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Paul has just tackled the question of whether believers should eat meat that may have been presented to a god in a pagan temple. He warns insensitive "strong" Christians not to offend others' consciences by flaunting their freedom. He urges scrupulous "weak" Christians not to fence others in with petty rules. Now he moves into a broader discussion of how Christians should relate to each other.

Romans 15:1-7

1. Why is practicing one's faith solely based on a personal set of convictions and preferences inadequate?
   
   
2. Does verse 1 mean that you are to become a people pleaser? (See Galatians 1:10). What does it mean?
   
   
3. Who (v. 3) did Christ aim to please? What did setting aside his own will involve?
   
   
4. In the quotation from Psalm 69, David's "you" refers to God, and his "me" refers to himself as a righteous sufferer. Paul identifies the "me" with Christ. What hostility toward God did Jesus voluntarily bear?
   
   
5. Does living in complete harmony (v. 5) mean that all believers will reach the same conclusions, or that when they disagree they will do so in love?
   
   
6. Why is praise and glory to God maximized when believers are able to "join together with one voice" (v. 6)?
   
   
7. How (v. 7) has Christ accepted you? (See 14:3-4, 15.)
   
   

Ask God to help you to truly accept believers who differ from you and to patiently work for harmony in your relationships.

Romans 15:1-7

1 We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. 2 We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. 3 For even Christ didn't live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, "The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me." 4 Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises to be fulfilled.

5 May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. 6 Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

7 Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.

Copyright © 2009 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Lord, help me to realize that other Christians really are my brothers and to treat them as family.

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