tithe.
People who want to belong to the church but never attend.
People who say the Bible is God's Word to man but never read it.
People who criticize others for things they do themselves.
People who stay away from church for trivial reasons and sing, "Oh, How I Love Jesus."
People who continue in sin all their lives but expect to go to heaven.
  • Church Bulletin Bits
What the Bible says about divisions
I. Church unity
Jn 10:14-16; 15: 1-8; 17: 11-23; Acts 1:14; 2:1; 4:32-35; 5:12-14; 1 Corth 1:10-13; 3: 1-23; 12:12-13, 27 Gal 2:19; Eph 1:10, 22-23; 4:1-16; 5:23-32;
Col 1:18; 1Tim 3:14-15

II. Warnings against false teachers

Rom 16:17-19 Gal 4:17; 5:3-4, 7-12 Col 2:16-23 2 Thess 2:1-12 1 Tim 1:6-7; 4:1-7; 6:3-10; 2 Tim 2:16-26; 3: 1-9, 13; 4:3-4 Titus 1:9-16; 3:9-11
2 Pet 2:1-22; 1 Jn 2:18-19 2 Jn 7-11 Jude 3-23 Rev 2:6, 13-16, 20-25

  1. Insights into Divisions
Jn 15:1-8 We are to abide in Jesus, not in preachers, a particular doctrine, or in cliches of mutual agreement
Jn 17:11-23 In Christ, through the word, which unifies us.
1 Corth 1:10-13 No clicks, preacheritis, or particular heritage, but rather Christ.
1 Corth 3:1-23 Build up the work Christ has laid, do not destroy it by fleshly desires.
Eph 4:1-16 Immaturity causes division, grow up, and realize that each one has their place in the body of Christ
Rom 16:17-19 Keep an eye out for crafty, smooth talkers.
1 Tim 4:1-7 People who manipulate others by teaching that you can be closer to God through self denial
2 Tim 3:1-9 Those who exhibit godlessness
2 Tim 4:3-4 Those who teach people what the people want, rather than what they need.
2 Pet 2:1-22 Those who teach that engaging in worldliness is acceptable
2 Jn 7-11 Those who do not preach Christ!

  1. Dealing with false teachers
Acts 17:10-12 Study, to be sure you are correct (2 Tim 2:15)
2 Tim 4:1-2 Use the word to reprove (to bring to light), rebuke (stronger admonishment), and exhort (implore change by strong encouragement)
Eph 1:18 Pray for Guidance (Rom 8:26; Eph 6:18)
Eph 6:10-17 Clothe yourself Spiritually
Matt 18: 15-18 Deal with the person directly
  1. Have a private discussion
  2. If that will not work, bring along other Christians to bear witness to what is going on and to reason together.
  3. Inform the church of the situation, and urge them to confront the person themselves.
  4. If the person will NOT LISTEN OR CHANGE, have nothing to do with him/her. 1 Cor 5:1-5
  5. If there is repentance, accept again. 2Cor 2:5-11





Test on the book of Romans Name _________________ (optional)

1. Who wrote the book of Romans? _________

  1. Righteousness means…… _____
  1. Good behavior
  2. Good thinking
  3. Good in God’s sight
  4. All of the above

3. Does the book of Romans discuss doctrine exclusively? Yes___ No___

  1. What is the Thesis (theme) of the book? (circle one)

1. Rom 1:16-17 2. Rom 8:28 3. Rom 16:26

5. Is being considered right with God accomplished by the Ten Commandments? True ______False_____

6. Living according to the Flesh will result in eternal life?
True ______False_____

7. All Israel will be saved? True ______False_____

8. Our bodies are a sacrifice to God? True ______False_____

  1. We do not have to be subject to our government because we are christians.
True ______False_____

10. As long as we know an action of ours to be correct we can do it, regardless of what a fellow Christian thinks! True ______False_____


  1. What did you think of this class?



12. Suggestions or comments?





i Cast of Characters Romans 16 (Greetings to: 3-16) (Greetings from:21-23)

1. Phoebe vss 1-2 Deaconness
(name is femine form of Apollo)

2. Priscilla and Aquilla vss 3-4 Wife and Husband team
mentioned in Acts 18
That she is mentioned first is probably because of wealth or nobility

3. Epenetus vs 4 Spiritual child of Paul

4. Mary vs 6 "The toiler"

5. Andronicus & Junias vs 7 Relatives, in prison with Paul. Greek is unclear in
reference to the comment about the apostles; probably means they were thought well of BY the apostles.

