5/2/10 Romans 14, 15, & 16
The Strong
(Ro 14:1) 1Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions.
(Ro 15:1) 1Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves.
Here in chapters 14 & 15 we learn the instructions that Paul gives to the mature or strong believers as they relate to the weaker. The strong are to accept the weaker and to bear or continue with those who are weaker.
Chapter 14 indicates that strong believers are not going to unjustly judge those who are weaker in the faith. The natural process of physical growth does not parallel the natural process of spiritual growth. Many times there are individuals who have been believers for years yet they remain weak because they have not been diligent in their personal growth or have simply not been taught correctly in some areas. There is a warning for those who are stronger not to become prideful because of their spiritual position. The strong must remember that they are not the judge, but everyone will give an account to God for himself. Those who view themselves as stronger faith must not just think it, but live it. This begins with what was mentioned in Romans 12:9-18 and specifically four things seem prominent. Be devoted toward one another in brotherly love. Give preference to one another in honor. Do not be haughty in mind. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Remember this is love without hypocrisy.
Chapter 15 then encourages perseverance with the weaker setting aside his pleasure for the building up of his brother. Imagine if those who have been believers for years were mature enough to set aside their pleasures and preferences for those who are weaker. What an example they would be for those weaker to become strong. Christ is our example of someone who has give up his pleasure and endured unjust ridicule and reproach for those who were weak (that is us) might have hope, acceptance, and become strong.
Today we need to seek to deny ourselves for the building up of others. What have you given up, in order that other may benefit? This ought to be are “modus operandi” or method of operating. Those who do not know Christ are always self-seeking and unfortunately many who know Christ and know his example are self-seeking also.
Prayer: Father delivers us becoming haughty in our thoughts about ourselves. Rather make are thoughts about you haughty, that is high and exalted, as would be appropriate. For there is no one higher or mightier that you, every mighty and magnificent thought about you is deserved and are even at best their best not grand or large enough to do justice to you great name. Father, forgive us for our self-seeking ways even when we come to you in worship. I wonder how we would respond if we received no further blessings from your hand. Would we still worship? Would we praise in for the past and continue in the present? Would we be satisfied with your grace that has been given and the salvation wonderfully provided? Would we continue to obey? How I wonder. Lord, you know where my faith is weak and I ask for the Spirit to instruct me about areas of disobedience and ignorance in my love for others. Father, I cry out to your for a renewal of my heart and a growth spurt of my faith. I love you and thank you for what you have done and if today was the final day that I received a blessing from your hand I pray that I would still love, follow, and adore you. In the strongest name of all, Jesus my Savior and my God. Amen.