Romans 15:1-2

Main Thought: In the previous chapter, Paul was dealing with the subject of Christian liberty, where certain younger and weaker brothers in the faith were sometimes offended by the things which those who were stronger in their faith practiced. Paul’s advice was for both not to look down on, or pass judgment upon, the other over those things which involved the eating or not eating of certain foods, or the observing or not observing of certain days. Paul goes on in the latter part of Romans 14 to urge the stronger, more mature believers to not do anything that would cause a weaker brother to stumble in his faith. Here in this verse, Paul admonishes the stronger believers not to seek their own way every time in these matters, but to bear with one another, in other words, patiently put up with the failings of those who are younger and weaker in the faith. We need to remind ourselves that all of us, without exception, have been a weaker brother at some point and can look back and realize that some of the strong stances or opinions we had when we were weaker were because of our immaturity, and that through more study in the Scriptures, the wisdom of other believers coming alongside us and the faithful teaching of pastors in strong churches we have now become those who are more mature in our understanding of Scripture, and in our practice of the Christian life. Remember that Peter said we are all to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:18). If we seek just what we want, not clothing ourselves in humility, and do not practice the brotherly love that Paul spoke of in Romans 12:10, then chances are we will offend weaker brothers and greatly hinder their spiritual growth. Our calling, from the youngest believer to the most mature believer in the church, is to build up or edify one another. Paul reminds the Romans that Christ did not please himself (Rom. 15:3). So are we following the example of Christ, in seeking to humble ourselves and build up our brothers and sisters in Christ? May we ask the Lord to increase our humility daily and to imitate Christ as we seek the spiritual good and edification of all within the church.