"THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS"
Author: Mark A. Copeland
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
1) To learn how strong and weak brethren should deal with one another
2) To see the importance of being true to our conscience
SUMMARY
In this chapter Paul discusses the relationship strong and weak
brethren are to have towards each other. He admonishes the strong to
be careful in their dealings with those whose faith and knowledge is
weak, and for the weak not to judge those who are doing what God allows
(1-4). In such matters, each brother should be true to their
conscience and do what they do as service rendered to the Lord (5-9).
There is no place for condemning or despising one another in these
matters, for Jesus will be the judge (10-12). Of primary concern is
not to put stumbling blocks in a brother's way (13).
The importance of being true to one's own conscience, and not
encouraging the weak brother to violate his own, is the emphasis of the
last half of the chapter. Things harmless within themselves can
destroy those whose consciences do not permit them, so those who
understand the true nature of the kingdom of God will be willing to
forego personal liberties to maintain peace and build up their weaker
brethren (14-23).
OUTLINE
I. ADMONITIONS TO STRONG AND WEAK BRETHREN (1-13)
A. HOW TO TREAT EACH OTHER (1-4)
1. The strong are to receive and not despise the weak (1-3a)
2. The weak are not to judge those God approves (3b-4)
B. HOW TO BE TRUE TO THE LORD IN THESE MATTERS (5-9)
1. Be fully convinced in your own mind (5)
2. Do what you do as to the Lord (6-9)
C. DO NOT JUDGE ONE ANOTHER (10-13)
1. Christ is to be our judge (10-13a)
2. Our concern should be not to put stumbling blocks in a
brother's way (13b)
II. FURTHER ADMONITIONS TO STRONG BRETHREN (14-23)
A. DO NOT DESTROY A BROTHER FOR WHOM CHRIST DIED (14-18)
1. Food is harmless in itself, but we can misuse it to the
destruction of those who are weak (14-16)
2. The kingdom of God is more important than food and drink
(17-18)
B. PURSUE THINGS WHICH MAKE FOR PEACE (19-23)
1. Build up your brother, don't destroy him over food (19-20)
2. Be willing to forego your liberties for the sake of your
brother (21)
3. Appreciate the importance of a clear conscience in your weak
brother (22-23)
WORDS TO PONDER
judge - setting oneself up as accuser, judge, and sentencer; it does
not mean we cannot make decisions about the right or wrong of
another's action (cf. Mt 7:1-6,15-20; Jn 7:24; 1Co 5:9-13)
stumbling block - that which causes another to fall; it does not have
to be something wrong within itself
offended - made to stumble; the word does not mean the way we commonly
use it today, that is, to have one's feelings hurt or
"offended"
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
1) List the main points of this chapter
2) How are strong and weak brethren to treat each other? (3)
3) What is important according to verse 5?
4) In all matters, whom is it we should try to please? (6-8)
5) Who will be the Judge in such matters? (10-12)
6) What is important according to verse 13?
7) What elements are crucial to the kingdom of God? (17)
8) How far should one be willing to go to avoid causing a brother to stumble? (21)
9) If we violate our conscience, what are we guilty of? (23)
Source - http://executableoutlines.com/ro/ro_01.htm
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