The Weak and the Strong Part Iv Unity in the Living, Breathing, Local Church Romans 15:1-7 Romans Series #50 Grace Baptist Church 8/2/15

Romans 15:1-7 NKJ 1. We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. 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 things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. 5 Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6 that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 ¶ Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.

A Danger and an Opportunity (A Hazard and a hallelujah) There is a danger of division in the church because of the differences between the weak and the strong, but there is also an opportunity for unity.

The Early Church Jerusalem – Some were not being taken care of (began the ministry of deacons); Jews were not accepting Gentiles’ loose religious practices. (Jerusalem Counsel) The Corinthian Church –divided over who was a better human leader; lawsuits The Galatian Churches – biting and devouring one another The Ephesian and Colossian Churches – were reminded of the importance of unity. The Philippian Church – two ladies almost split the church, etc. The Roman Church – disagreement over diet and days Today, we know some areas are wrong because the Bible condemns them, some areas are right because the Bible commands and commends them. But there are areas not clearly defined in Scripture, and we are given principles of guidance. Believers can disagree on non-essentials and still maintain healthy unity in the local church.

There can be unity between Strong and Weak Christians There can be unity between Strong and Weak Christians. In this extended passage there are Four main instructions. (2 review) Receive One Another With Understanding 14:1-12 Because God has received us. 1-3 Because God Sustains His Own 4 Because Jesus is Lord 5-9 Because Jesus is Judge 10-12 Edify One another Without Offending 14:13-23 Christians affect each other 13-15 Christians must have priorities 16-18 Christians must help each other grow 19-21 Christians must not force their opinions on others 22,23 Please One Another With Christlikeness 15:1-7 Worship With One Another In God’s Redemption 15:8-13

Today: 3.Please One Another With Christlikeness 15:1-7 6 spiritual traits that lead us to please one another. Regard for Others - 1a Humility of Self - 1b,2 Conformity to Christ - 3 Submission to Scripture - 4 Reliance on God’s Power - 5 Glorifying to God – 6 The Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.