2013-02-03
The responsibility of believers to one another and to the Lord
Steve Lane

A. Introduction [To the Jews and Gentiles...]
When we don't deal with what the Holy Spirit brings to us we clog the over flow of living waters
Bitterness creeps in and personal passions replace a passion for God
Often our failures and trials are to remind us of our helplessness, frailness and the sin that easily..
To take these steps can seem impossible for individuals, much less a group
Psalm 33:6, 15 - 22, Psalm 31:24, 2 Cor 3:16 – 18, 2 Cor 5:14 – 19, Romans 8:5

B. Christians should accept one another, for the Lord has accepted them
Romans 14: 1 – 4 Paul wants there to be unity between the two groups
Paul is not referring to accountability (1 Cor 5:12)
He is saying that God accepts both of these groups -
They are all the Lord’s servants and need to work together for His purposes
Psalm 133,Acts 2:42 I want all of us to experience true partnership

C. Christians should do everything in service to the Lord for they belong to Him
Romans 14: 5 – 8 Don’t offend your conscience – not a good habit to get into
Be patient with one another yet spur one another on Heb 3:13
We live for Another – spend some time with Rom 14:8 Remedy for many of the issues

D. Christians should do all things for the Lord because they will stand before Him to be judged
Romans 14: 9 – 12 The ramifications of this truth. Refuse His Lordship of you?
Paul reminds people of this time in the future – referring to the Bema
1 Cor 3: 12 – 15, 2 Cor 5:10, Galatians 2:20 A summary of Romans
We help one another please God and we have accountability but God is my Judge

Christians must not do anything which may cause their fellow Christians to stumble
Romans 14: 13 – 15 Accountability is not the issue here but a superior and critical attitude
2 Cor 6:3, Romans 14:19 – 23 Summary of all he has just said
Romans 15: 1 – 4 A transition we all are called to make
Don't give up. It is supernatural but endurance is required
What selfless living will result in … Romans 15: 5 - 6
Oh man! He will do this in us and among us [Psalm 133]
Romans 15: 7 Accept one another then as Christ accepts you

E. Paul’s concluding words to the believers at Rome
Final thoughts, plans and personal mentions Romans 15:13
Be alert to what we are overflowing – reveals our faith
But overflowing hope and not appealing to the flesh in each other –
Romans 15:14 Why thank you Paul!
Romans 15: 15 – 16 His job to remind them of these things
Paul sharing his vision and passion Romans 15: 20 – 22
Paul’s balance – sacrificial love but willing to deal with sin, rebellion and selfish living

F. To my friends
Romans 16: 1 – 6, 16
Final warnings, greetings and admonishments Romans 16: 17 – 19
Romans 16: 21 - 27