v.1-13
1. In v.1-6, there were 2 groups: the strong and the weak.
Level 1 the strong bear with the failing of the weak, please the weak and build them up.
bear-BDAG bear patiently, put up with: weaknesses of the weak BKC a Christian should not be self-centered, but should be concerned about the spiritual welfare of others
Why? because Christ did the same to the point of getting insult.
Level 2 the strong please the weak and build them up even to the point of getting insult
What kind of insult? v.3 The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me
(BKC) Rather he was suffering for the Lord’s sake (v. 7). His own relatives hated him even though he had zeal for the Lord (vv. 8–9). Their insults against God were directed to him
(EBC) John 15:25, quoted from the same psalm (69:4), where Jesus acknowledged that human hatred had dogged his steps, but unjustly. Our Lord did not on this account discontinue his faithful ministrations that were designed to help those about him. Paul would have his readers realize that similarly they are to seek the good of others even if they are misunderstood or maligned in doing so.
When the strong please the weak and build them up they would experience insult, but then through endurance and encouragement of JC's example they would have hope. As a result, the 2 groups will have unity in glorifying God. 一心一口 (lui 同心合意用一致的口)
(BKC) 4 從前所寫的聖經，都是為教訓我們寫的，叫我們因聖經所生的忍耐和安慰，可以得著盼望。learn from the past (what is written in the OT about others who did not please themselves) they are motivated to endure and be comforted in the present, looking ahead in hope (confidence) to the future.
2. But in v.7-13, the 2 groups were Jews and Gentiles. The result is to God's glory v.8 which is also the result of v.1-6 when the strong build up the weak. Why will God be glorified when they received one another is because Christ's salvation to the Gentiles made them part of the group who can glorify God v.9, 11.
3. Reflection: Our ultimate goal is to glorified God and it is a corporate action. We ourselves could not accomplish that goal without one another. There is no personal glorification in this passage. If others are so important, then start to consider them, please them, build them up to the point that insult might fall on me!
Endure, being encouraged 忍耐和安慰 by the example of Jesus, having hope and we are not doing this by our own effort, but through the power of God. He is the God of endurance and He gave us comfort in bringing unity to one another. Doesn't God endure with me all the times when I sinned and rebelled against Him?
Questions:
1. The strong bear with the weak
2. to please them, to build them up
3. being insult, not to destroy them, not to be spoken of as evil
4. my own pride and sinful nature, no power to bear with others, but Christ is not like that
5 Christ did not please Himself but received insults
6. for our instruction so that we will endure and being encouraged
7. they will be part of the group to glorify God.
8. The Scriptures encouraged us as an example and thus give us God. God gave us the power to endure. Hope therefore is a result of the Scriptures and God.
9. God
Green Olive
The strong will do something seems disadvantage to self, but since Christ did that they will also. From the Bible and from God we will be able to do that. The end result: We can glorify God together
1. What are the 2 things the strong ought to do for the weak? 擔代不堅固人的軟弱，不求自己的喜悅, 叫鄰舍喜悅
2. What are the goal to please the weak?
使他得益處，建立德行
Summary: bear patiently, put up with weaknesses of the weak, should not be self-centered, but should be concerned about the spiritual welfare of others
3. Why shall we do that in v.3? 因為基督也不求自己的喜悅 to the point of getting insult
辱罵你人的辱罵都落在我身上=Their insults against God were directed to him in John 15:25, Jesus acknowledged that human hatred had dogged his steps, but unjustly.
Our Lord did not on this account discontinue his faithful ministrations that were designed to help those about him.
Paul would have his readers realize that similarly they are to seek the good of others even if they are misunderstood or maligned in doing so.
Summary: When the strong please the weak and build them up they would experience insult, but that should not stop because of that.
