CHAPTER 15

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

Verses 1-7 are the beginning of Paul's conclusion of this letter to the church in Rome.

It is right that the strong care for the weak - both physically and spiritually.
It is also right that we take less thought of self, and more thought of others.

I'm reminded of a story about a young boy who's father went on a hunting trip.
He told his older son, to help Mom take care of his younger brother.
The younger brother was unable to speak, or walk.
Tragically, the father was killed in an auto accident and never returned.
But the young boy took his father's admonition seriously.
He helped his mom take care of the younger brother always.
While the older brother was in college, his mom died.
He still took his responsibility seriously, and took care of his younger brother.
He worked part-time to support himself and the younger brother.
Finally, he graduated and found a very good job.
He still kept his younger brother in his home, and hired a sitter for the day time.

Now that's taking care of family!
And, that is what a church is -- family.
Our responsibilities are to care for the weaker members - physically and spiritually.
We are to keep our focus on serving others, and not on selfishness.

That action alone would stop much of the feuding in churches!

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

The Greek word from which "edification" is translated is oikodome,
pronounced oy-kod-om-ay'.
It is actually a construction term, meaning to build, firm up, a structure.

Christians should strive to build up, confirm, edify each other.
We should strive to firm up others so they are more able to handle difficulty when it comes.

The manner in which to do this of course, is to educate one another.
Biblical education is the foundation for a good Christian life.

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

Jesus did not come into the world to please Himself.
He came into the world to do the Father's will. (See John 6:38)

And the quote from Psalm 69:9 exhibits that fact.
David's zeal for living in a right relationship with God consumed him.
And, those who held contempt for God's truth reproached him severely.

Jesus came to literally place Himself between God and those who held (and hold today) contempt for God!
He took OUR punishment for sin!
He gave His righteousness for our unrighteousness!
He gave His perfection for our imperfection!
He literally became the atoning sacrifice to God for our sins!

So we should follow His perfect example!
We should be willing to give up self for others in the Christian family!

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

We learn patience through tribulation.
Then experience comes from patience. And hope is evolved from the experiences.
(See Romans 5:3-4)

Through study of the Word of God, we learn the principles of righteous living.
We have tribulation when the world contradicts those principles.
From that tribulation we gain patience in dealing with those who don't believe God or the Bible.
From that patience we have hope -- because we KNOW God's Word is true and everlasting.

When we have learned and received this "hope" we have something to SHARE with other Christians!

5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus lived according to the Word of God.
He faced MUCH tribulation because of it.

Yet, Jesus ALWAYS gave of Himself to others!

We are to grow in our relationship with Jesus so that we mirror His example!
We are to be "likeminded" with Him!

And, ALL Christians are called to this likemindedness! (See vs 6 above)
The result being that we should all glorify God in the same manner.

Keep in mind, we are Jesus' FAMILY!
We are to CARE FOR our brothers and sisters!

This is our responsibility.
And, it should be our joy to accomplish it!

7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

Jesus received you and me, Christian, "warts and all!"
He LOVED us, even to death for our sake!

THIS should be the mindset of the Christian church!
RECEIVE them in Christ. LEAD them to Christ. EDUCATE them in Christ. SEND them for Christ.

8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:
9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.

The quote in the latter part of the verse is from Psalm 18:49.
That song was written by David when he had been saved from his enemies, and from Saul.
In it, he promised to glorify God before the "nations" (Gentiles).

Likewise, Jesus came glorifying God before the Jewish nation and all Gentile nations.
REGARDLESS of what it cost Him!

Jesus is THE Minister of the "circumcision" (Jews) to the uncircumcision (Gentiles).

The Jewish nation (at the time of Jesus' life) had become exclusive.
Very rarely did they allow a proselyte, or convert from the Gentiles.

But Jesus said, "Come unto me ALL ye that labor and are heavy laden...." (See Matthew 11:28-30)

And, that's why Paul had written earlier "WHOSOEVER shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved!"
(Rom. 10:13)

10 And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.
11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.
12 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.
13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

BECAUSE Jesus is the "minister OF the circumcision"TO the "Gentiles",
we have reason to "REJOICE!"
We should "PRAISE the LORD, ALL ye Gentiles" because Jesus came to save ALL, and
WHOSOEVER!!

Jesus is the "root" of Jesse.
He is the live shoot from the dead tree!
He is THE Son from the sons of Jesse!
These are prophecies from the Old Testament (Isaiah 11:10, Isaiah 53:2).
David was a son of Jesse, and Jesus is the "root and the offspring of David." (Rev 22:16)

Therefore, God is "the God of HOPE" for ALL Gentiles!
When we surrender to Jesus, we can "abound" in that hope through the power of His Holy Spirit IN us!

14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,
16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

We must go back to Rom. 1:7 to clearly understand these statements.
Paul is writing to "To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints:". (Rom. 1:7)

He calls them "brethren," or believers in Christ.

Being saved then, they are "sanctified by the Holy Ghost."
And, their "offering(s)" of praise, worship, testimony, giving, etc are "acceptable"
before God, just as the Levitical offerings were acceptable in the Old Testament.

Paul is the minister of God for this purpose:
" To teach that ANY (and ALL) who surrender to Christ are "acceptable" before God!
Therefore, all that they offer to God, through faith in Christ, is also accepted because it is sanctified by
the presence of the Holy Ghost IN them!

Paul is a "minister of Jesus Christ to the GENTILES!"
Although only a FEW will surrender to Christ,
God has not called only a FEW ---
He has called ALL to be saved!! (See 2Peter 3:9)

Paul's calling of God was to share the Gospel with Gentiles that they might receive Christ as Lord, and
be SAVED!