6. Ampliatus vs 8 A slave name. This
name was found on an elaborate tombstone in the cemetery of Domatilla, who was a woman of high standing in Rome.

7. Urbanus, Stachys, Apelles, Heroian vs 9 Not much is known of
them.

8. Households of Aristobulus & Narcissus vss 10-11 This is a reference to
the slaves of their households.

9. Tryphena & Tryphosa vs 12 Their names come from
the same root word meaning “To live delicately". Names such as this were given to the rich.

10. Persis vs 12 Probably an elderly
lady.

11. Rufus & his mother vs 13 Mk 15:21 Simon of
Cyrene was the father of Alexander and Rufus. Therefore, Rufus may have been the son of the man who carried the cross of Jesus. Note the affection toward them.

12. Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas.. 14 May be a businessmen's
group according to Ray
Stedman.

13. Philologus, Julia, Neresus… vs 15 According to Wm.
Barclay, Neresus was the steward of Flavius Clemens and Domatilla. Domatilla was the granddaughter of the emperor Vespasian.

14. Timothy vs 21 Spiritual child of Paul,
evangelist.

15. Lucius, Jason, Sosipater vs 21 Kinsmen of Paul.

16. Tertius, Quartus. Vs 22, 23 In a Roman household,
the first slave (the one in charge of everything) was named Primus, the number 2 man was Secundus, the third was Tertius, the fourth Quartus, the fifth slave was Quintus, etc.

17. Gaius vs 23 Host to the whole
church. Probably a rich man.

18. Erastus vs 23 The city treasurer
(director of public works)
OTHER THOUGHTS
1. What is the importance of these names?
  1. Why greet so MANY individuals, SO FAR away (to a place Paul had never been)?
  2. Why Include both the rich and poor, the exalted and the most lowly?
  3. Why is this chapter attached to a book that is SO THEOLOGICAL IN NATURE?
  4. What does this chapter tell us about the apostle PAUL?
  5. How many of us could send a letter so far away and remember so many people by name?
  6. Do the preceding two chapters have any relationship to chapter 16?

Romans - Lesson 15


Text

3. Brothers and edification 15:1-13

Chapter 15
1 Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves.
2 Let each of us 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 Thee fell upon Me."
4 For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
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;
6 that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Wherefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.
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,
9 and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy; as it is written,
"Therefore I will give praise to Thee among the Gentiles, And I will sing to Thy name."
10 And again he says,
"Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people."
11 And again,
"Praise the Lord all you Gentiles, And let all the peoples praise Him."
12 And 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."
13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

III. Conclusion 15:14-16:27
A. Paul’s personal plans 15:14-29
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.
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,
16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, that my offering of the Gentiles might become acceptable,
sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
17 Therefore in Christ Jesus I have found reason for boasting in things pertaining to God.
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,
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.
20 And thus I aspired to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named, that I might not build upon another man's foundation;
21 but as it is written,
"They who had no news of Him shall see, And they who have not heard shall understand."
22 For this reason I have often been hindered from coming to you;
23 but now, with no further place for me in these regions, and since I have had for many years a longing to come to you
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--
25 but now, I am going to Jerusalem serving the saints.
26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.
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.
28 Therefore, when I have finished this, and have put my seal on this fruit of theirs, I will go on by way of you to Spain.
29 And I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.

B. Paul’s plea for prayers 15:30-33

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,
31 that I may be delivered from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may prove acceptable to the saints;
32 so that I may come to you in joy by the will of God and find refreshing rest in your company.
  1. Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

Thought questions for chapter 15

a. From this chapter, what do you think Paul’s relationship with God was like?

