1 Corinthians 4

1 Corinthians 4:1

Don’t Be a Stumbling Block

Romans 14:15. If I were to ask if you wanted to make a brother sad, you would say: ‘No!’ And yet you can cause your brother to be sad by something you do when you are not walking according to love, even though you may be perfectly right in what you’re doing. As to yourself, you see no trouble at all. With regard to the Lord, everything is all right, but this is not the whole story. You must also consider your brother or sister. And if they are saddened by something you do, you’re not being led by love. “Love does no wrong to a neighbor” (Romans 13:10).

You can even spiritually destroy someone for whom Christ has died with your eating, that is, making use of your liberty. This would be a very undesirable effect from the use of the liberty you now have.

Romans 14:16. Therefore, live so that what is good for you, no evil can be spoken of. That means that you are not guided by what is good for you, by your freedom, but that you take into account the conscience of your brother.

Romans 14:17. To make things clear as to what your attitude should be regarding your brothers, Paul speaks about the kingdom of God. You and your brother were part of God’s kingdom when you accepted the Lord Jesus. In the kingdom of God it’s not eating and drinking that count. What counts is “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit”.

Just as with the kingdoms of this world, you find a King and His subjects in the kingdom of God. Only the kingdom of God is not a visible kingdom with a visible king, but today, a hidden kingdom with a hidden King. The Lord Jesus is the King. In the Old Testament you find that name often. But we, New Testament believers, do not call Him by that name. We call Him Lord. This is how the New Testament always speaks of Him. But whether He is called King or Lord, both names express the authority He exercises over His subjects.

His government is from heaven where He now is. In your life you can show He has authority over you by letting the Holy Spirit work in you. If you do this, it will have the following results: 1. You’ll be righteous in your interactions with others. 2. You would not want to disturb the peace by pursuing your own interests regardless of the conscience of others. 3. If you deal in such a way with your brother, your fellow-subject in the same kingdom, then there will be joy in your heart.

Romans 14:18. This is really serving Christ. This is pleasing to God, and people around you will notice you are guided by different rules than the ones common to them and to the world around them.

Romans 14:19-21. You’re exhorted to “pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another”. You must work at this. It will not happen automatically. Peace and the building up of one another are more important than food. Physical needs aren’t wrong. God wants to supply those needs, but they are subject to His work. They should not cause you to do things that make your brother stumble.

For example, I know a brother from an African country. In that country eating eggs is connected with idolatry. He is not yet free of this thought in connection with eggs. Now, suppose I usually eat an egg every day. Nothing wrong with that. But if this brother is having breakfast with me and I offer him an egg, this could cause him to fall. Or I might try to convince him there’s nothing wrong in eating an egg. But if I urge him to do so, this could bring him into a serious problem with his conscience. If I am aware of this, it would be far better not to eat an egg at that moment. This may be applied in all kinds of ways.

Romans 14:22. Your faith in God and in the work of the Lord Jesus is a personal faith. It’s not said you shouldn’t witness of it. That faith has freed you from all kinds of traditions and habits that have nothing to do with serving God. You’re even called “happy” if you enjoy this freedom in Christ without constraint and without subjecting yourself to all sorts of rules that men may make. It doesn’t matter if they are so-called Christian rules or if they are rules that people in the world adhere to. What is important is that in everyday practical life you are led by your faith and not by your feelings. Faith is centered in God and in His Word.

Romans 14:23. If you have doubts about something, don’t do it. Live by your faith. Faith is not an expression of uncertainty, which is how the word is often used. People say: ‘I don’t believe it’s wrong.’ They mean: ‘I don’t think it’s wrong, but I’m not sure.’ But God has revealed His will to us. Everything we do, without having asked for His will, is sin. This is a strong statement of God’s Word, isn’t it?

Now read Romans 14:15-23 again.

Reflection: What does the kingdom of God mean to you?

1 Corinthians 4:2

Don’t Be a Stumbling Block

Romans 14:15. If I were to ask if you wanted to make a brother sad, you would say: ‘No!’ And yet you can cause your brother to be sad by something you do when you are not walking according to love, even though you may be perfectly right in what you’re doing. As to yourself, you see no trouble at all. With regard to the Lord, everything is all right, but this is not the whole story. You must also consider your brother or sister. And if they are saddened by something you do, you’re not being led by love. “Love does no wrong to a neighbor” (Romans 13:10).

You can even spiritually destroy someone for whom Christ has died with your eating, that is, making use of your liberty. This would be a very undesirable effect from the use of the liberty you now have.

Romans 14:16. Therefore, live so that what is good for you, no evil can be spoken of. That means that you are not guided by what is good for you, by your freedom, but that you take into account the conscience of your brother.

Romans 14:17. To make things clear as to what your attitude should be regarding your brothers, Paul speaks about the kingdom of God. You and your brother were part of God’s kingdom when you accepted the Lord Jesus. In the kingdom of God it’s not eating and drinking that count. What counts is “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit”.

Just as with the kingdoms of this world, you find a King and His subjects in the kingdom of God. Only the kingdom of God is not a visible kingdom with a visible king, but today, a hidden kingdom with a hidden King. The Lord Jesus is the King. In the Old Testament you find that name often. But we, New Testament believers, do not call Him by that name. We call Him Lord. This is how the New Testament always speaks of Him. But whether He is called King or Lord, both names express the authority He exercises over His subjects.

His government is from heaven where He now is. In your life you can show He has authority over you by letting the Holy Spirit work in you. If you do this, it will have the following results: 1. You’ll be righteous in your interactions with others. 2. You would not want to disturb the peace by pursuing your own interests regardless of the conscience of others. 3. If you deal in such a way with your brother, your fellow-subject in the same kingdom, then there will be joy in your heart.

Romans 14:18. This is really serving Christ. This is pleasing to God, and people around you will notice you are guided by different rules than the ones common to them and to the world around them.

Romans 14:19-21. You’re exhorted to “pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another”. You must work at this. It will not happen automatically. Peace and the building up of one another are more important than food. Physical needs aren’t wrong. God wants to supply those needs, but they are subject to His work. They should not cause you to do things that make your brother stumble.

For example, I know a brother from an African country. In that country eating eggs is connected with idolatry. He is not yet free of this thought in connection with eggs. Now, suppose I usually eat an egg every day. Nothing wrong with that. But if this brother is having breakfast with me and I offer him an egg, this could cause him to fall. Or I might try to convince him there’s nothing wrong in eating an egg. But if I urge him to do so, this could bring him into a serious problem with his conscience. If I am aware of this, it would be far better not to eat an egg at that moment. This may be applied in all kinds of ways.

Romans 14:22. Your faith in God and in the work of the Lord Jesus is a personal faith. It’s not said you shouldn’t witness of it. That faith has freed you from all kinds of traditions and habits that have nothing to do with serving God. You’re even called “happy” if you enjoy this freedom in Christ without constraint and without subjecting yourself to all sorts of rules that men may make. It doesn’t matter if they are so-called Christian rules or if they are rules that people in the world adhere to. What is important is that in everyday practical life you are led by your faith and not by your feelings. Faith is centered in God and in His Word.

Romans 14:23. If you have doubts about something, don’t do it. Live by your faith. Faith is not an expression of uncertainty, which is how the word is often used. People say: ‘I don’t believe it’s wrong.’ They mean: ‘I don’t think it’s wrong, but I’m not sure.’ But God has revealed His will to us. Everything we do, without having asked for His will, is sin. This is a strong statement of God’s Word, isn’t it?

Now read Romans 14:15-23 again.

Reflection: What does the kingdom of God mean to you?

1 Corinthians 4:3

Don’t Be a Stumbling Block

Romans 14:15. If I were to ask if you wanted to make a brother sad, you would say: ‘No!’ And yet you can cause your brother to be sad by something you do when you are not walking according to love, even though you may be perfectly right in what you’re doing. As to yourself, you see no trouble at all. With regard to the Lord, everything is all right, but this is not the whole story. You must also consider your brother or sister. And if they are saddened by something you do, you’re not being led by love. “Love does no wrong to a neighbor” (Romans 13:10).

You can even spiritually destroy someone for whom Christ has died with your eating, that is, making use of your liberty. This would be a very undesirable effect from the use of the liberty you now have.

Romans 14:16. Therefore, live so that what is good for you, no evil can be spoken of. That means that you are not guided by what is good for you, by your freedom, but that you take into account the conscience of your brother.

Romans 14:17. To make things clear as to what your attitude should be regarding your brothers, Paul speaks about the kingdom of God. You and your brother were part of God’s kingdom when you accepted the Lord Jesus. In the kingdom of God it’s not eating and drinking that count. What counts is “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit”.

Just as with the kingdoms of this world, you find a King and His subjects in the kingdom of God. Only the kingdom of God is not a visible kingdom with a visible king, but today, a hidden kingdom with a hidden King. The Lord Jesus is the King. In the Old Testament you find that name often. But we, New Testament believers, do not call Him by that name. We call Him Lord. This is how the New Testament always speaks of Him. But whether He is called King or Lord, both names express the authority He exercises over His subjects.

His government is from heaven where He now is. In your life you can show He has authority over you by letting the Holy Spirit work in you. If you do this, it will have the following results: 1. You’ll be righteous in your interactions with others. 2. You would not want to disturb the peace by pursuing your own interests regardless of the conscience of others. 3. If you deal in such a way with your brother, your fellow-subject in the same kingdom, then there will be joy in your heart.

Romans 14:18. This is really serving Christ. This is pleasing to God, and people around you will notice you are guided by different rules than the ones common to them and to the world around them.

Romans 14:19-21. You’re exhorted to “pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another”. You must work at this. It will not happen automatically. Peace and the building up of one another are more important than food. Physical needs aren’t wrong. God wants to supply those needs, but they are subject to His work. They should not cause you to do things that make your brother stumble.

For example, I know a brother from an African country. In that country eating eggs is connected with idolatry. He is not yet free of this thought in connection with eggs. Now, suppose I usually eat an egg every day. Nothing wrong with that. But if this brother is having breakfast with me and I offer him an egg, this could cause him to fall. Or I might try to convince him there’s nothing wrong in eating an egg. But if I urge him to do so, this could bring him into a serious problem with his conscience. If I am aware of this, it would be far better not to eat an egg at that moment. This may be applied in all kinds of ways.

Romans 14:22. Your faith in God and in the work of the Lord Jesus is a personal faith. It’s not said you shouldn’t witness of it. That faith has freed you from all kinds of traditions and habits that have nothing to do with serving God. You’re even called “happy” if you enjoy this freedom in Christ without constraint and without subjecting yourself to all sorts of rules that men may make. It doesn’t matter if they are so-called Christian rules or if they are rules that people in the world adhere to. What is important is that in everyday practical life you are led by your faith and not by your feelings. Faith is centered in God and in His Word.

Romans 14:23. If you have doubts about something, don’t do it. Live by your faith. Faith is not an expression of uncertainty, which is how the word is often used. People say: ‘I don’t believe it’s wrong.’ They mean: ‘I don’t think it’s wrong, but I’m not sure.’ But God has revealed His will to us. Everything we do, without having asked for His will, is sin. This is a strong statement of God’s Word, isn’t it?

Now read Romans 14:15-23 again.

Reflection: What does the kingdom of God mean to you?

1 Corinthians 4:4

Don’t Be a Stumbling Block

Romans 14:15. If I were to ask if you wanted to make a brother sad, you would say: ‘No!’ And yet you can cause your brother to be sad by something you do when you are not walking according to love, even though you may be perfectly right in what you’re doing. As to yourself, you see no trouble at all. With regard to the Lord, everything is all right, but this is not the whole story. You must also consider your brother or sister. And if they are saddened by something you do, you’re not being led by love. “Love does no wrong to a neighbor” (Romans 13:10).

You can even spiritually destroy someone for whom Christ has died with your eating, that is, making use of your liberty. This would be a very undesirable effect from the use of the liberty you now have.

Romans 14:16. Therefore, live so that what is good for you, no evil can be spoken of. That means that you are not guided by what is good for you, by your freedom, but that you take into account the conscience of your brother.

Romans 14:17. To make things clear as to what your attitude should be regarding your brothers, Paul speaks about the kingdom of God. You and your brother were part of God’s kingdom when you accepted the Lord Jesus. In the kingdom of God it’s not eating and drinking that count. What counts is “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit”.

Just as with the kingdoms of this world, you find a King and His subjects in the kingdom of God. Only the kingdom of God is not a visible kingdom with a visible king, but today, a hidden kingdom with a hidden King. The Lord Jesus is the King. In the Old Testament you find that name often. But we, New Testament believers, do not call Him by that name. We call Him Lord. This is how the New Testament always speaks of Him. But whether He is called King or Lord, both names express the authority He exercises over His subjects.

His government is from heaven where He now is. In your life you can show He has authority over you by letting the Holy Spirit work in you. If you do this, it will have the following results: 1. You’ll be righteous in your interactions with others. 2. You would not want to disturb the peace by pursuing your own interests regardless of the conscience of others. 3. If you deal in such a way with your brother, your fellow-subject in the same kingdom, then there will be joy in your heart.

Romans 14:18. This is really serving Christ. This is pleasing to God, and people around you will notice you are guided by different rules than the ones common to them and to the world around them.

Romans 14:19-21. You’re exhorted to “pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another”. You must work at this. It will not happen automatically. Peace and the building up of one another are more important than food. Physical needs aren’t wrong. God wants to supply those needs, but they are subject to His work. They should not cause you to do things that make your brother stumble.

For example, I know a brother from an African country. In that country eating eggs is connected with idolatry. He is not yet free of this thought in connection with eggs. Now, suppose I usually eat an egg every day. Nothing wrong with that. But if this brother is having breakfast with me and I offer him an egg, this could cause him to fall. Or I might try to convince him there’s nothing wrong in eating an egg. But if I urge him to do so, this could bring him into a serious problem with his conscience. If I am aware of this, it would be far better not to eat an egg at that moment. This may be applied in all kinds of ways.

Romans 14:22. Your faith in God and in the work of the Lord Jesus is a personal faith. It’s not said you shouldn’t witness of it. That faith has freed you from all kinds of traditions and habits that have nothing to do with serving God. You’re even called “happy” if you enjoy this freedom in Christ without constraint and without subjecting yourself to all sorts of rules that men may make. It doesn’t matter if they are so-called Christian rules or if they are rules that people in the world adhere to. What is important is that in everyday practical life you are led by your faith and not by your feelings. Faith is centered in God and in His Word.

Romans 14:23. If you have doubts about something, don’t do it. Live by your faith. Faith is not an expression of uncertainty, which is how the word is often used. People say: ‘I don’t believe it’s wrong.’ They mean: ‘I don’t think it’s wrong, but I’m not sure.’ But God has revealed His will to us. Everything we do, without having asked for His will, is sin. This is a strong statement of God’s Word, isn’t it?

Now read Romans 14:15-23 again.

Reflection: What does the kingdom of God mean to you?

1 Corinthians 4:5

Don’t Be a Stumbling Block

Romans 14:15. If I were to ask if you wanted to make a brother sad, you would say: ‘No!’ And yet you can cause your brother to be sad by something you do when you are not walking according to love, even though you may be perfectly right in what you’re doing. As to yourself, you see no trouble at all. With regard to the Lord, everything is all right, but this is not the whole story. You must also consider your brother or sister. And if they are saddened by something you do, you’re not being led by love. “Love does no wrong to a neighbor” (Romans 13:10).

You can even spiritually destroy someone for whom Christ has died with your eating, that is, making use of your liberty. This would be a very undesirable effect from the use of the liberty you now have.

Romans 14:16. Therefore, live so that what is good for you, no evil can be spoken of. That means that you are not guided by what is good for you, by your freedom, but that you take into account the conscience of your brother.

Romans 14:17. To make things clear as to what your attitude should be regarding your brothers, Paul speaks about the kingdom of God. You and your brother were part of God’s kingdom when you accepted the Lord Jesus. In the kingdom of God it’s not eating and drinking that count. What counts is “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit”.

Just as with the kingdoms of this world, you find a King and His subjects in the kingdom of God. Only the kingdom of God is not a visible kingdom with a visible king, but today, a hidden kingdom with a hidden King. The Lord Jesus is the King. In the Old Testament you find that name often. But we, New Testament believers, do not call Him by that name. We call Him Lord. This is how the New Testament always speaks of Him. But whether He is called King or Lord, both names express the authority He exercises over His subjects.

His government is from heaven where He now is. In your life you can show He has authority over you by letting the Holy Spirit work in you. If you do this, it will have the following results: 1. You’ll be righteous in your interactions with others. 2. You would not want to disturb the peace by pursuing your own interests regardless of the conscience of others. 3. If you deal in such a way with your brother, your fellow-subject in the same kingdom, then there will be joy in your heart.

Romans 14:18. This is really serving Christ. This is pleasing to God, and people around you will notice you are guided by different rules than the ones common to them and to the world around them.

Romans 14:19-21. You’re exhorted to “pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another”. You must work at this. It will not happen automatically. Peace and the building up of one another are more important than food. Physical needs aren’t wrong. God wants to supply those needs, but they are subject to His work. They should not cause you to do things that make your brother stumble.

For example, I know a brother from an African country. In that country eating eggs is connected with idolatry. He is not yet free of this thought in connection with eggs. Now, suppose I usually eat an egg every day. Nothing wrong with that. But if this brother is having breakfast with me and I offer him an egg, this could cause him to fall. Or I might try to convince him there’s nothing wrong in eating an egg. But if I urge him to do so, this could bring him into a serious problem with his conscience. If I am aware of this, it would be far better not to eat an egg at that moment. This may be applied in all kinds of ways.

Romans 14:22. Your faith in God and in the work of the Lord Jesus is a personal faith. It’s not said you shouldn’t witness of it. That faith has freed you from all kinds of traditions and habits that have nothing to do with serving God. You’re even called “happy” if you enjoy this freedom in Christ without constraint and without subjecting yourself to all sorts of rules that men may make. It doesn’t matter if they are so-called Christian rules or if they are rules that people in the world adhere to. What is important is that in everyday practical life you are led by your faith and not by your feelings. Faith is centered in God and in His Word.

Romans 14:23. If you have doubts about something, don’t do it. Live by your faith. Faith is not an expression of uncertainty, which is how the word is often used. People say: ‘I don’t believe it’s wrong.’ They mean: ‘I don’t think it’s wrong, but I’m not sure.’ But God has revealed His will to us. Everything we do, without having asked for His will, is sin. This is a strong statement of God’s Word, isn’t it?

Now read Romans 14:15-23 again.

Reflection: What does the kingdom of God mean to you?

1 Corinthians 4:6

Don’t Be a Stumbling Block

Romans 14:15. If I were to ask if you wanted to make a brother sad, you would say: ‘No!’ And yet you can cause your brother to be sad by something you do when you are not walking according to love, even though you may be perfectly right in what you’re doing. As to yourself, you see no trouble at all. With regard to the Lord, everything is all right, but this is not the whole story. You must also consider your brother or sister. And if they are saddened by something you do, you’re not being led by love. “Love does no wrong to a neighbor” (Romans 13:10).

You can even spiritually destroy someone for whom Christ has died with your eating, that is, making use of your liberty. This would be a very undesirable effect from the use of the liberty you now have.

Romans 14:16. Therefore, live so that what is good for you, no evil can be spoken of. That means that you are not guided by what is good for you, by your freedom, but that you take into account the conscience of your brother.

Romans 14:17. To make things clear as to what your attitude should be regarding your brothers, Paul speaks about the kingdom of God. You and your brother were part of God’s kingdom when you accepted the Lord Jesus. In the kingdom of God it’s not eating and drinking that count. What counts is “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit”.

Just as with the kingdoms of this world, you find a King and His subjects in the kingdom of God. Only the kingdom of God is not a visible kingdom with a visible king, but today, a hidden kingdom with a hidden King. The Lord Jesus is the King. In the Old Testament you find that name often. But we, New Testament believers, do not call Him by that name. We call Him Lord. This is how the New Testament always speaks of Him. But whether He is called King or Lord, both names express the authority He exercises over His subjects.

His government is from heaven where He now is. In your life you can show He has authority over you by letting the Holy Spirit work in you. If you do this, it will have the following results: 1. You’ll be righteous in your interactions with others. 2. You would not want to disturb the peace by pursuing your own interests regardless of the conscience of others. 3. If you deal in such a way with your brother, your fellow-subject in the same kingdom, then there will be joy in your heart.

Romans 14:18. This is really serving Christ. This is pleasing to God, and people around you will notice you are guided by different rules than the ones common to them and to the world around them.

Romans 14:19-21. You’re exhorted to “pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another”. You must work at this. It will not happen automatically. Peace and the building up of one another are more important than food. Physical needs aren’t wrong. God wants to supply those needs, but they are subject to His work. They should not cause you to do things that make your brother stumble.

For example, I know a brother from an African country. In that country eating eggs is connected with idolatry. He is not yet free of this thought in connection with eggs. Now, suppose I usually eat an egg every day. Nothing wrong with that. But if this brother is having breakfast with me and I offer him an egg, this could cause him to fall. Or I might try to convince him there’s nothing wrong in eating an egg. But if I urge him to do so, this could bring him into a serious problem with his conscience. If I am aware of this, it would be far better not to eat an egg at that moment. This may be applied in all kinds of ways.

Romans 14:22. Your faith in God and in the work of the Lord Jesus is a personal faith. It’s not said you shouldn’t witness of it. That faith has freed you from all kinds of traditions and habits that have nothing to do with serving God. You’re even called “happy” if you enjoy this freedom in Christ without constraint and without subjecting yourself to all sorts of rules that men may make. It doesn’t matter if they are so-called Christian rules or if they are rules that people in the world adhere to. What is important is that in everyday practical life you are led by your faith and not by your feelings. Faith is centered in God and in His Word.

Romans 14:23. If you have doubts about something, don’t do it. Live by your faith. Faith is not an expression of uncertainty, which is how the word is often used. People say: ‘I don’t believe it’s wrong.’ They mean: ‘I don’t think it’s wrong, but I’m not sure.’ But God has revealed His will to us. Everything we do, without having asked for His will, is sin. This is a strong statement of God’s Word, isn’t it?

Now read Romans 14:15-23 again.

Reflection: What does the kingdom of God mean to you?

1 Corinthians 4:7

Don’t Be a Stumbling Block

Romans 14:15. If I were to ask if you wanted to make a brother sad, you would say: ‘No!’ And yet you can cause your brother to be sad by something you do when you are not walking according to love, even though you may be perfectly right in what you’re doing. As to yourself, you see no trouble at all. With regard to the Lord, everything is all right, but this is not the whole story. You must also consider your brother or sister. And if they are saddened by something you do, you’re not being led by love. “Love does no wrong to a neighbor” (Romans 13:10).

You can even spiritually destroy someone for whom Christ has died with your eating, that is, making use of your liberty. This would be a very undesirable effect from the use of the liberty you now have.

Romans 14:16. Therefore, live so that what is good for you, no evil can be spoken of. That means that you are not guided by what is good for you, by your freedom, but that you take into account the conscience of your brother.

Romans 14:17. To make things clear as to what your attitude should be regarding your brothers, Paul speaks about the kingdom of God. You and your brother were part of God’s kingdom when you accepted the Lord Jesus. In the kingdom of God it’s not eating and drinking that count. What counts is “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit”.

Just as with the kingdoms of this world, you find a King and His subjects in the kingdom of God. Only the kingdom of God is not a visible kingdom with a visible king, but today, a hidden kingdom with a hidden King. The Lord Jesus is the King. In the Old Testament you find that name often. But we, New Testament believers, do not call Him by that name. We call Him Lord. This is how the New Testament always speaks of Him. But whether He is called King or Lord, both names express the authority He exercises over His subjects.

His government is from heaven where He now is. In your life you can show He has authority over you by letting the Holy Spirit work in you. If you do this, it will have the following results: 1. You’ll be righteous in your interactions with others. 2. You would not want to disturb the peace by pursuing your own interests regardless of the conscience of others. 3. If you deal in such a way with your brother, your fellow-subject in the same kingdom, then there will be joy in your heart.

Romans 14:18. This is really serving Christ. This is pleasing to God, and people around you will notice you are guided by different rules than the ones common to them and to the world around them.

Romans 14:19-21. You’re exhorted to “pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another”. You must work at this. It will not happen automatically. Peace and the building up of one another are more important than food. Physical needs aren’t wrong. God wants to supply those needs, but they are subject to His work. They should not cause you to do things that make your brother stumble.

For example, I know a brother from an African country. In that country eating eggs is connected with idolatry. He is not yet free of this thought in connection with eggs. Now, suppose I usually eat an egg every day. Nothing wrong with that. But if this brother is having breakfast with me and I offer him an egg, this could cause him to fall. Or I might try to convince him there’s nothing wrong in eating an egg. But if I urge him to do so, this could bring him into a serious problem with his conscience. If I am aware of this, it would be far better not to eat an egg at that moment. This may be applied in all kinds of ways.

