Download Lesson: 10.4.15 Class Notes – Rom 15.1-13
LOOK:
We have just spent an hour discerning all the directions Paul has given us to move toward a “spirit of unity.” Do you know what your “next step” is to foster a “spirit of unity” among your family of God? I’m trusting that the Spirit is telling each of us what our next step is to glorify Him!
Download Lesson: 9.27.15 Class Notes – Rom 14.13-23
LOOK:
Paul reminds us that we shouldn’t major in the minors. The examples he gave in this text were non-moral issues. He reminds us that some people’s faith is less developed than others. Therefore, if we are engaging in an activity that would cause our fellow believer to stumble, he has commanded us to take the high road. He says, “Make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way (v.13)” He also says, “Make every effort to do what leads to peace and mutual edification.”
The underpinning of these commands is to love, not judge – unless you hear false teaching. And for whatever this is worth: if the Lord decides He wants me to be His spokesperson to make someone aware of their sinful behavior, He will have the Holy Spirit prompt me. But you know what? I have been a Christian almost 35 years, and I don’t ever recall being invited by the Holy Spirit to sit down with someone and tell them they are sinning. There must be a reason! My assumption is that the Holy Spirit has the exclusive role to convict each of us when we’re sinning.
Download Lesson: 9.13.15 Class Notes – Rom 14.1-12
LOOK:
Paul gives us strong reasons why we should quit judging believers who are at different places in their spiritual journey. Whether a believer is weaker in faith, i.e. has a less developed faith, or whether one is a mature believer, Paul reminds us that God has accepted both the weak and the strong in faith. He reminds us that the Lord is able to defend the weaker brother who is only accountable to the Lord. He reminds us that Jesus is not only the Lord, but only HE is our judge.
Let’s make it our goal to simply meet people where they are, without imposing our views on non-moral matters. Let the Holy Spirit do the work in each of us.
Download Lesson: 8.16.15 Class Notes – Rom 13.1-4
LOOK:
One motivation for submitting to our governing authorities is to avoid punishment when we break the laws. As we go through this week, let’s make it our goal to do the right thing at all times to live peacefully among each other.
Download Lesson: 8.9.15 Class Notes – Rom 12.17-21
LOOK:
We need to hear this because it’s time to do an assessment on how we are living out our calling as God’s children. Paul provided multiple scales to be measured by, but the goal is to act on the information you learn. Since our spiritual growth is a process, we need to think in terms of baby steps in areas we need to improve. If you haven’t been faithful in prayer, then figure out a small baby step that works for you to sharpen your prayer life. If it’s practicing hospitality, then figure out a baby step that works for you to sharpen your hospitality efforts. Let the Holy Spirit use this chapter to illumine the baby step(s) HE wants you to take and be open to it. You can’t lose!