Read the passage: Romans 15:1-13 (ESV, Bible Gateway)
Verses 1-2
- What are these two verses saying?
- What is the difference between pleasing your neighbour and pleasing them for their good?
- How can you build up those that are weak (weakness here refers to what we looked at in ch14)?
Verse 3
- What is the relation between verses 1-2 and verse 3? In other words, what does the “for” tell us?
- Give some examples of Christ not pleasing Himself but seeking first to please the ‘weak’.
- Look at Psalm 69.9 which is quoted here. How does this example support what Paul’s argument?
- With those examples in mind, what might it look like for you to emulate the behaviour of Christ in your life?
- Give some examples of Christ not pleasing Himself but seeking first to please the ‘weak’.
Verse 4
Many people struggle with reading the Old Testament. Some even see it as unnecessary, outdated or that “the God of the Old Testament is different from the God of the New”. But this verse paints a different picture.
- In what way does the OT:
- Instruct us?
- Encourage us?
- Give us hope?
So let’s not neglect reading the Old Testament!
Verses 5-7
- In what way can the title given to God in v5 be an encouragement to us?
- What is the ultimate goal of living in harmony with one another?
- In what way do the following lead us and others (incl. the weak) to glorify God?
- Pleasing others rather than ourselves, for their good? (v1-2)
- Building up the weak? (v2)
- Reading the Scriptures (particularly the OT)? (v4)
- Welcoming others? (v7)
Verse 8
- In what way did God show is truthfulness through Christ?
Verses 8-12
- What is the main point of these verses and citations from the Old Testament?
Verse 13
- Why does believing in the gospel (as we’ve been studying it up until now in Romans) lead to true hope, joy and peace?
- How are the hope, joy and peace that the gospel provides different from that which the world builds on?
To close
Spend time reflecting on the hope, joy and peace that the gospel message brings. Pray that the Holy Spirit would encourage you in your faith and make you abound in hope.
Leader’s notes
Verse 3
- What is the relation between verses 1-2 and verse 3? In other words, what does the “for” tell us?
The “for” makes it clear that v3 is the grounds for v1-2, i.e that we are to please others and not ourselves because Christ didn’t please Himself. These verses take for granted that we are to follow in Christ’s footsteps, that in all we do we should endeavour to grow in His likeness.
Verse 4
- In what way does the OT:
- Instruct us?
The OT teaches us from start to finish about the sinfulness of man and about the character of God: as just, holy, faithful and abounding in steadfast love. - Encourage us?
The OT stories encourage us to live holy lives, because we see that it is worth it – God rewards those who are faithful. We also see that all along the OT was pointing towards Christ, and that God’s plan of salvation, and blessing the world through the seed of Abraham has come to pass in Christ. - Give us hope?
The OT points to a hope of salvation which we see fulfilled in the NT in Christ. The studying of God’s character in the OT gives us hope for the future, because He never changes! Also, we can fully rely on His promises in the future as we see how He has never failed to keep them in the past. In summary, the Scriptures were given that we might know what to hope for, on what grounds we will receive it, and in what way.
- Instruct us?
Verses 5-7
- In what way can the title given to God in v5 be an encouragement to us?
- In what way do the following lead us and others (incl. the weak) to glorify God?
- Welcoming others? (v7)
When we endeavour to imitate Christ, it brings glory to God. As we build up and welcome those around us (including the “weak”), we our hopefully pointing them to Christ and His character, which will lead both ourselves and those around us to glorify and worship Him all the more! The same goes for the reading of Scripture: the more we read, the more we grasp God’s character; His grace, faithfulness, justice, etc. As we gaze upon Him, the natural result is worship, which brings Him glory!
- Welcoming others? (v7)
- In what way do the following lead us and others (incl. the weak) to glorify God?
Verse 8
- In what way did God show is truthfulness through Christ?
The LORD displays His truthfulness and faithfulness to His word and promises by sending Christ to fulfil the Law’s requirements and enabling both Jews and Gentiles to enter into a relationship with Him, and ultimately, through Christ, receive salvation.
Verses 8-12
- What is the main point of these verses and citations from the Old Testament?
God shows His mercy to both Jews and Gentiles by sending His Son for their salvation. This should result in both Jews and Gentiles joining together as one people and worshiping God.
Download the complete study: Bible study on Romans (PDF) and leader’s guide (PDF)