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GUARD THE GOSPEL LESSONS
http://www.incoc.org/lessonsFull.asp?lesid=0
ROMANS 15
1. Remember the Purpose is to Glorify God
Romans 15:1-6 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2, Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3, For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me."[a] 4For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5, May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Bear with the failings of the weak
Please his neighbour; do not please yourself; FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS => Christ did not please himself. Build others up (in faith) Are we building others up in faith? What is our normal way of handling others with different opinions – those who are weaker? Talk a few times; leave them; avoid them; find new friends;.......
What if Jesus does the same to us? Why should we do all these? Vs5 – Spirit of Unity – why should we be united? Vs 6
This is why we are in the Church – not for our comfort; for us to feel good, entertainment, cricket & kababs
Why does the church exist? Romans 15:6 tells us: The church exists so . . . “6so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” God created man for His glory (Isaiah 43:6-7); God called Israel for His glory (Jeremiah 13:7); God rescued Israel from Egypt and from exile for His glory (Psalm 106:8, Daniel 9:19); God forgives our sins for His glory (Isaiah 43:25); Jesus returns again for His glory (2 Thessalonians 1:10).
Paul tells us that even those activities in our day that seem most trivial – eating and drinking – are to be done to the glory of God (1Corinthians:10:31So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.). And around the throne of God, every creature sings to His glory (Revelation 5:13). Is that your goal for life? Is that the reason we are in the church?
HOW DOES GOD EMPOWER US TO DO THIS?
Through His word. Vs 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Endurance – power to bear with pain or hardship. Our usual response to pain and hardship is to break – give up! Be hopeless.. etc. But what is the solution God gives us? Word of God!
So proper Bible studies are so important for us!
• We learn of the character of God;
• We learn of His nature
• We learn of other men and women who endured by His grace;
• We learn of those who did not endure, and learn lessons from their failures;
• We see God at the center, and are encouraged by our knowledge that He is still at the center;
• We see the purposes of God working out across all history, as He uses even pagan kings and rulers to accomplish His plan.
Real Bible study helps us to know God and so delight in Him and love Him, thereby glorifying Him. So proper Bible studies builds our faith, strengthens us to endure any hardship and come out victoriously. Commit yourself for daily faith building Bible studies for 2010. Again in Vs 7 “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” Irrespective of trivial differences, accept one another just as Jesus accepted us. Why? “In order to bring praise to God.” Vs 13: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Joy and Peace – words of Christmas season: where do we get it? Not from the latest movie; games; biriyani of the season but by TRUSTING IN GOD; once when you trust in God, you may overflow with Hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
2. Fulfil the DUTY OF PRIEST
Vs 14-16 14I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another. 15I have written you quite boldly on some points, as if to remind you of them again, because of the grace God gave me 16to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles with the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. First he says he is confident that the Christians in Rome are competent to instruct one another. Same is with us! But are we instructing one another? Or just saying hi & bye? 1 Peter 1:9 9But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Just as Peter, Paul also knew well that any Christian is a priest: the duty of the priest was to bring offerings to God as part of worship. What offering are we to bring now to God? priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Vs. 20 It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else's foundation. Are you fulfilling the duty of a priest? Are you actively involved in making disciples?
Start with your family, colleagues, neighbours, ....
3. Heart of Compassion - HELP THE POOR
Vs 25 Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the saints there. 26For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. 27They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews' spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings. When Paul came to know there is poverty among the Christians in Jerusalem, he encouraged the Christians in Macedonia & Achaia to take a collection to help their brethren. Are we quick to identify and help the needs of others – poor among us? Christmas time: help someone (families) who is financially not sound. 4. Utter Dependence on GodPOWER OF PRAYER. Paul believed in the power of prayer. He not only instructed but also prayed for the Churches, and he requested the Churches to pray for him specifically. Pray for the leaders; request from each other...
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Lessons