Romans 14:22. Your faith in God and in the work of the Lord Jesus is a personal faith. It’s not said you shouldn’t witness of it. That faith has freed you from all kinds of traditions and habits that have nothing to do with serving God. You’re even called “happy” if you enjoy this freedom in Christ without constraint and without subjecting yourself to all sorts of rules that men may make. It doesn’t matter if they are so-called Christian rules or if they are rules that people in the world adhere to. What is important is that in everyday practical life you are led by your faith and not by your feelings. Faith is centered in God and in His Word.

Romans 14:23. If you have doubts about something, don’t do it. Live by your faith. Faith is not an expression of uncertainty, which is how the word is often used. People say: ‘I don’t believe it’s wrong.’ They mean: ‘I don’t think it’s wrong, but I’m not sure.’ But God has revealed His will to us. Everything we do, without having asked for His will, is sin. This is a strong statement of God’s Word, isn’t it?

Now read Romans 14:15-23 again.

Reflection: What does the kingdom of God mean to you?

1 Corinthians 4:8

Don’t Be a Stumbling Block

Romans 14:15. If I were to ask if you wanted to make a brother sad, you would say: ‘No!’ And yet you can cause your brother to be sad by something you do when you are not walking according to love, even though you may be perfectly right in what you’re doing. As to yourself, you see no trouble at all. With regard to the Lord, everything is all right, but this is not the whole story. You must also consider your brother or sister. And if they are saddened by something you do, you’re not being led by love. “Love does no wrong to a neighbor” (Romans 13:10).

You can even spiritually destroy someone for whom Christ has died with your eating, that is, making use of your liberty. This would be a very undesirable effect from the use of the liberty you now have.

Romans 14:16. Therefore, live so that what is good for you, no evil can be spoken of. That means that you are not guided by what is good for you, by your freedom, but that you take into account the conscience of your brother.

Romans 14:17. To make things clear as to what your attitude should be regarding your brothers, Paul speaks about the kingdom of God. You and your brother were part of God’s kingdom when you accepted the Lord Jesus. In the kingdom of God it’s not eating and drinking that count. What counts is “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit”.

Just as with the kingdoms of this world, you find a King and His subjects in the kingdom of God. Only the kingdom of God is not a visible kingdom with a visible king, but today, a hidden kingdom with a hidden King. The Lord Jesus is the King. In the Old Testament you find that name often. But we, New Testament believers, do not call Him by that name. We call Him Lord. This is how the New Testament always speaks of Him. But whether He is called King or Lord, both names express the authority He exercises over His subjects.

His government is from heaven where He now is. In your life you can show He has authority over you by letting the Holy Spirit work in you. If you do this, it will have the following results: 1. You’ll be righteous in your interactions with others. 2. You would not want to disturb the peace by pursuing your own interests regardless of the conscience of others. 3. If you deal in such a way with your brother, your fellow-subject in the same kingdom, then there will be joy in your heart.

Romans 14:18. This is really serving Christ. This is pleasing to God, and people around you will notice you are guided by different rules than the ones common to them and to the world around them.

Romans 14:19-21. You’re exhorted to “pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another”. You must work at this. It will not happen automatically. Peace and the building up of one another are more important than food. Physical needs aren’t wrong. God wants to supply those needs, but they are subject to His work. They should not cause you to do things that make your brother stumble.

For example, I know a brother from an African country. In that country eating eggs is connected with idolatry. He is not yet free of this thought in connection with eggs. Now, suppose I usually eat an egg every day. Nothing wrong with that. But if this brother is having breakfast with me and I offer him an egg, this could cause him to fall. Or I might try to convince him there’s nothing wrong in eating an egg. But if I urge him to do so, this could bring him into a serious problem with his conscience. If I am aware of this, it would be far better not to eat an egg at that moment. This may be applied in all kinds of ways.

Romans 14:22. Your faith in God and in the work of the Lord Jesus is a personal faith. It’s not said you shouldn’t witness of it. That faith has freed you from all kinds of traditions and habits that have nothing to do with serving God. You’re even called “happy” if you enjoy this freedom in Christ without constraint and without subjecting yourself to all sorts of rules that men may make. It doesn’t matter if they are so-called Christian rules or if they are rules that people in the world adhere to. What is important is that in everyday practical life you are led by your faith and not by your feelings. Faith is centered in God and in His Word.

Romans 14:23. If you have doubts about something, don’t do it. Live by your faith. Faith is not an expression of uncertainty, which is how the word is often used. People say: ‘I don’t believe it’s wrong.’ They mean: ‘I don’t think it’s wrong, but I’m not sure.’ But God has revealed His will to us. Everything we do, without having asked for His will, is sin. This is a strong statement of God’s Word, isn’t it?

Now read Romans 14:15-23 again.

Reflection: What does the kingdom of God mean to you?

1 Corinthians 4:9

Don’t Be a Stumbling Block

Romans 14:15. If I were to ask if you wanted to make a brother sad, you would say: ‘No!’ And yet you can cause your brother to be sad by something you do when you are not walking according to love, even though you may be perfectly right in what you’re doing. As to yourself, you see no trouble at all. With regard to the Lord, everything is all right, but this is not the whole story. You must also consider your brother or sister. And if they are saddened by something you do, you’re not being led by love. “Love does no wrong to a neighbor” (Romans 13:10).

You can even spiritually destroy someone for whom Christ has died with your eating, that is, making use of your liberty. This would be a very undesirable effect from the use of the liberty you now have.

Romans 14:16. Therefore, live so that what is good for you, no evil can be spoken of. That means that you are not guided by what is good for you, by your freedom, but that you take into account the conscience of your brother.

Romans 14:17. To make things clear as to what your attitude should be regarding your brothers, Paul speaks about the kingdom of God. You and your brother were part of God’s kingdom when you accepted the Lord Jesus. In the kingdom of God it’s not eating and drinking that count. What counts is “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit”.

Just as with the kingdoms of this world, you find a King and His subjects in the kingdom of God. Only the kingdom of God is not a visible kingdom with a visible king, but today, a hidden kingdom with a hidden King. The Lord Jesus is the King. In the Old Testament you find that name often. But we, New Testament believers, do not call Him by that name. We call Him Lord. This is how the New Testament always speaks of Him. But whether He is called King or Lord, both names express the authority He exercises over His subjects.

His government is from heaven where He now is. In your life you can show He has authority over you by letting the Holy Spirit work in you. If you do this, it will have the following results: 1. You’ll be righteous in your interactions with others. 2. You would not want to disturb the peace by pursuing your own interests regardless of the conscience of others. 3. If you deal in such a way with your brother, your fellow-subject in the same kingdom, then there will be joy in your heart.

Romans 14:18. This is really serving Christ. This is pleasing to God, and people around you will notice you are guided by different rules than the ones common to them and to the world around them.

Romans 14:19-21. You’re exhorted to “pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another”. You must work at this. It will not happen automatically. Peace and the building up of one another are more important than food. Physical needs aren’t wrong. God wants to supply those needs, but they are subject to His work. They should not cause you to do things that make your brother stumble.

For example, I know a brother from an African country. In that country eating eggs is connected with idolatry. He is not yet free of this thought in connection with eggs. Now, suppose I usually eat an egg every day. Nothing wrong with that. But if this brother is having breakfast with me and I offer him an egg, this could cause him to fall. Or I might try to convince him there’s nothing wrong in eating an egg. But if I urge him to do so, this could bring him into a serious problem with his conscience. If I am aware of this, it would be far better not to eat an egg at that moment. This may be applied in all kinds of ways.

Romans 14:22. Your faith in God and in the work of the Lord Jesus is a personal faith. It’s not said you shouldn’t witness of it. That faith has freed you from all kinds of traditions and habits that have nothing to do with serving God. You’re even called “happy” if you enjoy this freedom in Christ without constraint and without subjecting yourself to all sorts of rules that men may make. It doesn’t matter if they are so-called Christian rules or if they are rules that people in the world adhere to. What is important is that in everyday practical life you are led by your faith and not by your feelings. Faith is centered in God and in His Word.