17 I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.
18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,
19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.

The Greek word from which "glory" is translated is kauchesis.
It can mean boast, but in this instance probably means REJOICE.

Paul rejoices "through Jesus Christ" for the wonderful things God has allowed to happen in his life.
He does not "dare" to speak of things other than what God has done by him.
He does not exagerate.
He does not use examples of others.
But, he simply uses what God has done by him.

When the Gospel of Christ is preached faithfully, God causes that preaching to be accompanied by His
Holy Spirit, and evidence is given to show the power of the Word!

We need preachers today who will be FAITHFUL in preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
Preachers who will be FAITHFUL in preaching the WORD of God!

In 2014 a study by Pew Research Center stated that 70.6% of Americans polled identified with Christianity.
In 2013 a study by Pew Research Center stated that approximately 37% of those who identify as Christians
are actually ATTENDING church on Sunday!!
According to a survey released by the American Bible Society in 2013 LESS THAN 26% of those who call
themselves Christians actually read or study their Bible more than ONCE PER WEEK!!

People in churches across America (and the world) need to KNOW that:
Salvation does not come by "accepting" Jesus as Savior,
Salvation does not come by simply believing Jesus is Lord, and
Salvation does not come by adhering to some church doctrine.
Salvation comes by SURRENDER to Jesus AS Lord of one's life!
CONFESSION of sin, and REPENTANCE from sin -- turning to Jesus for HELP!
COMMITMENT to Jesus as LORD and MASTER of one's life!
See these verses in succession:
John 14:6)
Acts 4:12)
Luke 12:8-9)
ALL of these verses refer to surrendering to Jesus as LORD of one's life, and then STRIVING
to live according to HIS will expressed in the Bible!

We need FAITHFUL preachers declaring Jesus' way is the ONLY way to receive eternal life!!

20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:
21 But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.
22 For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.
23 But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;
24 Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.
25 But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.

Paul wanted to go to those areas where Christ had NOT been previously preached.
WHY?
Of course there are many reasons.
The main reason is Paul was called to be a minister to the GENTILES! (See Romans 15:16)

Another reason might be that Paul wanted to be sharing the Gospel with those who had not previously
encountered some Jewish heretics who claimed they believed Jesus is God, but Judaism was the ONLY faith!

There are many today who preach that Jesus is God, but that you must be saved in a certain church!
There are many today who preach that Jesus is God, but that you must pay THEM to be prosperous!
CHARLATANS! HERETICS!

BECAUSE Paul was called to preach to the Gentiles, and in many areas,
he was "hindered" from going to Rome.
He WANTED to; but the call of God was PREDOMINANT upon his life!

NOW, Paul feels he is "turned loose" to go to Rome.
He has been in many parts of the world.
And, now it is possible he might be loosed to come to Rome for the purpose of sharing the Gospel of Jesus.

But, FIRST, he must "minister unto the saints" at Jerusalem.
Here's WHY!

26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
27 It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.
28 When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.
29 And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.

The churches he had started, and were prospering, had taken an offering to send to Jerusalem for the poor saints there.

Those churches KNEW that if the Gospel had not been preached to them by a Jewish man like Paul,
they would not have had the privilege of being saved!
Therefore, they desired to minister to those saints (believers) in Jerusalem who were not monetarily strong.

Paul states that when he has delivered this offering, he would go to Rome and then into Spain.

Note verse 29.
How could Paul be SURE?
Because this is every TRUE Christians DESIRE!!
And, that desire is placed in the Christian by God's Holy Spirit!
(See Romans 1:16 and 2Timothy 1:12)

It is the desire to SHARE THE GOSPEL with others!!
And, THIS God BLESSES!!

Paul did in fact go to Rome.
However, he went as a PRISONER! (See Acts, Chapters 27 - 28)
Even though he was a prisoner in Rome, he was allowed to preach the gospel FREELY!

Sometimes, we must realize that God not only has that purpose in our lives to share the Gospel,
but He has a specific MANNER in which we must share it!

No matter WHAT the circumstances may be in our lives,
let us be FAITHFUL to share the Gospel of Christ with others!!

30 Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;
31 That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;
32 That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.
33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

Paul requests prayer.
It's a 3-fold prayer:
1) That he might be "delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea."
2) That the "service" (or offering) he took to Jerusalem would be "accepted of the saints."
3) That he might come to Rome "with joy by the will of God."

Two of those specific prayer requests were granted.
One was not!
Paul was NOT "delivered from them that" did not believe in Christ (Jewish people)!
He was, in fact, imprisoned and exposed to court trials!

Does that mean God does not answer prayer?
Is it REALLY true that "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son."(John 14:13)

YES! It IS really TRUE!!!
Because asking in JESUS' Name is the same as asking in His WILL!
How many Christians really understand that?
To ask in Jesus' Name is to ask in the same manner in which HE would ask!
And, remember, he did NOT want to suffer the bitter cup of painful agony and shame on the cross! (See Matthew 26:39)
But He prayed, "Nevertheless, not as I will, but as THOU WILT!"

Paul prayed to go to Rome in freedom.
But he went in CHAINS!
It was GOD'S will!!

As a result of being obedient and following God's will,
Paul was chained but he was FREE TO PREACH THE GOSPEL!!

My friends, you may be somewhat chained by the ludicrous society in which you live.
But always remember, by the Spirit of God IN you,
you are ALWAYS free to preach the Gospel!!

And the PEACE of God will be upon you when you are obedient and preach in faith!
BECAUSE: "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."(Isa 26:3)

PLEASE CONTINUE WITH US IN BIBLE STUDY TOMORROW.
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