#1660 Romans 15 Part 3 For This Reason

 

14 But I myself am also convinced about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, having been filled with all knowledge and being 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 by God 16 for me 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, having been sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17 Therefore in Christ Jesus I have reason for boasting in things pertaining to God. 18 For I will not be bold to speak of anything except what Christ has brought about through me, leading to 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 all around as far as Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. 20 And in this way I make it my ambition to proclaim the gospel, not where Christ was already named, so that I would not build on another man’s foundation; 21 but as it is written,

“They who had no declaration of Him shall see,

And they who have not heard shall understand.”

22 For this reason I have often been prevented 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, passing through, to see you, 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 to serve the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to share with 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 completed 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.

30 Now I urge you, brothers, 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 rescued 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 rest in your company. 33 Now may the God of peace be with you all. Amen. Romans 15: 14-33 LSB

Romans 15: 14-33

V. 14 That you yourselves are full of goodness - Paul is addressing the church at Rome and is convinced that their profession is real. The evidence of this is being filled with the knowledge of the Spirit and the ability to admonish one another in this. 

8For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, 9for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. 10Test and prove what pleases the Lord.… Ephesians 5: 8-10

…10on the day He comes to be glorified in His saints and regarded with wonder by all who have believed, including you who have believed our testimony. 11To this end, we always pray for you, that our God will count you worthy of His calling, and that He will powerfully fulfill your every good desire and work of faith, 12so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.… 2 Thessalonians 1: 10-12

Vs. 15-16 As to remind you again - In the context of the whole letter and the push of the next verse where Paul says, "so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, having been sanctified by the Holy Spirit." He has from the beginning of the letter reminded them of what sin is, what the life of the old man was, that life which should be now put to death in Christ. The same Christ you believed in to set you free from death, to put it in the shadows, is also able, through the power of His Spirit, to cleanse you from sin. All good ministers repeat themselves, first because there are those that are new, and second because there are those that they don't want to become cold and indifferent. He wants to see this through all the way to the end. It is too easy for all of us to be so caught up about earthly plans, about our weekends, about material things, and forget that we were called into a war, not a holiday. 

Grace (5485) (charis) is "God's Riches At Christ's Expense." Remember that grace is not just unmerited favor, but it is the supernatural provision from God to enable us to live a supernatural life (with the enablement of the Spirit, called the "Spirit of Grace" - Heb 10:29). Here we see it is a gift and therefore is not something Paul merited (nor do we). Receive it by faith. Avoid the trap of trying to be "good enough" to earn it (you can't!). - Precept Austin

12Therefore I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are established in the truth you now have. 13 I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of my body, 14because I know that this tent will soon be laid aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me.… 15And I will make every effort to ensure that after my departure, you will be able to recall these things at all times. 16For we did not follow cleverly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.… 2 Peter 1: 12-16

15Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that confess His name. 16And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. 17Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you.… Hebrews 13: 15-17

22Abstain from every form of evil. 23Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your entire spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.… 1 Thessalonians 5: 22-24

Vs. 17-19 What Christ has brought about through me - His boast is not in his own strength or cleverness, as Paul consistently makes clear, but in what Christ has done through him. He sees himself as a vessel of the Holy Spirit, and is certain that the work would have been fruitless otherwise. It is sad to see so many now that love numbers, love an overall good feeling. Paul is earnest for their sanctification and honest to what the world would consider a fault. We should not assume that the Spirit of God is moving where we see seats filled. Hearts must change, which will result in lives that are surrendered, sins that are left behind, and the glory, the honor, the boast in all this, that Christ is here. He is the reason for all of this, and what a joy, what an honor, what an underserved privilege to be a part of it. 

…13Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters. 14Like clouds and wind without rain is the man who boasts of gifts never given. 15Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.… Proverbs 25: 13-15

More from Proverbs 25

…3I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. 4 My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5so that your faith would not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power. 1 Corinthians 2: 3-5

26From Attalia they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work they had just completed. 27When they arrived, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them, and how He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. 28And they spent a long time there with the disciples.… Acts 14: 26-28

…8And last of all He appeared to me also, as to one of untimely birth. 9For I am the least of the apostles and am unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.… 1 Corinthians 15: 8-10

Vs. 20-24 For this reason I have often been prevented from coming to you - The reason Paul gives is not of his own wish or desire. He wanted to meet with them, to be refreshed by their company, but his calling, his obedience is what has prevented them. He sites the OT in his reasoning, that God is fulfilling through him, His promise to reach the nations. He does not go where someone else has already been, but extends the reach further. He was not called as a standing shepherd but rather an apostle to the nations, a missionary. 