Romans 14:23. If you have doubts about something, don’t do it. Live by your faith. Faith is not an expression of uncertainty, which is how the word is often used. People say: ‘I don’t believe it’s wrong.’ They mean: ‘I don’t think it’s wrong, but I’m not sure.’ But God has revealed His will to us. Everything we do, without having asked for His will, is sin. This is a strong statement of God’s Word, isn’t it?

Now read Romans 14:15-23 again.

Reflection: What does the kingdom of God mean to you?

1 Corinthians 4:11

Accept One Another

Romans 15:1-2. In this section Paul summarizes what he said in Romans 14. In Romans 15:1 he counts himself with the ‘strong’ ones. He includes himself when he says “we”. This is not haughtiness, but awareness of who he has become in the Lord Jesus. “Who are strong” are the Christians who know that by the work of the Lord Jesus they’ve been set free from every law and every slavery.

But this freedom shouldn’t be a cause of grief to the other brother who is not strong. You shouldn’t try to force him to accept your correct conviction. On the contrary, you must bear with his weakness. So here you have again to consider another as to what is profitable to him. Pleasing yourself is contrary to this thinking. You mustn’t do what simply pleases yourself. Philippians 2 says something similar: “Do not [merely] look out for your own personal interest, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4).

Romans 15:3. Then Philippians 2 gives the example that the Lord Jesus has given in respect to this (Philippians 2:5-8). It’s striking how the Lord Jesus is set as an example for us every time God demands something from us. For example, look at Colossians 3. There you read about forgiving each other, followed by the example of the Lord Jesus that says: “Just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you” (Colossians 3:13). And in 1 Peter 2 you can see the Lord Jesus very clearly as an example (1 Peter 2:21). Servants or employees are spoken of there. It is written so they can learn from the Lord Jesus how they must behave. So, every time something is demanded of us, we must look at Him. If God asks something of us, we can always learn from the Lord Jesus how to do it.

Here in Romans 15:3 you find the same thing: “For even Christ did not please Himself.” In His whole life, Christ set His mind on the honor of God. This was what He lived for. He wasn’t living for Himself; He was so perfect in all of His interactions with God that when God was disdained, He felt it as His own. The example given by the Lord Jesus gives you strength to do what is required. It is the same here in pleasing your neighbor.

Romans 15:4. The Old Testament is full of examples. When you’re exploring the Bible, everything that’s been written can teach you something. God had it written with that purpose. It’s not just a group of coincidences. 1 Corinthians 10 says everything that happened to Israel happened as an example for you (1 Corinthians 10:6; 11)! For this reason, you must read the Scriptures. Then you’ll learn about endurance and you’ll find comfort. You need endurance in this life because the life in Christ is made difficult by opposition and lack of understanding. Keep going! This is the encouragement that comes to you from Scripture. You also need comfort in this life where so many things can cause you to become disheartened. In the Scriptures you find how believers found comfort with God.

When you have found endurance and comfort in the Scriptures, then you’ll have “hope”. Hope turns your eyes toward the future. The moment will come when endurance and comfort will no longer be needed. Then perfection will have come. Differences between weak and strong believers will no longer exist.

Romans 15:5. Since these differences do still exist, endurance and comfort are still necessary. You can find them with “the God of perseverance and encouragement”. This God is your God! When you’re centered on Him, you’ll contribute to the lasting unity of the believers. The differences will not estrange you from any other.

To learn how to endure and to find encouragement, where must you go? To the Lord Jesus. Nothing could stop Him in His walk here on earth. He endured no matter how strong the opposition. And who met with more opposition than He? No encouragement was found in this world for Him, not even with the disciples. He found encouragement in knowing the Father was always with Him.

Romans 15:6. If the Lord Jesus is our example in this way, we will with one accord and one mouth glorify God. If we quarrel with each other about things in which we should bear with one another, God doesn’t receive the honor due Him. When we learn to bear with one another, this will give us even more reason to glorify God.

Romans 15:7. To really accept one another we must realize how Christ has accepted us; He accepted us just as we are. And He knew perfectly how we would behave. But even so He still accepted us. He put away our sins by giving Himself up to death, but we retain our peculiarities. To the Lord Jesus this was no reason to turn us away. He accepted us in spite of our peculiarities, which are often so prominent. According to this example, we ought to accept one another.

Now read Romans 15:1-7 again.

Reflection: Which are you, the weak or the strong one? Why?

1 Corinthians 4:12

Accept One Another

Romans 15:1-2. In this section Paul summarizes what he said in Romans 14. In Romans 15:1 he counts himself with the ‘strong’ ones. He includes himself when he says “we”. This is not haughtiness, but awareness of who he has become in the Lord Jesus. “Who are strong” are the Christians who know that by the work of the Lord Jesus they’ve been set free from every law and every slavery.

But this freedom shouldn’t be a cause of grief to the other brother who is not strong. You shouldn’t try to force him to accept your correct conviction. On the contrary, you must bear with his weakness. So here you have again to consider another as to what is profitable to him. Pleasing yourself is contrary to this thinking. You mustn’t do what simply pleases yourself. Philippians 2 says something similar: “Do not [merely] look out for your own personal interest, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4).

Romans 15:3. Then Philippians 2 gives the example that the Lord Jesus has given in respect to this (Philippians 2:5-8). It’s striking how the Lord Jesus is set as an example for us every time God demands something from us. For example, look at Colossians 3. There you read about forgiving each other, followed by the example of the Lord Jesus that says: “Just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you” (Colossians 3:13). And in 1 Peter 2 you can see the Lord Jesus very clearly as an example (1 Peter 2:21). Servants or employees are spoken of there. It is written so they can learn from the Lord Jesus how they must behave. So, every time something is demanded of us, we must look at Him. If God asks something of us, we can always learn from the Lord Jesus how to do it.

Here in Romans 15:3 you find the same thing: “For even Christ did not please Himself.” In His whole life, Christ set His mind on the honor of God. This was what He lived for. He wasn’t living for Himself; He was so perfect in all of His interactions with God that when God was disdained, He felt it as His own. The example given by the Lord Jesus gives you strength to do what is required. It is the same here in pleasing your neighbor.

Romans 15:4. The Old Testament is full of examples. When you’re exploring the Bible, everything that’s been written can teach you something. God had it written with that purpose. It’s not just a group of coincidences. 1 Corinthians 10 says everything that happened to Israel happened as an example for you (1 Corinthians 10:6; 11)! For this reason, you must read the Scriptures. Then you’ll learn about endurance and you’ll find comfort. You need endurance in this life because the life in Christ is made difficult by opposition and lack of understanding. Keep going! This is the encouragement that comes to you from Scripture. You also need comfort in this life where so many things can cause you to become disheartened. In the Scriptures you find how believers found comfort with God.

When you have found endurance and comfort in the Scriptures, then you’ll have “hope”. Hope turns your eyes toward the future. The moment will come when endurance and comfort will no longer be needed. Then perfection will have come. Differences between weak and strong believers will no longer exist.

Romans 15:5. Since these differences do still exist, endurance and comfort are still necessary. You can find them with “the God of perseverance and encouragement”. This God is your God! When you’re centered on Him, you’ll contribute to the lasting unity of the believers. The differences will not estrange you from any other.

To learn how to endure and to find encouragement, where must you go? To the Lord Jesus. Nothing could stop Him in His walk here on earth. He endured no matter how strong the opposition. And who met with more opposition than He? No encouragement was found in this world for Him, not even with the disciples. He found encouragement in knowing the Father was always with Him.

Romans 15:6. If the Lord Jesus is our example in this way, we will with one accord and one mouth glorify God. If we quarrel with each other about things in which we should bear with one another, God doesn’t receive the honor due Him. When we learn to bear with one another, this will give us even more reason to glorify God.

Romans 15:7. To really accept one another we must realize how Christ has accepted us; He accepted us just as we are. And He knew perfectly how we would behave. But even so He still accepted us. He put away our sins by giving Himself up to death, but we retain our peculiarities. To the Lord Jesus this was no reason to turn us away. He accepted us in spite of our peculiarities, which are often so prominent. According to this example, we ought to accept one another.

Now read Romans 15:1-7 again.

Reflection: Which are you, the weak or the strong one? Why?

1 Corinthians 4:13

Accept One Another

Romans 15:1-2. In this section Paul summarizes what he said in Romans 14. In Romans 15:1 he counts himself with the ‘strong’ ones. He includes himself when he says “we”. This is not haughtiness, but awareness of who he has become in the Lord Jesus. “Who are strong” are the Christians who know that by the work of the Lord Jesus they’ve been set free from every law and every slavery.

