ROMANS
Chapter 15
STUDY: 1-2 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
Do you know of anyone that you associate with that is weaker than you in faith? We are called to walk with them in their faith. Let's say you and a friend are out swimming in a lake. You are a strong swimmer, and your friend is anxious about swimming in the first place. A current comes that you have to swim against- you aren't worried about it, but your friend was having a hard time. Would you help your friend get through it or would you swim to shore and leave your friend to struggle and perhaps drown? You say, well of course I would help them!! (or at least I hope you would say that....!) The same is true spiritually. Except we are fighting against the current of life to save them from eternal death. This should be even a bigger deal. People who are weak in faith need friends who they can trust that can come along side of them and help them in their walk with Jesus. Satan tries to steal the hearts of those who are choosing to live for Jesus. The closer we are to Christ, the easier it is to detect Satan's schemes and the easier it is to avoid temptation. Don't get me wrong- we all still struggle, are tempted and fall into sin. We are not perfect. I am going to relate this situation to sheep. Think of a pasture full of sheep. There are some weaker sheep, young sheep, injured sheep, stronger sheep, healthy sheep, older sheep, and a shepherd or two- you get my point. One day a wolf comes- hungry as ever and sees a weak sheep among the flock. Obviously the wolf will go for that one- it's just easier, right? The Bible says in 1 Peter 5:8, that, the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Don't let the ones around you that are weaker in faith, be the ones that the devil devours. Build them up, pray for them, encourage their walk with Jesus, be of good example, love them and if you see the devil prowling around their territory, stand firm in faith with them. If they are attacked, help them get back up and on their feet again. 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. |
HIGHLIGHTED TEXT:We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. {Verse 1-2}
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