Strong and weak
Rom 15:1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
Infirmities - asthenema - infirmity ; of error arising from weakness of mind (strong's number 771)
The strong are to bear , to take up or carry those who are weaker or struggling and not to only please themselves. This is a loving relationship to another, to build them up.
Philippians 2:3-4: Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others
Rom 15:2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
Leading to edification: All too often, Christians find it easier to tear each other down instead of building each other up; this is a classic strategy of Satan against the church that must be resisted.
Luke 10:27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.
Who is my neighbor? Jesus answered this in the parable of the good Samariatan.
Luke 10:36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
Luke 10:37 And he said, He that showed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
We are to show mercy and meet needs, in this way God is glorified. God is a good God and we are his servants.
Rom 15:3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
The put-downs and revilings of all who came against you fell on Jesus. He humbly took your sufferings and shame to the cross. They are gone, so don't be looking for them. Rather look for a way of loving and helping another to build them up in the faith.
Psa 69:7 Because for thy sake I have borne reproach; shame hath covered my face.
Rom 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
Jesus fulfilled the scripture in Psalms 69:7, he took our shame and weaknesses to the cross.
Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Heb 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Heb 12:4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
Acts 20:35 I have showed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Jesus paid for our freedom so let's walk as free people helping others to also be free in him. Without Jesus we would be in bondage to sin and without hope. Thank you Jesus for making me an adopted spiritual child of God, help us to bring others to you and to freedom from bondage, this is our calling.
Diotrephes and Demetrius
Rom 15:5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
Two qualities of the mind of Christ that we need in order to be likeminded towards other Christians;
patience - steadfastness, constancy, endurance
The characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and holiness by even the greatest trials and sufferings.
Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
consolation - exhortation, comfort
John 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
Rom 15:6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rev 15:4 Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.
Rom 15:7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
Mat 10:14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
Diotrephes and Demetrius, which are we most like?
3 John 1:9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
3 John 1:10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.
3 John 1:11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
3 John 1:12 Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.
For eternity these two men shall be spoken of. Are you loving and caring or seeking to be the focus while excluding others? Demietrius was more like the mind of Christ. Let us love one another as Christ loved us.
Promises
Rom 15:8 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:
He was sent to the Jewish people, their promised Messiah and savior, but they refused him.
John 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
He came as a servant;
Mat 12:17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,
Mat 12:18 Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall show judgment to the Gentiles.
Even in Isaiah's prophecy it was clear that not only would Messiah come, but that he would minister to the Gentiles. Yet first he came to save the Jews.
Luke 19:8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.
Luke 19:9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Zacchaeus by the law restored that which was taken from another fourfold. Accountability seems to be lacking in today's man of God. Where is keeping of a promise? Where is restoration of that which was taken? Many are honorable in their love for our Lord and their neighbors. Jesus has now come and we are to be as he is, he has restored all things and given us his grace.
Jesus was the truth of God come amongst his own creation.
John 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Truth comes by learning of Jesus and his word and is revealed by the indwelling spirit of truth. (John 14:17)
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Jesus came to confirm the promises of the father's, so many were fulfilled in his coming: born of a virgin, in bethlehem, the savior, the fulfillment of the law, many promises fulfilled, even the death on the cross, and rising from the grave uncorrupted, a king forever.
He has given us promises too;
John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
John 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
Thank you Jesus for including me in your promises.
All His People Rejoice
Rom 15:9 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.
If you are not Jewish and have received Jesus as Lord, give praise to God for being chosen. Let your light shine for him for he has given you mercy and eternal forgiveness.
Jews and Gentiles can unite in Christ over the common ground of praise.
The quotation from Psalm 18 is Jesus Himself giving praise among the Gentiles.
Rom 15:10 And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.
Rom 15:11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.
Rom 15:12 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.
Paul pointed out that in Christ Jew and Gentile come together in one body for praise.
Eph 2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
Eph 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
Eph 2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, (Jew and non-jew) and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
Eph 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
Col 3:9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
Col 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
Col 3:11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
All who receive Jesus are as one mind and Spirit, a new man in Christ Jesus.
Let all who have breath Praise The Lord!
God of Hope
Rom 15:13 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.
The Holy Ghost power brings the hope of eternal life.
Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Rom 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
We have joy and peace, the fruit of the spirit.
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
And are given the power of God though believing in our Lord Jesus Christ.
John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
John 6:64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.
John 6:65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.
The Holy Spirit does the will of the Father in heaven. We can't pretend a new life for it is the power of God that makes a new life. Thank you Lord for the gospel of Jesus and the Holy Ghost sent to do your will. We receive all you have for us, in the fear of God.
Full of Goodness
Rom 15:14 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.
Christian character is what matters, we receive joy, peace and hope from believing in Jesus through the Holy Spirit. As we take on his character we become more like our Lord :
full of goodness - uprightness of heart and life, goodness, kindness (strong's number 19)
Eph 5:9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
Goodness, righteousness and truth, from the mind of Christ Jesus.