But this freedom shouldn’t be a cause of grief to the other brother who is not strong. You shouldn’t try to force him to accept your correct conviction. On the contrary, you must bear with his weakness. So here you have again to consider another as to what is profitable to him. Pleasing yourself is contrary to this thinking. You mustn’t do what simply pleases yourself. Philippians 2 says something similar: “Do not [merely] look out for your own personal interest, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4).

Romans 15:3. Then Philippians 2 gives the example that the Lord Jesus has given in respect to this (Philippians 2:5-8). It’s striking how the Lord Jesus is set as an example for us every time God demands something from us. For example, look at Colossians 3. There you read about forgiving each other, followed by the example of the Lord Jesus that says: “Just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you” (Colossians 3:13). And in 1 Peter 2 you can see the Lord Jesus very clearly as an example (1 Peter 2:21). Servants or employees are spoken of there. It is written so they can learn from the Lord Jesus how they must behave. So, every time something is demanded of us, we must look at Him. If God asks something of us, we can always learn from the Lord Jesus how to do it.

Here in Romans 15:3 you find the same thing: “For even Christ did not please Himself.” In His whole life, Christ set His mind on the honor of God. This was what He lived for. He wasn’t living for Himself; He was so perfect in all of His interactions with God that when God was disdained, He felt it as His own. The example given by the Lord Jesus gives you strength to do what is required. It is the same here in pleasing your neighbor.

Romans 15:4. The Old Testament is full of examples. When you’re exploring the Bible, everything that’s been written can teach you something. God had it written with that purpose. It’s not just a group of coincidences. 1 Corinthians 10 says everything that happened to Israel happened as an example for you (1 Corinthians 10:6; 11)! For this reason, you must read the Scriptures. Then you’ll learn about endurance and you’ll find comfort. You need endurance in this life because the life in Christ is made difficult by opposition and lack of understanding. Keep going! This is the encouragement that comes to you from Scripture. You also need comfort in this life where so many things can cause you to become disheartened. In the Scriptures you find how believers found comfort with God.

When you have found endurance and comfort in the Scriptures, then you’ll have “hope”. Hope turns your eyes toward the future. The moment will come when endurance and comfort will no longer be needed. Then perfection will have come. Differences between weak and strong believers will no longer exist.

Romans 15:5. Since these differences do still exist, endurance and comfort are still necessary. You can find them with “the God of perseverance and encouragement”. This God is your God! When you’re centered on Him, you’ll contribute to the lasting unity of the believers. The differences will not estrange you from any other.

To learn how to endure and to find encouragement, where must you go? To the Lord Jesus. Nothing could stop Him in His walk here on earth. He endured no matter how strong the opposition. And who met with more opposition than He? No encouragement was found in this world for Him, not even with the disciples. He found encouragement in knowing the Father was always with Him.

Romans 15:6. If the Lord Jesus is our example in this way, we will with one accord and one mouth glorify God. If we quarrel with each other about things in which we should bear with one another, God doesn’t receive the honor due Him. When we learn to bear with one another, this will give us even more reason to glorify God.

Romans 15:7. To really accept one another we must realize how Christ has accepted us; He accepted us just as we are. And He knew perfectly how we would behave. But even so He still accepted us. He put away our sins by giving Himself up to death, but we retain our peculiarities. To the Lord Jesus this was no reason to turn us away. He accepted us in spite of our peculiarities, which are often so prominent. According to this example, we ought to accept one another.

Now read Romans 15:1-7 again.

Reflection: Which are you, the weak or the strong one? Why?

1 Corinthians 4:14

Accept One Another

Romans 15:1-2. In this section Paul summarizes what he said in Romans 14. In Romans 15:1 he counts himself with the ‘strong’ ones. He includes himself when he says “we”. This is not haughtiness, but awareness of who he has become in the Lord Jesus. “Who are strong” are the Christians who know that by the work of the Lord Jesus they’ve been set free from every law and every slavery.

But this freedom shouldn’t be a cause of grief to the other brother who is not strong. You shouldn’t try to force him to accept your correct conviction. On the contrary, you must bear with his weakness. So here you have again to consider another as to what is profitable to him. Pleasing yourself is contrary to this thinking. You mustn’t do what simply pleases yourself. Philippians 2 says something similar: “Do not [merely] look out for your own personal interest, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4).

Romans 15:3. Then Philippians 2 gives the example that the Lord Jesus has given in respect to this (Philippians 2:5-8). It’s striking how the Lord Jesus is set as an example for us every time God demands something from us. For example, look at Colossians 3. There you read about forgiving each other, followed by the example of the Lord Jesus that says: “Just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you” (Colossians 3:13). And in 1 Peter 2 you can see the Lord Jesus very clearly as an example (1 Peter 2:21). Servants or employees are spoken of there. It is written so they can learn from the Lord Jesus how they must behave. So, every time something is demanded of us, we must look at Him. If God asks something of us, we can always learn from the Lord Jesus how to do it.

Here in Romans 15:3 you find the same thing: “For even Christ did not please Himself.” In His whole life, Christ set His mind on the honor of God. This was what He lived for. He wasn’t living for Himself; He was so perfect in all of His interactions with God that when God was disdained, He felt it as His own. The example given by the Lord Jesus gives you strength to do what is required. It is the same here in pleasing your neighbor.

Romans 15:4. The Old Testament is full of examples. When you’re exploring the Bible, everything that’s been written can teach you something. God had it written with that purpose. It’s not just a group of coincidences. 1 Corinthians 10 says everything that happened to Israel happened as an example for you (1 Corinthians 10:6; 11)! For this reason, you must read the Scriptures. Then you’ll learn about endurance and you’ll find comfort. You need endurance in this life because the life in Christ is made difficult by opposition and lack of understanding. Keep going! This is the encouragement that comes to you from Scripture. You also need comfort in this life where so many things can cause you to become disheartened. In the Scriptures you find how believers found comfort with God.

When you have found endurance and comfort in the Scriptures, then you’ll have “hope”. Hope turns your eyes toward the future. The moment will come when endurance and comfort will no longer be needed. Then perfection will have come. Differences between weak and strong believers will no longer exist.

Romans 15:5. Since these differences do still exist, endurance and comfort are still necessary. You can find them with “the God of perseverance and encouragement”. This God is your God! When you’re centered on Him, you’ll contribute to the lasting unity of the believers. The differences will not estrange you from any other.

To learn how to endure and to find encouragement, where must you go? To the Lord Jesus. Nothing could stop Him in His walk here on earth. He endured no matter how strong the opposition. And who met with more opposition than He? No encouragement was found in this world for Him, not even with the disciples. He found encouragement in knowing the Father was always with Him.

Romans 15:6. If the Lord Jesus is our example in this way, we will with one accord and one mouth glorify God. If we quarrel with each other about things in which we should bear with one another, God doesn’t receive the honor due Him. When we learn to bear with one another, this will give us even more reason to glorify God.

Romans 15:7. To really accept one another we must realize how Christ has accepted us; He accepted us just as we are. And He knew perfectly how we would behave. But even so He still accepted us. He put away our sins by giving Himself up to death, but we retain our peculiarities. To the Lord Jesus this was no reason to turn us away. He accepted us in spite of our peculiarities, which are often so prominent. According to this example, we ought to accept one another.

Now read Romans 15:1-7 again.

Reflection: Which are you, the weak or the strong one? Why?

1 Corinthians 4:15

Accept One Another

Romans 15:1-2. In this section Paul summarizes what he said in Romans 14. In Romans 15:1 he counts himself with the ‘strong’ ones. He includes himself when he says “we”. This is not haughtiness, but awareness of who he has become in the Lord Jesus. “Who are strong” are the Christians who know that by the work of the Lord Jesus they’ve been set free from every law and every slavery.

But this freedom shouldn’t be a cause of grief to the other brother who is not strong. You shouldn’t try to force him to accept your correct conviction. On the contrary, you must bear with his weakness. So here you have again to consider another as to what is profitable to him. Pleasing yourself is contrary to this thinking. You mustn’t do what simply pleases yourself. Philippians 2 says something similar: “Do not [merely] look out for your own personal interest, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4).

