Gospel Light Christian Church Thru-The-Bible Series (11.4)

The Epistle to the Romans

Romans 15-1-33 - Read this Bible passage once through before referring to the notes below.

Self-Denial on Behalf of Others

v.1  This verse summarizes the principle taught in chapter 14. As Christians we do not just do what pleases us or what comes naturally, but what is best to help the weak – as Christ did.

v.2 What is stated negatively in the last clause of the previous verse, is stated positively in this verse. We must be careful to exercise our Christian liberty not merely by refraining from pleasing ourselves, but also by pro-actively pleasing our neighbour – not in weak compliance to his wishes, but for his good to edification, ie, for his spiritual welfare.

v.3 This reason why we must not live to please ourselves is because Jesus did not – He lived for others.

v.4 This verse, and the rest of the Scriptures, especially the O.T., was written aforetime for our learning – that we may be Christ-like.

v.5 Likeminded does not refer to unanimity of opinion (which will make us little better than programmed robots) but harmony of feeling, ie, love each other and wanting the best for each other - just as Christ did all for us with this same love. If we reject every one that differs with us on every opinion of scripture we will have none to fellowship with!

v.6 Our love for the weak and "different" brother will glorify God, much more than loving those who are similar to us.

v.7 If Christ has received us as His children, in spite of all our failings and infirmities, then surely we ought to receive each other as brethren in spite of our differences.

v.8 Jesus was the minister of the circumcision (ie, Jews) to confirm the truth of God by  fulfilling all the promises made unto the fathers.

v.9 Jesus was also the minister to the Gentiles, as David had prophesied in this quote taken from PSA 18:49.

v.10 Quote from DEU 32:43.

v.11 Quote from PSA 117:1.

v.l2 Quote from ISA. 11:1,10. These quotations clearly show that salvation of the Gentiles was prophesied in the O.T.

v.l3 Paul prays for them to be filled with all joy and peace (ie, all possible joy and peace) which can only be so if they live together in Christian love and unity. With this joy and peace, they could encourage each other and abound in hope.

v.14 Paul wisely adds this to minimise any resentment on their part at being reproved.

v.15 "I have written somewhat too boldly". Though his previous admonitions were full of affection, Paul added this realising man's resentment against any manner of correction.

v.16 Paul corrected them so that their lives would be “acceptable” to God.

v.19 Paul preached powerfully to the Gentiles. His Apostleship was proven by signs and wonders (ie, miracles).

v.20 Paul was an apostle and therefore his ministry was to lay the foundation for the church, rather than building on another man’s ministry.

v.21 Quote from ISA 52:15.

v.22 Because Paul knew that Rome had already heard the Gospel, he had thus far refrained from going there.

v.23 However, Paul had run out of unevangelized places to go to.

v.24 Paul, the man who desired great things for God, aims to reach Spain - which was at the westernmost end of the Mediterranean Sea (- therefore, equivalent to the end of the world!). There is no biblical record that Paul ever reached Spain.

v.26 The Jewish Christians were suffering a famine at this time.

v.27 Those who have benefited spiritually, being themselves unable to repay spiritually, should do so through physical means. The same argument is given regarding the need to support ministers (1CO 9:11).

v.28 “Sealed to them” means “safely delivered.”

v.29 Fulness of the blessings of the gospel, ie, abundant blessings of the Gospel. All serving in the Gospel ministry can anticipate the same abundant blessings.

v.30 Paul encourages group prayers (ie, strive together with me in your prayers).

v.31 They were to pray for three things: his safety, the success of his mission, and that he might come to visit the Romans (v.32). Paul expected trouble from the unbelieving Jews and even from the narrow-minded Jewish Christians (ie, the saints) – this came to pass, as recorded in Acts.

v.32 Paul expected persecution in Jerusalem, and had been burdened with the problems of the struggling churches that he planted, and was hoping for some rest in Rome - to refresh him for more labour for the Lord.

v.33 He requested their prayers, he now prays for them in this one all-encompassing petition.