…14Just as many were appalled at Him—His appearance was disfigured beyond that of any man, and His form was marred beyond human likeness— 15so He will sprinkle many nations. Kings will shut their mouths because of Him. For they will see what they have not been told, and they will understand what they have not heard. Isaiah 52: 14-15

More from Isaiah 52

Still More from Isaiah 52:15

Vs. 25-29 And they are indebted to them - Some of the Gentile churches that were well off financially felt an obligation, not of being shamed, but rather that of the bond of familial love, to help out those who were being persecuted in Jerusalem. This would be Gentile believers giving to Jewish believers and in verse 27 we see that they were pleased to do so. 

…27In those days some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them named Agabus stood up and predicted through the Spirit that a great famine would sweep across the whole world. (This happened under Claudius.) 29So the disciples, each according to his ability, decided to send relief to the brothers living in Judea.…

30This they did, sending their gifts to the elders with Barnabas and Saul. Acts 11: 27-30

Yes, they were pleased (eudokeo) to do so, and they are indebted (opheiletes) to them. - "Indeed, they gladly chose to give, recognizing that they owe them a debt. " They refers to the saints at Macedonia and Achaia (Ro 15:26+) They were not coerced or reluctant, but freely and gladly offered. Their giving flowed from a transformed heart, reflecting the principle that true generosity springs from joy in God’s grace (2 Corinthians 9:7). This was not mere charity but fellowship (koinonia), a sharing in the needs of others as an expression of unity in Christ (Romans 15:26).

The Gentile believers were pleased to give such a gift to the suffering Jewish believers in Judea. They did it voluntarily. They did it willingly, not out of compulsion. They gave according to the spirit with which Paul encouraged the Corinthians to give…

Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver. (2Cor 9:7) (Comment: In fact the charitable giving which Paul is describing here in Romans 15 is the collection that we read about in 1Corinthians 16:1 and 2Corinthians 8 and 9)

And they are indebted (opheiletes) to them. - The Gentiles recognized that they had received immeasurable spiritual riches through Israel—the Scriptures, the covenants, the promises, and ultimately the Messiah Himself (Ro 9:4–5; Jn 4:22). In other words, their material giving was not merely generous; it was fitting, even obligatory. What is received in the realm of grace is to be expressed in the realm of generosity. The Gentiles were not repaying salvation as if grace could be earned, but they were acknowledging a real debt of gratitude by giving tangible support.

The statement also underscores the unity of the body of Christ. Jewish believers had been the channel of redemptive truth, and Gentile believers now become partners in provision, demonstrating that in Christ there is a mutual sharing of blessings (1 Corinthians 12:13). Thus giving becomes a visible expression of the gospel itself—grace received, grace returned in love.

Christian giving is both joyful and fitting, joyful because it flows from a heart transformed by grace, and fitting because it recognizes the real debt owed to those through whom God has bestowed spiritual riches (2 Corinthians 8:9; Galatians 6:6).

Paul makes it clear that the Gentiles had a moral obligation and debt to pay for they had received the gospel from Jewish believers. The heart touched by grace opens its hand. Spiritual riches call for material response.

J Vernon McGee puts it this way…Macedonia and Achaia were obligated to Jerusalem. Now some of the saints in Jerusalem were having financial difficulties, evidently because of persecution. Macedonia and Achaia could now pay a spiritual debt in the coin of the realm. This is foreign missions in reverse! It is the missionary church helping the home church. This very thing may take place in our nation, by the way, in the not too far distant future! (SEE Thru the Bible Vol. 43) - Precept Austin

Vs. 30-33 Strive together with me in your prayers to God for me - I would, if anywhere, whish that people remember me there, in their prayers, but then they would have to be praying people. Paul's plan is to come to them, but in going to Jerusalem he has to face another battle. He is going to have to face those in Jerusalem who are disobedient to the proclamation of the Lordship of Christ, those who have not believed, but often and seemingly everywhere, Paul has to confront false teachers of a great variety. 

1At Iconium, Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue, where they spoke so well that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed. 2But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. 3So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who affirmed the message of His grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders.… Acts 14: 1-3

27When the seven days were almost over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him, 28crying out, “Men of Israel, help us! This is the man who teaches everywhere against our people and against our law and against this place. Furthermore, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.” 29For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they assumed that Paul had brought him into the temple.…

…30The whole city was stirred up, and the people rushed together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut. 31While they were trying to kill him, the commander of the Roman regiment received a report that all Jerusalem was in turmoil. 32Immediately he took some soldiers and centurions and ran down to the crowd. When the people saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul.… Acts 21: 27-32

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…30Just as you who formerly disobeyed God have now received mercy through their disobedience, 31so they too have now disobeyed, in order that they too may now receive mercy through the mercy shown to you. 32For God has consigned everyone to disobedience so that He may have mercy on everyone.… Romans 11: 30-32

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#1659 Romans 15 Part 2 Accept One Another

 

7 Therefore, 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 You among the Gentiles,

And I will sing to Your 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, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15: 7-13 LSB

Romans 15: 7-13

V. 7 Therefore, accept one another - This is to sum up the last chapter to here. Its not about being of the circumcision, and there is no separation in being born outside of it, a gentile. In Christ we are all one . We have looked at putting the needs of others even before our own freedom in Christ that we not cause a weaker brother to stumble. 

V. 7b Just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God - The body of Christ is not a building, it is not a platform for your ego, for your entertainment, or a stage for your glory. This is to the glory of God, and we accept each other as Christ accepted us towards that same end. You will never humble yourself as much as Christ did, so you don't have nearly so far to stoop. Anytime it says "as Christ" this is on a whole other level, unnatural to us. It will require the power of the Holy Spirit, a changed heart, a daily dying to self. Accepting one another often gets put into steps or written about in books, and most of these by people who are extraordinarily outgoing, social butterflies. When God calls us to these things it is not to put on a face, do more potlucks or "mingle and network." He is calling you to accept each other with sincerity, with actual joy, and wisdom. For the introvert, you will have to pray a lot, because you will not naturally feel inclined towards relationships. You will usually find that you are quite content in much smaller groups and away from drama, but it does not remove the commands to go into the world and proclaim the gospel. It does not remove the call to to hospitality, nor the coming alongside those in need. To the extrovert, you already "love" everyone, but the quotes are there because you really just find it easy to feel. You feel and therefore think you are in the right way, but you also need to pray for wisdom. You will often give money where time and prayer would have been more appropriate. You enjoy talking, but you need to learn to spend 4 times as much time studying as you do talking. Everyone likes to be liked, but this is a stumbling block for you. When we accept each other as Christ did, it is in Spirit and Truth. He made us all different and this is a strength. The extrovert will make first contact, but the introvert will be available often behind the scenes. Both are necessary, but the glory belongs to God. 

Paul commands us (present imperative) to continually make this our habit, our lifestyle. We are to be supernatural acceptors so to speak! Why do I say that? Because the only way a believer can obey this command continually, is by continually being filled with (controlled by) the Holy Spirit (Eph 5:18-note), walking by the selfsame Spirit (Gal 5:16-note). In fact, whenever you encounter a command in the New Testament, you should read it as an opportunity to surrender to the Spirit. The only way to keep the supernatural commands is by dependence on a supernatural Source! For example, Paul says "Husbands love (present imperative) your wives just as (take note of this "strategic" term of comparison) Christ loved the Church!" (Eph 5:25-note) which is a command calling for this to be our habitual practice. Just try to obey this command in your own strength! Enough said! - Precept Austin

Spurgeon - If the Lord Jesus has indeed received us, and bears with our weaknesses and follies, well may we have patience with one another, and show pity to each other's infirmities. Christ did not receive us because we were perfect, because he could see no fault in us, or because he hoped to gain somewhat at our hands. Ah, no! but, in loving condescension covering our faults, and seeking our good, he welcomed us to his heart; so, in the same way, and with the same purpose, let us receive one another. - PA

…7Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9Therefore, since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from wrath through Him!… Romans 5: 7-9

Vs. 8-9 To confirm the promises given to the fathers - God had promised the land of Canaan to the fathers, but also that their offspring would be a blessing to the nations. This is all fulfilled in Christ. He is the end of the sacrificial system of those belonging to the circumcision, and without His sacrifice neither Jew nor Gentiles is acceptable before God. 

