Romans 15:1-6
1We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Placing Others over Self — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 15:1-6
Sermon Series: Romans (82nd Sermon)
December 12, 2021

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.