
We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. 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.” 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. —Romans 15:1-4
Main Points
-We must NOT live “just” to please ourselves.
-Our lives should also build others.
-Christ didn’t live his life to please himself. He is our example.
Questions
-What are some ways in which Jesus put others first?
-What part does compassion play in putting others first?
-What are some practical things that we can do in our daily walk to put others first?
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. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. —Romans 15:5-6
Main Points
-God gives us patience and encouragement to help us live in harmony with each other.
-Living in harmony with one another is fitting for followers of Christ.
Questions
-Why do you need “patience and endurance” to live in harmony?
-Who is it the hardest for you to have patience and endurance with?
-Why is “one voice” important?
Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. —Romans 15:7
Main Points
-Accept each other JUST AS Christ has accepted you.
Questions
-How has Christ accepted you? What preconditions does Christ put on you for him to accept you?
-Why do we find it difficult to accept others this way?
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. —Romans 15:13
Main Points
-Hope, Joy and peace follow our obedient trust in God.
-Living in this manner produces an overflow of confident hope through the Holy Spirit.
Questions
-What are the situations where you find yourself lacking in hope, joy and peace?
-How could applying the principle of accepting others as Christ has accepted us, replace our negative emotions with Hope, Joy and Peace?
I am fully convinced, my dear brothers and sisters, that you are full of goodness. You know these things so well you can teach each other all about them. Even so, I have been bold enough to write about some of these points, knowing that all you need is this reminder. —Romans 15:14-15
Main Points
-Paul is convinced that the Roman believers are full of goodness.
-They know these things so well they can teach others about them.
-Everyone needs to be reminded of what we know, because sometimes we fail to live out experientially what we know intellectually.
Questions
-Do you believe that you are full of goodness? Why or why not?
-Do you believe that those you find it most difficult to live in harmony with are filled with goodness? Why or why not?
-Do you think your life teaches others how to live in harmony and accept others the way God accepts them? Why or why not?
-What could you change today to better live out this principle and better teach others?
-Who are you going to teach these principles to this week?