Although circumcision was required by the Mosaic law, the rite was neglected during the days when the people of Israel wandered in the wilderness. Perhaps this was a sign that the nation had broken their covenant with God through their disobedience. The rite was resumed when they entered the land of Canaan, with Joshua performing the ritual on the generation born in the wilderness (Joshua 5). The Hebrew people came to take great pride in circumcision; in fact, it became a badge of their spiritual and national superiority. This practice fostered an exclusivist mentality instead of a missionary zeal to reach the Gentiles which was God's original intent for His "chosen" people. - PA

…2I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.” 4So Abram departed, as the LORD had directed him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran.… Genesis 12: 2-4

…2The LORD appeared to Isaac and said, “Do not go down to Egypt. Settle in the land where I tell you. 3Stay in this land as a foreigner, and I will be with you and bless you. For I will give all these lands to you and your offspring, and I will confirm the oath that I swore to your father Abraham. 4I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, and I will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed,… Genesis 26: 2-4

…13And there at the top the LORD was standing and saying, “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you now lie. 14Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and east and north and south. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. 15Look, I am with you, and I will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”… Genesis 28: 13-15

Vs. 10-12 Rejoice, o Gentiles, with His people - The apostle quotes from Holy writ about the relationship between the circumcision and the uncircumcision. Paul reaffirms God's intent and sovereign calling from of old.

…42I will make My arrows drunk with blood, while My sword devours flesh—the blood of the slain and captives, the heads of the enemy leaders.” 43Rejoice, O heavens, with Him, and let all God’s angels worship Him. Rejoice, O nations, with His people; for He will avenge the blood of His children. He will take vengeance on His adversaries and repay those who hate Him; He will cleanse His land and His people. 44Then Moses came with Joshua son of Nun and recited all the words of this song in the hearing of the people.… Deuteronomy 32: 42-44

Praise the Lord all you Gentiles -

1Praise the LORD, all you nations! Extol Him, all you peoples! 2For great is His loving devotion toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Hallelujah!… Psalm 117: 1-2

There shall come the Root of Jesse - 

…9They will neither harm nor destroy on all My holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the sea is full of water. 10 On that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples. The nations will seek Him, and His place of rest will be glorious. 11On that day the Lord will extend His hand a second time to recover the remnant of His people from Assyria, from Egypt, from Pathros, from Cush, from Elam, from Shinar, from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.… Isaiah 11:9-11

V. 13 Now may the God of hope fill you - It is all very supernatural, so it is not impossible. Outside the work of the Holy Spirit it is counterfeit, when it centers on you or me it is phony. It is actual love which encompasses both sides of obedience, not just the doing, but the doing with all joy, believing that God's asking nothing that He will not first give. 

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#1658 Romans 15 Part 1 To His Building Up

 

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 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 was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through the perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 Now may the God of perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15: 1-6 LSB

Romans 15: 1-6

Vs. 1-2 And not just please ourselves - If you are truly strong then you realize your weakness without Christ, and your focus if off yourself and upon Him. So you also realize that it is not about you, that God didn't you, you needed Him, and so if you have this strength then you know that it is from God, just like the faith you were given to believe. So here you are receiving from God the instruction as to what to do with this strength, and it isn't to "have your best life now", that would be ridiculous, what did you actually believe that thinks so much of now compared to eternity? No, you are a pillar now, coming alongside your weaker brothers and sisters and helping them with their load. You have been prepared for this by hearing through God's word, and not the sort of hearing that happens only on Sunday where you check a box. Not even the hearing that comes from getting through the Bible in a year, for you will soon forget about that. It is a daily opening of the Word of God, and not just looking at the meal upon the table, for who ever got sustenance from only listening to someone describe a meal, or by taking it in through the eyes. You have to chew it, to digest it, to think about it throughout the day, every day. It is not a one and done. The word of God will also influence and dictate how you pray, and this is the other great strength that everyone forgets, except maybe before they eat or after they are in a car accident.  

