Family Study Guide for Romans 15

Family Study Guide for January 26 – February 1, 2006
(Read Romans 15 Online)

Reflections on Romans 15 by Pastor Randy Matthews, Pastor of Prayer

Having "almost everything" the world could offer, one young man chose to live and die for others rather than enjoy a comfortable, self-centered life. He had graduated summa um laude from a college where he also had received many awards as an outstanding football player. After three years in the NFL, he turned down a $3.6 million contract to play professionally for the Arizona Cardinals in order to serve our country in the Army Rangers. On April 22, 2004, at the age of 27 years, Pat Tillman was killed in Afghanistan, leaving behind a wife to whom he had only been married for two short years.

If there is one theme that stands out in Pat Tillman's life, it is that he committed himself to living for the good of others. As the oldest of three sons, he took the responsibility of his younger siblings upon himself, and his passion to sacrifice himself for others continued until he died.

This same theme, sacrificing for the good of others, emerges as the main idea of Romans 15. The Apostle Paul stated that maturing Christians increasingly live to "please his neighbor for his good, to build him up." (15:2) Rather than living for their own desires, interests and comfort, strong Christians carry the loads others feel pressing upon them. Their weaknesses and infirmities, far from being repulsive, give the maturing believer the very fulfilment of their destiny, which is to become like Christ. Paul clearly paints our ultimate example in the One who did not seek to please himself (John 5:30), but made himself the servant of all (Matthew 20:28).

Bear with each other and "accept one another" (15:7) are the commands of Christ for us. What is at stake is the unity of the body so it is no wonder Paul prays that believers would have "one heart and mouth" with which to glorify God. How wonderful the church of Jesus would be if the members of Christ's body chose this sacrificial way of living for others. We see too many instances of division and fighting among those who call themselves Christians.

As I mentioned before, Pat Tillman died on April 22, 2004; but do you know what killed him? Fratricide. This is the military term for "friendly fire." On that spring evening in Afghanistan, someone had mistaken Tillman for the enemy, and they shot to kill. It was most assuredly a bad mistake, no malice was intended; but the result was the same. Too often Christians are shot with a "friendly fire" of words. Bear with one another and accept one another takes on a whole new meaning when viewed from this perspective.

Living sacrificially for others was our Lord Jesus' lifestyle... and it was that of the Apostle Paul as well. He, a Jew, gave himself completely to reach Gentiles (15:14-22); then, the Gentiles gave of their resources to aid needy Jewish believers in Jerusalem (15:23-30). I wonder how this lifestyle might spread to others in our church if we all lived it more today?

One more thing about Pat Tillman that grieves me and convicts me deeply: It has been reported that he was an "announced atheist." This saddens my heart most, and I can only pray that with his last breath he put his trust in Christ. Yet, one thing in this story plagues my conscience: If one outside of Christ so lived and died for others, what is keeping us back from doing even more?

Paul knew that sacrificing for others (especially to reach the lost) is a battle bigger than his (or anyone's) ability. Is it any wonder he asked for prayer? (15:30-33) Perhaps, where Paul ended this chapter is where we begin: with prayer. Let us pray for other, my friends, so that through the great working of God's Spirit within us, Jesus' sacrificial life for others will be seen and known.

Questions to Consider:

• How could you give up "everything" for someone who is in need? What is something important to you, that you could give up for someone else?
• When is a time that someone else gave up something very important to them, for you?
• Why is prayer so important to Paul?

Chapter Outline: (From Jim’s Introduction to Romans)

6. God’s Righteousness Revealed in Transformed Living (12:1-15:13)

Finish the Verses for this Chapter:

We who // are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
Romans 15:1-2

For everything // that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
Romans 15:4

May the God who // gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 15:5-6

Accept one // another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
Romans 15:7

May the God of // hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13

Sample Questions for Studying

Capitalized words are once-used-words

1. Reference : According to Romans 15:12, Isaiah says what?
2. All you PEOPLES what?
3. Reference : According to Romans 15:30, I urge you to what?
4. I will go where?
5. Do what by PRAYING to God for me?
6. I myself am what?
7. I glory in Christ Jesus in what?
8. They owe it to the Jews to share with them their MATERIAL BLESSINGS if what?
9. Who be with you all?
10. When I come to you, I will what?
11. Praise the Lord who?
12. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of UNITY among yourselves as you follow Christ why?
13. With one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of whom?
14. Who may glorify God for his mercy?
15. Again it says what?
16. 2 Part : You may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ with what?
17. Even Christ did not what?
18. Those who were not told about him will what?
19. I hope to visit you when?
20. 2 Part : I urge you HOW to JOIN me in my STRUGGLE by PRAYING to God for me?
21. The Root of JESSE will what?

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