ROMANS Study Guide

Chapter Fifteen :

The Primary Goals of Edification and Mission

In this Chapter Paul extends his thoughts from the last chapter into a conclusion of the importance of edifying and building up one another in Jesus Christ. He also stresses his mission and strategy to work in “virgin territories” in expanding the gospel message to the World. Paul again exalts his calling as the Apostle to the Gentiles. He then refers to his commission to carry the Gentile offering to the poor of Jerusalem followed by his first conclusion of his letter to the Roman Church. Rom 15:1 Then we who are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Rom 15:2 Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good, to building up. Rom 15:3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me." Rom 15:4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, so that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Rom 15:5 And may the God of patience and consolation grant you to be like minded toward one another according to Christ Jesus, Rom 15:6 so that with one mind and one mouth you may glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Rom 15:7 Therefore receive one another as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.

1. The Christian life is not about self-fulfillment but service to God and others:

a. We then who are Strong (mature) should bear (endure) the infirmities (the weaker scruples) of the weak (less free) and to not please ourselves. Vs.1

b. Let us please our neighbor…for his edification (up building)

c. Jesus is our example of selfless living for the good of others. Jesus teaches us from his life of self-surrender by enduring people’s negative reactions to God by letting their taunts and railings towards God fall on him. Jesus always knew that how people reacted to him was in fact their reaction to God who sent him (Jn.8:49). (vs.3)

2. Paul drives home what all this discussion of self-denial and

“forbearing” (putting the needs of other believers before our own)