3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 5For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.… 2 Corinthians 1: 3-5

…13In love, hold them in highest regard because of their work. Live in peace with one another. 14And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone. 15Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.… 1 Thessalonians 5: 13-15

…15And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick. The Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail. 17Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.… James 5: 15-17

V. 3 For even Christ did not please Himself - He is the example, and suffered not only death on the cross, but the discomfort of living with sinful man, the innocent constantly in contact with and being rebuked by the guilty, not recognized for Who He truly Is. Paul quotes from Psalm 69:

…8I have become a stranger to my brothers and a foreigner to my mother’s sons, 9because zeal for Your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult You have fallen on me. 10I wept and fasted, but it brought me reproach.… Psalm 69: 8-10

V. 4 So that through the perseverance and encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope - It is more than just a historical account. It also filled with prophecies like Psalm 69 and Psalm 22 that see their fulfillment in Christ. I have often chewed upon the wisdom from Daniel's life, and it has helped me realize that I am not a special case, that I am not the first person to ever want to follow God amongst people who hated the things of God. In Job I have been corrected, in Genesis I saw the triune nature of God early on and I realized Christ was the Seed of the woman, proclaiming the Virgin birth even then. I saw so much spoken about the promise of Messiah and then realized in Christ that I knew myself a fool not to hold out hope for my own resurrection into eternal life. 

…15From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.… 2 Timothy 3: 15-17

…11For if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which endures! 12Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. 13We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at the end of what was fading away.… 2 Corinthians 3: 11-13

More on Psalm 22

More on Psalm 69

Vs. 5-6 Grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus - It's not a call for conspirators to all get their stories aligned, to stand with one another outside of the truth for the sake of club membership. It is according to Christ Jesus, Who Himself was the Way, the Truth and the Life, and clarified even more, that no one comes to the Father accept through the Son, so the only Way, and here we must not be divided. We must know this for ourselves and for a fact, so that we are united in the truth and ruled by love. Our corporate worship is elevated by the soundness of it's shared doctrine. Rightly knowing Who Christ is by the way He describes Himself in Scripture, places Him before Creation, above angels and all Created things, yet adding humanity to His Deity He is the perfect picture of patience and encouragement. If He was willing suffer all these things for my Christian brothers and sisters, the reproach of wicked men, the cross, and being forsaken by the Father in that dreadful moment, then maybe I have been undervaluing them. Maybe in my own mind it is really about me, for isn't that the way I carry myself, full of self importance, lacking patience, easily offended, easily put out or put off? 

…2with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called;… Ephesians 4: 2-4

…13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ. 14Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming. 15Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head.… Ephesians 4: 13-15

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#1657 Romans 14 Part 3 Blocks In The Road

 

13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather judge this—not to put a stumbling block or offense before a brother. 14 I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is defiled in itself; but to him who considers anything to be defiled, to him it is defiled. 15 For if because of food your brother is grieved, 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 slandered; 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 pleasing 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. Blessed is he who does not judge himself in what he approves. 23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin. Romans 14: 13-23 LSB

Romans 14: 13-23

John Murray (introducing Ro 14:13-23) - This section is directed largely to the strong and enjoins upon them the action which love for the weak requires. In this part of the epistle it has been already noted how much emphasis falls upon love (cf. 12:9; 13:8–10). The necessity of walking according to love (vs. 15) is in this section applied to the behaviour which consideration for the well-being of weaker brethren must constrain on the part of the strong. (Epistle to the Romans - NICNT) - PA

