John K. Jenkins Sr - A Walk Through Romans, Chapter 15

hat the Scriptures say, as that is what the Lord calls us to do with His word. So, let me thank you all for doing that, and I want to encourage you to continue in that commitment. Thank you so very much for it. I’m going to pray, and then we’ll move on to Romans Chapter 15 today. Hopefully, we’ll be able to get through that. I believe there are actually 33 verses, and if I spend a couple of minutes on each one, it will take me close to 35 or 40 minutes just to go through that. So, let’s pray, and then we’ll dive into the Scriptures for today.

Father, thank you for the privilege and opportunity to come before your sons and daughters. Thank you for the privilege of going through your word, dissecting, studying it together, and determining how we can apply it to our lives. As we approach Romans 15, I pray that you will give us your insights, revelations, and understanding of how it applies to each one of our lives. Though people are in various parts of the country and even the world, God, speak to them through your word about how this particular study relates to their personal lives. I pray, Father, that you put a hedge around every home, every location, and every place where people are watching this Bible study, allowing them to hear your voice above my own, the voice of the Holy Spirit convicting and speaking to them about what you desire for them and for us. We pray this in the marvelous and mighty name of our resurrected Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

All right, we’re going to dive into Romans Chapter 15. Let 's start with the first six verses, which cover a section titled «Bearing Others ' Burdens.» The first verse states, «We who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak and not to please ourselves.» Let me read that again: «We who are strong are to bear with the scruples"-that word scruples refers to the weaknesses-"of the weak. Let us bear with the weaknesses of the weak and not please ourselves.» What does that tell us? It tells us that those of us who are strong are directed to help carry the load of those who are not as strong. That is the call of God to all of us. Those who are stronger, having developed a level of maturity, ought to help lift up and support those who may not be as strong. We are called to help carry them through whatever stresses or challenges they are facing in their lives. And, if we’re honest, everyone in this Bible study who has been saved for any length of time has had someone in their life, someone with whom they have a relationship, who somehow, during their weak moments, prayed with them, cried with them, empathized with them, shared Scriptures, and provided some level of strength to keep going and to carry on. Someone in your life did that for you, enabling you to reach where you are today. That is where we begin; this passage starts off reminding us that this is what we’re called to do and that those of us who are strong should aid those who are weak. Furthermore, the latter part of verse one tells us that we’re not to be living our lives to please ourselves. It emphasizes that life is not merely about satisfying ourselves. The call is not for us to elevate solely what we want; that’s not God 's purpose for our lives. Verse two confirms this: «Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification.» Let each of us please our neighbor for their good, as we consider how we can help our neighbors do good!