Romans 15:1-13

LIVING TO PLEASE OTHERS

Romans 15:1-13

Life Application New Testament Commentary:

Paul continues his discussion from chapter 14 on how believers should relate to one another, especially when there are disagreements on matters of opinion. There is no question that a variety of opinions on many matters will be represented in any church—and the church in Rome was no exception. Paul uses “strong” and “weak” to describe the believers. “Strong” believers are those who understand their freedom in Christ and who are sensitive to the concerns of others. They realize that true obedience comes from the heart and conscience of each individual. “Weak” believers are those whose faith has not yet matured so as to be free of some of the rituals and traditions. “Strong” believers can function in a variety of situations and be influences for good; “weak” believers find that they need to stay away from some situations in order to maintain a clear conscience. But both are still believers, and both are still seeking to obey God.

The Example of Christ

Rom 15:1  We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves.

Life Application New Testament Commentary:

15:1 Paul identifies himself as one of the “strong” who knows that these things (issues of food and drink) make no difference when it comes to salvation. But yet these strong believers are not to live just to please themselves. They have an obligation to be considerate of the doubts and fears of those who think these things are wrong. They may find themselves frustrated by the failings of the weak—their concerns and worries over what, to the strong, seems trivial. But the responsibility lies with the strong to maintain harmony in the church by bearing with these brothers and sisters (see Gal_6:1-2). The stronger believers demonstrate their spiritual strength precisely at those moments when they are practicing compassion for those who are weaker. The kind of strength modeled by Christ allowed him to put up with our failings. We ought to do the same for one another.

Rom 15:2  We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. Rom 15:3  For even Christ didn't live to please Himself. As the Scriptures say, "The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me."

We live in a time when being selfish is the norm. Have you ever been to a dinner with friends that you thought you were going to have fun in discussion only to find them on their phones for most of the dinner? We need to help those cannot help themselves. It is so easy to be self-centered. When you are self-centered it shows. In a crowd of Christians you are like a glowing light in the dark and that is not a good thing.

Rom 15:4  Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises to be fulfilled.

Life Application New Testament Commentary:

15:4 The Scriptures (here referring to the Old Testament) were written and preserved for future generations. Our scriptural knowledge affects our attitude toward the present and the future. The more we know about what God has done in years past, the greater will be our confidence in what he will do in the days ahead. We should read our Bible diligently to increase our trust that God’s will is best for us.

How does the Bible give us hope and encouragement? (1) God’s attributes and character constantly remind us in whom our hope is based (Psa_46:1-2). (2) The biographies of saints who overcame great obstacles give us examples of what can be done with God’s help (Hebrews 11). (3) The direct exhortation of Scripture calls for endurance and speaks encouragement (Jas_1:2-4; Heb_12:1-2). (4) The prophetic statements support our hope for a wonderful future planned for us in eternity (Rom_5:1-5).

Paul admonishes strong believers not to please themselves but to please God and others. Scripture records stories of those who pleased God, those who didn’t, and those who failed but learned from their mistakes. We are to endure as Christ endured and be encouraged by the examples of other believers. This gives us hope as we wait patiently for God’s promises.

Rom 15:5  May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Rom 15:6  Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Rom 15:7  Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory