Placing Others over Self
Romans 15:1-6
[1] We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. [2] Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. [3] For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” [4] For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. [5] May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, [6] that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. Where do we see worship of self in our culture? How can we help each other not be self-absorbed?
2. What is Paul calling the strong to do as they relate to the weak? Why is this much easier said than done as we relate to one another within the local church?
3. How is Christ the opposite of self-pleasing? How does a right understanding of Christmas breed self-denial?
4. What does Paul say here about the role of Scripture? How does that encourage you to be more intentional about getting into the Word as the new year approaches?
5. How does this passage highlight the importance of church unity? How does it also show us that such unity must be based on the authority of Scripture?
6. In what ways do we take for granted or cheapen the language of “glorifying God”? How does this passage put meat on the bones of that concept?
References: Philippians 2:3-4; Galatians 6:2; Psalm 69:9; Mark 10:45; Philippians 2:5-8; 1 Corinthians 10:11, 31-33.