A humble servant, trying to do the will of Christ. This caused him to trust in Jesus to accomplish the work through the Holy Spirit.


b. Why do Christians sometimes become zealous once again? What part does being active in the work of the church play in this?
The word of God has effect as it has effect. The more we do for Christ, the more we will want to do.
  1. What does following Christ’s example involve? See vs. 7-12
Reaching out to others.
  1. How does Paul describe the work he does? See verses 15-21
Paul’s work was Christ’s work.
  1. What was Paul concerned about in verses 20-25?
Seeing the Romans.
  1. What would Paul’s job description been like?
A church planter.
  1. What is the key to Christian unity?
Love.
  1. After reading this chapter, how would you define Christian freedom?
Christian freedom is doing good as Christ did.



For further thought

What sources of help do we find in verses 3-5 to aid us in following the counsel of the first two verses?
We have the example of Christ.


What should characterize the life of the Christian church? See vs. 2, 5-7, 13
A life of love that causes us to unify in gloryifying God.

What motivates Paul? (See vss. 15-22)
Christ, who gave Paul his mission to the gentiles.

Why does Paul switch to writing about himself?
In order to boast of what Christ has done through him. See vs. 17-18

What was the geographical extent of Pauls preaching?
Illyricum vs 19 (Yugoslavia), Jerusalem vs.19, Rome, and Greece.



Bound in unity
1. We are to have the same mind Acts 4:32; 1Cor 13:11; Phil 1:27; 2:2; 1 Pet 3:8
2. We are to have the same mutual reception of one another 1Cor 1:10; Phil 2:2; 3:16; 1Pet 3:8; 1Cor 8:9 (just as Christ did: Eph 4:1; 1 Cor 3:16ff.; Rom 5:2)

Purpose of his pleas
  1. Might be delivered from the disobedient in Judea 30b-31
  2. Brethren at Jerusalem will accept his gift 31b
  3. His coming to Rome might be in accordance with God’s will 32-33a
  4. That together they might find mutual rest 33b


By way of illustration

Perseverance
Climb every mountain, ford every stream,
Follow every rainbow, 'til you find your dream. Oscar Hammerstein (1895-1960)

Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failures, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory or defeat. Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919)

Press on! Nothing in the world can take the place of perseverance. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933)

The heights by great men reached and kept
Were not attained by sudden flight,
But they, while their companions slept,
Were toiling upward in the night. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882)

Glorifying God
What God chooses, He cleanses.
What God cleanses, He molds.
What God molds, He fills.
What God fills, He uses. J. Sidlow Baxter

Encouragement
A number of years ago, in a mental institution just outside Boston, Mass., a young girl known as "Little Annie" was locked in the dungeon. This institution was one of the more enlightened ones for the treatment of the mentally disturbed. However, the doctors felt that a dungeon was the only place for those who were "hopelessly" insane. In Little Annie's case, they saw no hope for her, so she was confined to a living death in that small cage which received little light and even less hope.
About that time, an elderly nurse in the institution was nearing retirement. She felt there was hope for all of God's creatures, so she started taking her lunch into the dungeon and eating outside Little Annie's cage. She felt perhaps she could communicate some love and hope to the little girl.
In many ways, Little Annie was like an animal. On occasions, she would violently attack the person who came into her cage. At other times, she would completely ignore them. When the elderly nurse started visiting her, Little Annie gave no indication that she was even aware of her presence. One day, the elderly nurse brought some brownies to the dungeon and left them outside the cage. Little Annie gave no hint she knew they were there, but when the nurse returned the next day, the brownies were gone. From that time on, the nurse would bring brownies when she made her Thursday visit. Soon, the doctors in the institution noticed a change was taking place. After a period of time, they decided to move Little Annie upstairs. Finally, the day came when this "hopeless case" was told she could return home. But Little Annie did not wish to leave. The place had meant so much to her she felt she could make a contribution if she stayed and worked with the other patients. The elderly nurse had seen and brought out so much in her life that Little Annie felt she could see and help develop something in others.
Many years later, Queen Victoria of England, while pinning England's highest award on a foreigner, asked Helen Keller, "How do you account for your remarkable accomplishments in life? How do you explain the fact that even though you were both blind and deaf, you were able to accomplish so much?" Without a moment's hesitation, Helen Keller said that had it not been for Anne Sullivan (Little Annie), the name of Helen Keller would have remained unknown.
It's not too well known, but Helen Keller was a normal, healthy baby before some mysterious disease left her almost helpless and hopeless. Anne Sullivan saw Helen Keller as one of God's very special people -- treated her as she saw her -- loved her -- disciplined her - - played, prayed, pushed and worked with her until the flickering candle that was her life became a beacon that helped light the pathways and lighten the burdens of people all over the world. Yes, Helen Keller influenced millions after her own life was touched by "Little Annie!"
Expanded outline
3. Brothers and edification 15:1-13