Romans 15:3. Then Philippians 2 gives the example that the Lord Jesus has given in respect to this (Philippians 2:5-8). It’s striking how the Lord Jesus is set as an example for us every time God demands something from us. For example, look at Colossians 3. There you read about forgiving each other, followed by the example of the Lord Jesus that says: “Just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you” (Colossians 3:13). And in 1 Peter 2 you can see the Lord Jesus very clearly as an example (1 Peter 2:21). Servants or employees are spoken of there. It is written so they can learn from the Lord Jesus how they must behave. So, every time something is demanded of us, we must look at Him. If God asks something of us, we can always learn from the Lord Jesus how to do it.

Here in Romans 15:3 you find the same thing: “For even Christ did not please Himself.” In His whole life, Christ set His mind on the honor of God. This was what He lived for. He wasn’t living for Himself; He was so perfect in all of His interactions with God that when God was disdained, He felt it as His own. The example given by the Lord Jesus gives you strength to do what is required. It is the same here in pleasing your neighbor.

Romans 15:4. The Old Testament is full of examples. When you’re exploring the Bible, everything that’s been written can teach you something. God had it written with that purpose. It’s not just a group of coincidences. 1 Corinthians 10 says everything that happened to Israel happened as an example for you (1 Corinthians 10:6; 11)! For this reason, you must read the Scriptures. Then you’ll learn about endurance and you’ll find comfort. You need endurance in this life because the life in Christ is made difficult by opposition and lack of understanding. Keep going! This is the encouragement that comes to you from Scripture. You also need comfort in this life where so many things can cause you to become disheartened. In the Scriptures you find how believers found comfort with God.

When you have found endurance and comfort in the Scriptures, then you’ll have “hope”. Hope turns your eyes toward the future. The moment will come when endurance and comfort will no longer be needed. Then perfection will have come. Differences between weak and strong believers will no longer exist.

Romans 15:5. Since these differences do still exist, endurance and comfort are still necessary. You can find them with “the God of perseverance and encouragement”. This God is your God! When you’re centered on Him, you’ll contribute to the lasting unity of the believers. The differences will not estrange you from any other.

To learn how to endure and to find encouragement, where must you go? To the Lord Jesus. Nothing could stop Him in His walk here on earth. He endured no matter how strong the opposition. And who met with more opposition than He? No encouragement was found in this world for Him, not even with the disciples. He found encouragement in knowing the Father was always with Him.

Romans 15:6. If the Lord Jesus is our example in this way, we will with one accord and one mouth glorify God. If we quarrel with each other about things in which we should bear with one another, God doesn’t receive the honor due Him. When we learn to bear with one another, this will give us even more reason to glorify God.

Romans 15:7. To really accept one another we must realize how Christ has accepted us; He accepted us just as we are. And He knew perfectly how we would behave. But even so He still accepted us. He put away our sins by giving Himself up to death, but we retain our peculiarities. To the Lord Jesus this was no reason to turn us away. He accepted us in spite of our peculiarities, which are often so prominent. According to this example, we ought to accept one another.

Now read Romans 15:1-7 again.

Reflection: Which are you, the weak or the strong one? Why?

1 Corinthians 4:16

Accept One Another

Romans 15:1-2. In this section Paul summarizes what he said in Romans 14. In Romans 15:1 he counts himself with the ‘strong’ ones. He includes himself when he says “we”. This is not haughtiness, but awareness of who he has become in the Lord Jesus. “Who are strong” are the Christians who know that by the work of the Lord Jesus they’ve been set free from every law and every slavery.

But this freedom shouldn’t be a cause of grief to the other brother who is not strong. You shouldn’t try to force him to accept your correct conviction. On the contrary, you must bear with his weakness. So here you have again to consider another as to what is profitable to him. Pleasing yourself is contrary to this thinking. You mustn’t do what simply pleases yourself. Philippians 2 says something similar: “Do not [merely] look out for your own personal interest, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4).

Romans 15:3. Then Philippians 2 gives the example that the Lord Jesus has given in respect to this (Philippians 2:5-8). It’s striking how the Lord Jesus is set as an example for us every time God demands something from us. For example, look at Colossians 3. There you read about forgiving each other, followed by the example of the Lord Jesus that says: “Just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you” (Colossians 3:13). And in 1 Peter 2 you can see the Lord Jesus very clearly as an example (1 Peter 2:21). Servants or employees are spoken of there. It is written so they can learn from the Lord Jesus how they must behave. So, every time something is demanded of us, we must look at Him. If God asks something of us, we can always learn from the Lord Jesus how to do it.

Here in Romans 15:3 you find the same thing: “For even Christ did not please Himself.” In His whole life, Christ set His mind on the honor of God. This was what He lived for. He wasn’t living for Himself; He was so perfect in all of His interactions with God that when God was disdained, He felt it as His own. The example given by the Lord Jesus gives you strength to do what is required. It is the same here in pleasing your neighbor.

Romans 15:4. The Old Testament is full of examples. When you’re exploring the Bible, everything that’s been written can teach you something. God had it written with that purpose. It’s not just a group of coincidences. 1 Corinthians 10 says everything that happened to Israel happened as an example for you (1 Corinthians 10:6; 11)! For this reason, you must read the Scriptures. Then you’ll learn about endurance and you’ll find comfort. You need endurance in this life because the life in Christ is made difficult by opposition and lack of understanding. Keep going! This is the encouragement that comes to you from Scripture. You also need comfort in this life where so many things can cause you to become disheartened. In the Scriptures you find how believers found comfort with God.

When you have found endurance and comfort in the Scriptures, then you’ll have “hope”. Hope turns your eyes toward the future. The moment will come when endurance and comfort will no longer be needed. Then perfection will have come. Differences between weak and strong believers will no longer exist.

Romans 15:5. Since these differences do still exist, endurance and comfort are still necessary. You can find them with “the God of perseverance and encouragement”. This God is your God! When you’re centered on Him, you’ll contribute to the lasting unity of the believers. The differences will not estrange you from any other.

To learn how to endure and to find encouragement, where must you go? To the Lord Jesus. Nothing could stop Him in His walk here on earth. He endured no matter how strong the opposition. And who met with more opposition than He? No encouragement was found in this world for Him, not even with the disciples. He found encouragement in knowing the Father was always with Him.

Romans 15:6. If the Lord Jesus is our example in this way, we will with one accord and one mouth glorify God. If we quarrel with each other about things in which we should bear with one another, God doesn’t receive the honor due Him. When we learn to bear with one another, this will give us even more reason to glorify God.

Romans 15:7. To really accept one another we must realize how Christ has accepted us; He accepted us just as we are. And He knew perfectly how we would behave. But even so He still accepted us. He put away our sins by giving Himself up to death, but we retain our peculiarities. To the Lord Jesus this was no reason to turn us away. He accepted us in spite of our peculiarities, which are often so prominent. According to this example, we ought to accept one another.

Now read Romans 15:1-7 again.

Reflection: Which are you, the weak or the strong one? Why?

1 Corinthians 4:17

Accept One Another

Romans 15:1-2. In this section Paul summarizes what he said in Romans 14. In Romans 15:1 he counts himself with the ‘strong’ ones. He includes himself when he says “we”. This is not haughtiness, but awareness of who he has become in the Lord Jesus. “Who are strong” are the Christians who know that by the work of the Lord Jesus they’ve been set free from every law and every slavery.

But this freedom shouldn’t be a cause of grief to the other brother who is not strong. You shouldn’t try to force him to accept your correct conviction. On the contrary, you must bear with his weakness. So here you have again to consider another as to what is profitable to him. Pleasing yourself is contrary to this thinking. You mustn’t do what simply pleases yourself. Philippians 2 says something similar: “Do not [merely] look out for your own personal interest, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4).

Romans 15:3. Then Philippians 2 gives the example that the Lord Jesus has given in respect to this (Philippians 2:5-8). It’s striking how the Lord Jesus is set as an example for us every time God demands something from us. For example, look at Colossians 3. There you read about forgiving each other, followed by the example of the Lord Jesus that says: “Just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you” (Colossians 3:13). And in 1 Peter 2 you can see the Lord Jesus very clearly as an example (1 Peter 2:21). Servants or employees are spoken of there. It is written so they can learn from the Lord Jesus how they must behave. So, every time something is demanded of us, we must look at Him. If God asks something of us, we can always learn from the Lord Jesus how to do it.

