| SUMMARY: | Finally, in his instruction on how to live in harmony with one another, he instructs both groups (Jew and Gentile) to follow the example of the Lord Jesus Christ to bear each other’s weaknesses and to accept one another. |
| I. The First Example | VERSES 15:1-6 | |
| A. The Exhortation: | ||
| 1. The Ethical Principles: | ||
| a. The Positive: | Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength | (1a) |
| b. The Negative: | and not just please ourselves. | (1b) |
| 2. The Exhortation: | Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification. | (2) |
| B. The Example of Christ: | ||
| 1. The Statement: | For even Christ did not please Himself; | (3a) |
| 2. The Scripture: | but as it is written, “THE REPROACHES OF THOSE WHO REPROACHED YOU FELL ON ME.” (Psalm 69:9) |
(3b) |
| 3. The Explanation: | ||
| a. What: | For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, | (4a) |
| b. Why: | so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. | (4b) |
| C. The Prayer: | ||
| 1. The Description: | Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement | (5a) |
| 2. The Request: | grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, | (5b) |
| 3. The Reason: | ||
| a. How: | so that with one accord you may with one voice | (6a) |
| b. What: | glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. | (6b) |
| II. The Second Example | VERSES 15:7-13 | |
| A. The Exhortation: | ||
| 1. The Action: | Therefore, accept one another, | (7a) |
| 2. The Standard: | just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God. | (7b) |
| B. The Example of Christ: | For I say that Christ has become a servant | (8a) |
| 1. In Respect to the Jews: | ||
| a. The Statement: | to the circumcision | (8b) |
| b. The Purpose: | on behalf of the truth of God to confirm the promises given to the fathers, | (8c) |
| 2. In Respect to the Gentiles: | ||
| a. The Statement: | and for the Gentiles | (9a) |
| b. The Purpose: | to glorify God for His mercy; | (9b) |
| c. The Scriptures: | ||
| (1) First: | as it is written, “THEREFORE I WILL GIVE PRAISE TO YOU AMONG THE GENTILES, AND I WILL SING TO YOUR NAME.” (Psalm 18:49) |
(9c) |
| (2) Second: | “REJOICE, O GENTILES, WITH HIS PEOPLE.” (Deuteronomy 32:43) | (10) |
| (3) Third: | And again “PRAISE THE LORD ALL YOU GENTILES, AND LET ALL THE PEOPLES PRAISE HIM.” (Psalm 117:1) |
(11) |
| (4) Fourth: | Again Isaiah says, “THERE SHALL COME THE ROOT OF JESSE, AND HE WHO ARISES TO RULE OVER THE GENTILES, IN HIM SHALL THE GENTILES HOPE.” (Isaiah 11:10) |
(12) |
| C. The Prayer: | ||
| 1. The Description: | Now may the God of hope | (13a) |
| 2. The Request: | fill you with all joy and peace in believing, | (13b) |
| 3. The Reason: | ||
| a. What: | so that you will abound in hope | (13c) |
| b. How: | by the power of the Holy Spirit. | (13d) |