a. Bear with the weak, you stronger ones! 1
b. Build up your neighbor 2
c. Basis for edification: Christ 3-4
d. Bond of unity 5-7
  1. Brethren, both Jew and Gentile are the result
Of Christ’s work 8-13
1.) The effects of Christ’s ministry 8-12
2.) The blessing of Christ’s ministry 13

4. Paul’s Personal Plans 15:14-29

a. Persuasion and purpose 14-21
1.) Assurance of their ability 14
2.) Admonition to them for remembrance 15
  1. Activity of Paul for Gentile
Gospel acceptance 16
4.) Aim to glorify Christ 17-21

b. Plans in specificity 22-29
1.) Desire to go to Rome 22-24
2.) Duty to return to Rome with gift 25-27
3.) Destination: Spain 28-29

5. Paul’s plea for prayers 15: 30-33

  1. Platform of Paul’s prayer:
The LORD CHRIST 30a
b. Purpose of his pleas 30b-33

Building up
Why?
1. The Bible says so Rom 14:19
2. To please others Rom 15:2
3. Love 1 Cor 8:1
4. Its from God 2 Cor 5:1; (see also Eph 2:19-22)
10:1-8; 1 Cor 3:9
How?
1. Love 1 Cor 8:1
2. Knowledge 1 Cor 14:1-3 (Hos 4:6)
3. Through what we say Eph 4:29
4. Encouragement 1Thess 5:11
5. The church Eph 2:19-22
6. The word of God 1 Pet 2:1-8; 2 Tim 3:16-17

The Example of Christ --- Matt 26:39; Jn 4:34; 8:29; Phil 2:8; Psa 69:9
The Scriptures encourage

By what they are called…

The Book of the LORD Isa 34:16

Good word of God Heb 6:5

Sacred writings 2Tim 3:15
Law of the LORD psa 1:2

Oracles of God Rom 3:2

Writing of the truth Dan 10:21

Sword of the Spirit Eph 6:17

word of Christ Col 3:16

word of life Phil 2:16

word of truth 2 Tim 2:15


By who they testify of ….. Jn 5:39; Acts 18:28; Heb 1:1-3

By their being fulfilled by Christ Matt 5:17; Lk 24:27

By their comparison to : 1. Seed Lk 8:5-15 2. A two edged
Sword Heb4:12

By their prophetic pronouncement fulfilled: Lk 4:21; Jn 13:18; 17:12; 19:24, 28

By their origin Rom 3:2; Matt 22:31-32; 2 Tim 3:16

By what they do Jn 2:22; Heb 1:1-3; Rom 10:11;
Gal 3:8; 2 Tim 3:16f.

And…

By the lifestyle they teach By the examples of people who followed God faithfully

By the comfort they give By the revelation of the future

By their unending spiritual application

And… so by so many other things we can not even conceive of now!

Romans - Lesson 14


Text

F. The righteous man and his fraternal relationship 14:1-15:13


1. Brothers and judgement 14:1-12

Chapter 14
1 Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions.
2 One man has faith that he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats vegetables only.
3 Let not him who eats regard with contempt him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats, for God has accepted him.
4 Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and stand he will, for the Lord is able to make him stand. 1
5 One man regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Let each man be fully convinced in his own mind.
6 He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who eats not, for the Lord he does not eat, and gives thanks to God.
7 For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself;
8 for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.
9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.
10 But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God.
11 For it is written,
"As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me,
And every tongue shall give praise to God."
12 So then each one of us shall give account of himself to God.