4. It will be extremely difficult for me to do that. What are the sources of our strength in v.4-5? Bible and God
Summary: The strong will do something seems disadvantage to self, but since Christ did that they will also. 忍耐、安慰 from the Bible and God will enable us to do and then in the future we will be able to 一心一口榮耀神、我們主耶穌基督的父。
Conclusion in v.7 所以你們要彼此接納，如同基督接納你們一樣，使榮耀歸與神。
Examples of how Christ, as a Jews, accepted the Gentiles in v.8-12.
The result is to God's glory v.8 which is also the result of v.6, 7 when the strong build up the weak. Why will God be glorified when they received one another is because Christ's salvation to the Gentiles and now they can praise God together with the Jews v.10.
Conclusion: Follow Jesus. Jesus Himself also accepted the Gentiles and so should we. We can have hope when we endure the weak b/s v.4, not just because of the example of Jesus, but God is God of hope and the HS will give us power.
Reflection: (1) Our ultimate goal is to glorified God and it is a corporate action. We ourselves could not accomplish that goal without one another. There is no personal glorification in this passage. If others are so important, then start to consider them, please them, build them up to the point that insult might fall on me!
(2) When we feel powerless in bearing, think about the example of Jesus, God, and the power from HS.
v.14-33
1. The necessity to write the book because of what God had commanded him to be-a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. Therefore, he served in sharing the Gospel to them so that they would be sanctified and presentable to God v.14-16.
Note, his ministry given by God is to share the Gospel to the Gentiles, but when Paul wrote Romans he covered more than justification. The Gospel covers also the sanctification. Am I faithful in bringing people to Christ, not only for them to be justified, but also sanctified?
2. In v.30-31, Paul urged them to pray for him so that he might be rescued from those who are disobedient in Judea (and his ministry of helping the poor might be acceptable). Did God answer their prayer? Seems not in the beginning, but eventually Paul reached Rome under house arrest. In the process, Paul shared the Gospel with Roman officials, and eventually to the Roman guards.
(PNTC) Paul was evidently well aware of the fact that there were fanatical Jews in Judea who would oppose him vigorously (cf. Acts 20:22–23; 21:11), and in due course events proved his fears well founded. In obedience to God he would go up to Jerusalem despite the danger, but he did not plan to thrust himself into peril and he prayed to be delivered from it.
I am not looking forward to sufferings, and I avoid things that might have that possibility. I can fully understand Paul's invitation for people to pray for his safety. But, what I lack is his obedience to go despite the danger while he invited people to pray for his safety.
Since God allowed the sufferings following Paul went to Jerusalem for His purpose, He certainly had a reason to overriding Paul's prayer. Can I trust God when He overriding my prayers for health and safety?
Questions
1. full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to instruct one another.
2. to remind you, as a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles
3. in Christ Jesus about the things that pertain to God...what Christ has accomplished through him...in the power of the Spirit of God
2:17-23 hypocrite who cannot do what they told others
3:27-28 boasting of works-own effort
4. v.16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. I serve the gospel of God like a priest, so that the Gentiles may become an acceptable offering, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
v.17 So I boast in Christ Jesus about the things that pertain to God. 18 For I will not dare to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in order to bring about the obedience of the Gentiles, by word and deed, 19 in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of the Spirit of God
5. to bring about the obedience of the Gentiles, by word and deed, in the power of signs and wonders,
6. a. from Jerusalem even as far as Illyricum (roman province), b. where Christ has not been named, so as not to build on another person’s foundation. Isaiah's passage said those who were not told, or have not heard will see and understand. Paul is that person who tell them and make them hear.
7. For Macedonia and Achaia are pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. 27 For they were pleased to do this, and indeed they are indebted to the Jerusalem saints. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are obligated also to minister to them in material things.
8. Mainly we offered to the church, but occasionally some organization.
9. through our Lord Jesus Christ and through the love of the Spirit, to join fervently with me in prayer to God on my behalf
10. content-for their personal struggle, and their ministry
11. Peace with God and with others.
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