“For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about–but not before God! For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” – Romans 4:2-3
Romans 15:1-2
“We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.”
– 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.
David Webber
David Webber is married to Mary with four children and four grandchildren, and serves as the Pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Longview, TX. He obtained a BS in History from the University of Texas at Tyler, TX, and pursued studies at Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, TX. Throughout his ministry, he has been an invited preacher and educator in numerous churches and various Bible conferences. Surrendering to the gospel ministry’s calling in 1972 at the age of 16, he received preaching licensure from Little Flock Baptist Church in Longview, Texas, in 1974. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in History from the University of Texas at Tyler in 1978, he was ordained in December of 1980 by Faith Baptist Church. Following this, he contributed his services to Faith Baptist in Longview and subsequently engaged with Grace Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas, where he instructed Sunday School and delivered sermons as needed. In February of 1994, Faith Baptist invited him to lead as their pastor, a role he has faithfully held to the present day. David writes a blog for the church website and is a writer for The Art of Worship.
More from David Webber
Romans 4:2-3
Psalm 92:8
“But You are on high forever, O Yahweh.” – Psalm 92:8
John 11:25-27
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die–ever. Do you believe this?’ She (Martha) said to Him, ‘Yes Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, the One who comes into the world.” – John 11:25-27
John 8:23-24
“And He was saying to them, ‘You are from below, I am from above. You are of this world, I am not of this world. Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins. For unless you believe that I am His, you will die in your sins.” – John 8:23-24
John 6:39-40
“Now this is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.” – John 6:39-40
John 2:18-21
“The Jews then said to Him, ‘What sign do You show us as your authority for doing these things?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this sanctuary, and in three days I will raise it up.’ The Jews then said, ‘It took forty-six years to build this sanctuary, and will You raise it up in three days?’ But He was speaking about the sanctuary of His body.” – John 2:18-21
John 1:14
“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14
Psalm 85:6
“Will You not Yourself return to revive us, that your people may be glad in You?” – Psalm 85:6
Psalm 86:1 and 86:5
“Incline your ear, O Yahweh, and answer me; For I am afflicted and needy…For You, Lord, are good, and by nature forgiving, and abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You.” – Psalm 86:1 and 86:5
John 14:19
“After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me, because I live, you will live also.” – John 14:19