2. Brothers and stumbling 14:13-23

13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this-- not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way.
14 I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
15 For if because of food your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy with your food him for whom Christ died.
16 Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil;
17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
18 For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.
19 So then let us pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.
20 Do not tear down the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are clean, but they are evil for the man who eats and gives offense.
21 It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother stumbles.
22 The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.
  1. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.

Thought questions for chapter 14

  1. Have you ever found yourself in the position of watching a fellow Christian do something you felt was wrong, only to realize later that the problem was your own judgmental attitude? How did this make you feel?
Yes. Very, very small.
  1. What is the principle of Christian commitment in the last verses of chapter 14?
Our confidence for our actions is in christ. If we do our own will, we negate that of Christ’s
  1. What do verses 1-12 teach about Christian liberty?
In matters of opinion only there is liberty. The word of God is still our standard of conscience and conduct.
In essentials, unity; in on-essentials, liberty; in everything, LOVE”
  1. If we see a faithful Christian doing something we have questions about doing ourselves, what should we do about it?
Talk with them openly about it. We should speak the truth in love (that is, with understanding).
g. How would we describe the shortcomings of the Romans Christians?
They were a little too overconfident in their ability to judge.
  1. What does this chapter emphasize most; liberty, unity or love?
All three.
h. Instead of judging my brother, Where should my spiritual energy efforts be focused? (See 14:13, 17-18)
My own spiritual life. Righteousness is being and doing.

For further thought

What are the most important things to be preserved among us?
Verse 17

As concerned Christians, what can we legitimately judge?
Yes, if we use understanding and the scriptures. We are to use 2 Timothy 4:2 wisely.

Are verses 7-8 about Christians only, or about all people?
Yes and no. As Christians we are to do good to all men, especially the brethren. As human beings, we all share a common bond.


Weak in faith Strong in faith

1. Eat herbs 2 1. Eats everything 2

2. Esteem day 5 2. Every day the same 5

3. Don’t condemn 3, 10 3. Don’t despise 3, 10


Compare verses 10-12 with Matt 12:36-37; 2 Cor 5:10; Phil 2:9-11 and Heb 4:12-13.

Viewed together, what do they teach about the coming judgment? We will be judged by what we do and by what we say. So, be careful!


Does paul mean that we are never to judge between right and wrong in regard to others? An example would be?
No. 14:1 refers to opinions, not doctrine.

By way of illustration

I desire so to conduct the affairs of this administration that if at the end, when I come to lay down the reins of power, I have lost every other friend on earth, I shall at least have one friend left, and that friend shall be down inside of me.
-Reply to Missouri Committee of Seventy
Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)

The only tyrant I accept in this world is the still voice within.
Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948)

Conscience does make cowards of us all . . .
  • William Shakespeare

When you get what you want in your struggle for self
And the world makes you king for a day,
Just go to a mirror and look at yourself,
And see what THAT man has to say.
For it isn't your father or mother or wife
Who judgment upon you must pass;
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the one staring back from the glass.
Some people may think you a straight-shootin' chum
And call you a wonderful guy,
But the man in the glass says you're only a bum
If you can't look him straight in the eye.
He's the fellow to please, never mind all the rest
For he's with you clear up to the end,
And you've passed your most dangerous, difficult test
If the man in the glass is your friend.
You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years
And get pats on the back as you pass,
But your final reward will be heartaches and tears
If you've cheated the man in the glass.

Oh! Conscience! Conscience! Man's most faithful friend,
Him canst thou comfort, ease, relieve, defend:
But if he will thy friendly checks forego,
Thou art, oh! woe for me, his deadliest foe!
George Crabbe (1754-1832)
1 Question:
Is there a limit to the actions another might take and we stil accept him? In other words, what are the boundaries of fellowship?

Ans. The focus in this chapter is on personal opinions, not doctrine; on matters of conscience
dealing with right or wrong.

Ans. In the context, the problems are eating meat sacrificed to idols and the celebration of special days, both of which deal with ones personal closeness to God. The essential matters of religion are those that lead to our discipleship in the first place. See Jn 6:28-29; 4:24

Ans. Could we accept someone who taught against the fundamentals of faith and used Romans 14:1 to say that he was entitled to his opinion?