Vs. 13-14 But rather judge this-not to put a stumbling block or offense before a brother - This will be a difficult section for those who think they are strong. I found it tantalizing as a young man to always look for the edge of things, run up to the point I thought my freedom ended and then see if I could push the line out a little further. So many are more fascinated with being edgy, pushing the envelope, ranting on and on about how they are too mature even to be judged. There is no one in the room their equal, and they know it is not what goes into a man that defiles him, and so they flaunt their liberty. I've seen many of them trespass this though, all the while fooling others, reassuring others that they are okay to be where they are, they are built differently after all. They think they are the teacher in a relationship they have with someone they are unequally yoked with, but they are the ones getting taught. A few weeks ago they taught a Sunday School class where they declared there is no such thing as missionary dating, yet here they are, well past their freedom, condoning sin, and not only that, they were someone who others looked up to. We learned about the perfect law of love, and how love fulfills all of the law, but here they are with an unbeliever, saying there is something different about me, I follow Christ, and the very sins that Christ died to save us from you participate in with someone who doesn't know Him, and you put the real Christ exponentially farther away from them. It's the furthest thing from love. You are in a mixed company of believers at your home, and there is a man there that you knew to be a raving alcoholic, but you learned how to make the best cocktail this weekend, and no way is his weakness going to interfere with your festivities tonight. You serve the drinks, and you don't get drunk, your too strong for that, and he fights a battle is his mind that keeps him staring at a glass of water all night. Some of these people are strong in the sense of knowing good doctrine, knowing that alcohol isn't inherently evil, but some of them become a stumbling block to themselves and some to others. Both see themselves as strong and that itself because a stumbling block. 

Barclay writes that "proskomma, means 'a barrier', 'a hindrance', 'a road-block'. It is the word that would be used for a tree that has been felled and laid across a road to block it. We must never do or allow anything which would be a road-block on the way to goodness. (William Barclay. New Testament Words)

In this verse proskomma speaks of the spiritual hindrance to another caused by a selfish use of liberty or alternatively our tendency to set up a list of do's and don'ts. Either way could cause the other person to stub his spiritual toe!. Paul says do not do this. - PA

…5And whoever welcomes a little child like this in My name welcomes Me. 6But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. 7Woe to the world for the causes of sin. These stumbling blocks must come, but woe to the man through whom they come!… Matthew 18: 5-7

V. 15 You are no longer walking according to love - Love appears to be more than a feeling, more than mere words, less about shared experience and good wishes, and this sort of love looks much more like the sacrifice of self. It pops the bubble of ego, and somehow finds joy in laying aside one's "rights and prerogatives" for the good of another's conscience. It would rather mend the broken arm then show it's own strength. If your brother can't go into this temple restaurant without feeling that he is somehow participating in idolatry, then don't press him to do so, and don't flaunt your ability to that with a clear conscience. You know an idol is nothing, it's not real, it's an invention of the mind and hands, and it cannot make the meat into anything other than meat. The food isn't evil, but the heart that lifts up the image is, yet this man cannot separate the two things in his mind. This is the gentleness of love. What is more important, your brother or the fine dining, the BOGO on meat or a still delicate conscience? So what of your great knowledge without love. 

…9Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 10For if someone with a weak conscience sees you who are well informed eating in an idol’s temple, will he not be encouraged to eat food sacrificed to idols? 11So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge.… 1 Corinthians 8: 9-11

1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, but have not love, I gain nothing.… 1 Corinthians 13: 1-3

…4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. 6Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth.… 1 Corinthians 13: 4-6

MacArthur - You need to set your life on a path that will not grieve others‑‑that will not make them follow you into something their conscience tells them not to. That means you have to get close enough to each other to know where you stand on those issues. You have to know the hearts of the people around you so you can be sure to have an unselfish love for them. (Building Up One Another Without Offending, Part 1 - See dropdown list) - PA

Vs. 16-17 The Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking - As a Baptist I find that confusing. I thought it was all about pot lucks. But the understanding here is that you eating certain foods or not eating foods is not of any spiritual benefit. There are no godly recipes. I've known some people who thought that being Vegan made them more holy, more like our parents before the fall, and so they have a whole religion about food and others about certain preparations. The Jews who were just coming to the faith, were not to be Judaizers, the message of Christianity was not a return to Kosher living, that isn't the gospel. At the same time, there were things one could do to help a new believer, like not serve pork which they had been adverse to their whole life, or refrain from taking an ex heathen to the temple of Diana for a meal. If it isn't a small thing to you then you need to reevaluate your view of yourself, your hierarchy of significance. 