Filled with all knowledge - of the things of God;
Knowledge comes from reading God's word.
1Co 1:5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;
2Pe 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
able also to admonish one another.
With goodness and God's knowledge we are able to admonish one another.
admonish - to warn, exhort
Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
1Th 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
Phil 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Phil 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Phil 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
We are given all we need to be like our Lord, we are redeemed and we have his word and his Spirit. We are of the truth, so let us obey him in all things. Thank you Jesus.
Minister to the Gentiles
Rom 15:15 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,
Rom 15:16 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.
Jesus first took the gospel to the gentiles
Mat 12:17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,
Mat 12:18 Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall show judgment to the Gentiles.
Jesus spoke to the woman at the well, in Samaria
John 4:25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.
John 4:26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.
Peter watched as the gentiles received the Holy Ghost.
Acts 10:45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
The witness continued as Paul was called to be an apostle to the Gentiles.
Acts 9:15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
Acts 9:16 For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.
Acts 13:46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
Acts 13:47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.
Acts 13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
(but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life)... How often do we see people rejecting the gospel that would free them? First the gospel came to the Jews, the promised people, they rejected Jesus. So the gospel in God's foreknowledge and by his prophets word goes to the gentiles. We have received Christ Jesus because it was planned by God.
How many know God's plans? Are you willing to submit to him for his purposes? Paul was willing even when he was told he must suffer many things for Christ's sake. Would you be willing to suffer as you stay true to God as his witness? If so you are counted with the Lord, Peter and Paul, you are in good company.
Glory through Jesus
Rom 15:17 I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.
John 7:18 He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.
Rom 15:18 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,
Rom 15:19 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.
Paul truly was obedient to the Lord's commission...
Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
When the Greeks wished to worship him, he set them straight.
1 Cor 3:4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?
1 Cor 3:5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?
1 Cor 3:6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
1 Cor 3:7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
1 Cor 3:8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
1 Cor 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
Jesus expected his disciples to continue his work and do greater things.
John 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
The power of God is still with us in His Spirit. We can continue the work of the Lord, sharing in his sufferings and his victories. The best place to be is in his purpose and in his power to do his will. The Lord shall build his church; through our obedience we are partners with him. We are one with God.
New Ground
Rom 15:20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:
Rom 15:21 But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.
In an organization I once belonged to, promotion was attained and a lofty title given for bringing in a large amount of new members. One man simply asked friends from a different city already in the organization to join the club in the city he was in. He met the reqirements for the lofty position, but by deceit. Too many churches have people moving from one to another and few new converts to the faith.
Paul did not want to go where converts were already established, but in new areas where the gospel had not yet been heard. Everyone should be given the chance to hear the gospel message.
Isa 52:15 So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.
Isa 53:1 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?
Mat 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Eph 3:12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
Do not continue to give the gospel to someone who rejects it, move on where another is seeking what you have to share. Paul proved his apostalic calling. He went to areas completely unaware of his gospel message with boldness in the Holy Ghost.
His plans
Rom 15:22 For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.
Paul explains why he has not made visiting the Romans a top priority - because his heart is to preach the gospel on the frontiers
It was his great desire to do pioneer work that hindered him from coming to the Romans, though he did desire to see them
Rom 15:23 But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;
Rom 15:24 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.
Paul had plans; yet things did not work out according to his plans. He did go to Rome, but not as a missionary on his way to Spain, but as a prisoner awaiting trial before Caesar. His witness would reach Ceasars own household in the palace.
Psa 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
Psa 23:2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
Psa 23:3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Psa 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Paul was following the Spirits direction. Some of his plans were not as he expected, but God brought him through on his wings. Everywhere Paul went the gospel was preached, yes, even into the household of Caesar from witnessing to his guards. If we know our calling and walk in it, God will bless and give the increase. Blessed be our Lord, all wise, who can know his ways?
Thankful giving
Mat 25:45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
Rom 15:26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
Rom 15:27 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.
The Gentile churches were supporting the poor in the church at Jerusalem, which were Jewish Christians.
Paul makes reference to the word of God that came first to the Jewish people and we benefited spiritually by it's being shared. Now it was time for the Gentiles to share with their material things in their need.
Rom 15:28 When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.
1 Cor 16:1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
1 Cor 16:2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
1 Cor 16:3 And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.
2 Cor 9:15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
As we receive from God we help others in need, give glory and thanks to God. Have we not received the greatest gift from another? Jesus, we thank you for your unspeakable gift of eternal life from and with you. Give thanks all ye Saints for Jesus and our riches in and through him. Happy Thanksgiving!
Pray for me
Rom 15:29 And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
Rom 15:30 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;
Rom 15:31 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;
Rom 15:32 That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.
Rom 15:33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Sensing the danger that awaited him in Jerusalem Paul new his life was in danger and he needed prayers. We need to pray and be prayed for. First for wisdom and protection and that we will be in the Lords perfect will. It is not enough to just make up our mind and to ask the Lord to bless it. He must direct our steps and prayer is needed. There is much evil along the way, we need our Lord.
Gary
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