Hodges - This is a new reason for forbearance. No principle of duty is sacrificed; nothing essential to religion is disregarded, for religion does not consist in external observances, but in the inward graces of the Spirit. It has already been remarked (Romans 14:4), that with all his desire of peace, no one was more firm and unyielding, when any dereliction of Christian principle was required of him, than the apostle. But the case under consideration is very different. There is no sin in abstaining from certain meats, and therefore, if the good of others require this abstinence, we are bound to exercise it. The phrase, kingdom of God, almost uniformly signifies the kingdom of the Messiah, under some one of its aspects, as consisting of all professing Christians, of all his own people, of glorified believers, or as existing in the heart. It is the spiritual theocracy. The theocracy of the Old Testament was ceremonial and ritual; that of the New is inward and spiritual. Christianity, as we should say, does not consist in things external (like) Meat and drink. (Romans 14 - Hodge's Commentary on Romans) - PA

…16Therefore let no one judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a feast, a New Moon, or a Sabbath. 17These are a shadow of the things to come, but the body that casts it belongs to Christ. 18Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you with speculation about what he has seen. Such a person is puffed up without basis by his unspiritual mind.… Colossians 2: 16-18

…20If you have died with Christ to the spiritual forces of the world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its regulations: 21“Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!”? 22These will all perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings.…

23Such restrictions indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-prescribed worship, their false humility, and their harsh treatment of the body; but they are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh. Colossians 2: 20-23

Vs. 18-19 Let us pursue the things that make for peace - Constant debate over your freedoms, or pressing your restraints upon others is not seeking peace. We don't set aside sound doctrine, remember, the things we are talking about here are secondary issues at best, like I don't particularly care for country music, watching sports on television, and I find people who don't love fishing more than a little suspicious, but it is possible to still be saved and disagree with me on those issues, not likely, but with God all things are possible. Make sure we aren't pushing our preferences onto others, and that these are not the deciding factors of how we value one another. If they are saved then they are part of the same body to which you belong, and Christ is the head, not me, not you. 

…31Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. 32And now I commit you to God and to the word of His grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all who are sanctified. 33I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing.… Acts 20: 31-33

Vs 20-21 It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine - Abstinence is sometimes the simplest way to resolve this, to not give offense. It is not the religion of abstinence though, that is nothing, that is bad doctrine. This is for the sake of love. The cults do it for the sake of appearance, to create a works based religion, a false sense of righteousness. They will add more and more to the lifts of things to abstain from, so have some discernment and don't pledge to things too quickly, sometimes you are not even dealing with someone who believes, but rather someone carving out a totally different Christ than the One Who saves. 

…2influenced by the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences are seared with a hot iron. 3They will prohibit marriage and require abstinence from certain foods that God has created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4For every creation of God is good, and nothing that is received with thanksgiving should be rejected,… 1 Timothy 4: 2-4

Vs. 22-23 Whatever is not from faith is sin - Err on the side of caution. Do not beat your conscience down till it can no longer do what it was designed for. The things that help both the weak and those who think they are strong are the Word of God and prayer. 

Warren Wiersbe - Christians must not force their opinions on others (Ro 14:22-23) There are certain truths that all Christians must accept because they are the foundation for the faith. But areas of honest disagreement must not be made a test of fellowship. If you have a sincere conviction from God about a matter, keep it to yourself and do not try to force everybody else to accept it. No Christian can “borrow” another Christian’s convictions and be honest in his Christian life. Unless he can hold them and practice them “by faith,” he is sinning. Even if a person’s convictions are immature, he must never violate his conscience. This would do great damage to his spiritual life. For example, the mature Christian knows that an idol is nothing. But a young Christian, just converted out of pagan idolatry, would still have fears about idols. If the strong believer forced the new Christian to eat meat sacrificed to an idol, the younger Christian would experience problems in his conscience that would only further weaken it (see 1Cor 8–9). Conscience is strengthened by knowledge. But knowledge must be balanced by love; otherwise it tears down instead of building up. The truth that “all foods are clean” (Ro 14:14, 20) will not of itself make a Christian grow. When this truth is taught in an atmosphere of love, then the younger Christian can grow and develop a strong conscience. Believers may hold different convictions about many matters, but they must hold them in love. (Bible Exposition Commentary) - PA

…15and I have the same hope in God that they themselves cherish, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. 16In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man. 17After several years, then, I returned to Jerusalem to bring alms to my people and to present offerings.… Acts 24: 15-17

11as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the favor shown us in answer to their prayers. 12And this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in relation to you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God— not in worldly wisdom, but in the grace of God. 13For we do not write you anything that is beyond your ability to read and understand. And I hope that you will understand us completely,… 2 Corinthians 1: 11-13

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