Here in Romans 15:3 you find the same thing: “For even Christ did not please Himself.” In His whole life, Christ set His mind on the honor of God. This was what He lived for. He wasn’t living for Himself; He was so perfect in all of His interactions with God that when God was disdained, He felt it as His own. The example given by the Lord Jesus gives you strength to do what is required. It is the same here in pleasing your neighbor.

Romans 15:4. The Old Testament is full of examples. When you’re exploring the Bible, everything that’s been written can teach you something. God had it written with that purpose. It’s not just a group of coincidences. 1 Corinthians 10 says everything that happened to Israel happened as an example for you (1 Corinthians 10:6; 11)! For this reason, you must read the Scriptures. Then you’ll learn about endurance and you’ll find comfort. You need endurance in this life because the life in Christ is made difficult by opposition and lack of understanding. Keep going! This is the encouragement that comes to you from Scripture. You also need comfort in this life where so many things can cause you to become disheartened. In the Scriptures you find how believers found comfort with God.

When you have found endurance and comfort in the Scriptures, then you’ll have “hope”. Hope turns your eyes toward the future. The moment will come when endurance and comfort will no longer be needed. Then perfection will have come. Differences between weak and strong believers will no longer exist.

Romans 15:5. Since these differences do still exist, endurance and comfort are still necessary. You can find them with “the God of perseverance and encouragement”. This God is your God! When you’re centered on Him, you’ll contribute to the lasting unity of the believers. The differences will not estrange you from any other.

To learn how to endure and to find encouragement, where must you go? To the Lord Jesus. Nothing could stop Him in His walk here on earth. He endured no matter how strong the opposition. And who met with more opposition than He? No encouragement was found in this world for Him, not even with the disciples. He found encouragement in knowing the Father was always with Him.

Romans 15:6. If the Lord Jesus is our example in this way, we will with one accord and one mouth glorify God. If we quarrel with each other about things in which we should bear with one another, God doesn’t receive the honor due Him. When we learn to bear with one another, this will give us even more reason to glorify God.

Romans 15:7. To really accept one another we must realize how Christ has accepted us; He accepted us just as we are. And He knew perfectly how we would behave. But even so He still accepted us. He put away our sins by giving Himself up to death, but we retain our peculiarities. To the Lord Jesus this was no reason to turn us away. He accepted us in spite of our peculiarities, which are often so prominent. According to this example, we ought to accept one another.

Now read Romans 15:1-7 again.

Reflection: Which are you, the weak or the strong one? Why?

1 Corinthians 4:18

The Gospel: For Jew and Gentile

Romans 15:8. The Lord Jesus has become “a servant”! Think about this. He, the eternal Son of God, has taken the form of a Servant (Philippians 2:6-7). He came to serve, not to be served. Here we read that He has become a servant to the circumcision. This means He came to the Jewish nation because circumcision had been given to that nation as a sign of the covenant God had made with them. He lived as a Jew among this people.

The aim of His coming was, among others, to confirm the promises made to the fathers, like Abraham. These promises were spoken by God. They were as firm as God’s truth because when God says something, He will do it. The Lord Jesus therefore came to confirm the promises.

Romans 15:9. But there was something more for which the Lord Jesus became a servant to the circumcision. This was “for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy”. Here Paul makes clear the coming of the Lord Jesus implied a blessing for both Israel and the nations. Isaiah 49 speaks of this in a wonderful way. There, God says to the Lord Jesus: “It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also make You a light of the nations so that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth” (Isaiah 49:6).

In the first part of this quotation we see that it was in God’s heart for the Lord Jesus to restore Israel. But this wasn’t all. To God, the work of His Son was so great that He didn’t want to limit its benefits to Israel. He wanted all the nations to share in the mercy which would come to man through the Lord Jesus. The result would glorify and magnify God.

What’s surprising is that God spoke of mercy for the nations in the Old Testament. This mercy wasn’t something new, as if it was only revealed in the New Testament. This is not about the church of God, for in the Old Testament, the church was a mystery, that is, something God did not reveal to them. But even in the Old Testament time, God’s heart was going out toward the nations outside Israel. They had a different standing, for Israel was and remains God’s elect people, and has a separate place in the history of salvation. But God hadn’t rejected the other nations.

To confirm this thought, four verses from the Old Testament are quoted here. These four examples represent all the Old Testament, for they are taken from the Law of Moses (Deuteronomy 32:43), the Psalms (Psalms 18:49; Psalms 117:1) and the Prophets (Isaiah 11:10). In Luke 24 the Lord Jesus listed these three parts as a summary of the whole Old Testament (Luke 24:44b).

The first quotation, at the end of Rom 15:9, is from Psalms 18 (Psalms 18:49). It may be considered as a heading over the other quotations. There we have the remnant’s redemption by God out of the enemy’s hand. This redemption is an occasion for them to confess God’s name among the nations.

Romans 15:10. The outcome of this is that in the second quotation in this verse, the nations are called to rejoice with God’s people. They are invited to share in the joy of the redemption.

Romans 15:11. In the third quotation “all you Gentiles” and “all the peoples” are called to worship and praise the Lord. Here the joy is not confined to the people of Israel, but all the earth’s nations may share in it.

Romans 15:12. Then here, in the fourth quotation, the cause of this joy is indicated. The “root of Jesse” is mentioned, speaking of the Lord Jesus. Look up Revelation 22 (Revelation 22:16). He will arise to rule over the nations. Under His millennial reign there will be a time of joy and gladness that all the nations are now feverishly trying to attain in their own strength. A time will come when the nations will hope in Him.

Romans 15:13. But you do know “the God of hope”. He is able to fill you with all joy and peace in believing. It’s still “believing” that counts. To believe means to trust in God Who will make everything happen as He has said, even if everything around you seems to contradict it. If you’re filled with this, you’ll “abound in hope”. It will make you glad and you will be able to praise Him in a world where God and His Christ are being more and more denied.

You don’t need to try to be enthusiastic. This is what people without God do. They say: ‘Keep your chin up’ and: ‘Never say die.’ Exhortations like this don’t give any real or lasting power. Man doesn’t possess this power by himself. Your power is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has come to direct your heart to the Lord Jesus. Only then will your hope be unshakable and bountiful.

Now read Romans 15:8-13 again.

Reflection: How can you receive ‘all joy and peace in believing’?

1 Corinthians 4:19

The Gospel: For Jew and Gentile

Romans 15:8. The Lord Jesus has become “a servant”! Think about this. He, the eternal Son of God, has taken the form of a Servant (Philippians 2:6-7). He came to serve, not to be served. Here we read that He has become a servant to the circumcision. This means He came to the Jewish nation because circumcision had been given to that nation as a sign of the covenant God had made with them. He lived as a Jew among this people.

The aim of His coming was, among others, to confirm the promises made to the fathers, like Abraham. These promises were spoken by God. They were as firm as God’s truth because when God says something, He will do it. The Lord Jesus therefore came to confirm the promises.

Romans 15:9. But there was something more for which the Lord Jesus became a servant to the circumcision. This was “for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy”. Here Paul makes clear the coming of the Lord Jesus implied a blessing for both Israel and the nations. Isaiah 49 speaks of this in a wonderful way. There, God says to the Lord Jesus: “It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also make You a light of the nations so that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth” (Isaiah 49:6).

In the first part of this quotation we see that it was in God’s heart for the Lord Jesus to restore Israel. But this wasn’t all. To God, the work of His Son was so great that He didn’t want to limit its benefits to Israel. He wanted all the nations to share in the mercy which would come to man through the Lord Jesus. The result would glorify and magnify God.

What’s surprising is that God spoke of mercy for the nations in the Old Testament. This mercy wasn’t something new, as if it was only revealed in the New Testament. This is not about the church of God, for in the Old Testament, the church was a mystery, that is, something God did not reveal to them. But even in the Old Testament time, God’s heart was going out toward the nations outside Israel. They had a different standing, for Israel was and remains God’s elect people, and has a separate place in the history of salvation. But God hadn’t rejected the other nations.

To confirm this thought, four verses from the Old Testament are quoted here. These four examples represent all the Old Testament, for they are taken from the Law of Moses (Deuteronomy 32:43), the Psalms (Psalms 18:49; Psalms 117:1) and the Prophets (Isaiah 11:10). In Luke 24 the Lord Jesus listed these three parts as a summary of the whole Old Testament (Luke 24:44b).

The first quotation, at the end of Rom 15:9, is from Psalms 18 (Psalms 18:49). It may be considered as a heading over the other quotations. There we have the remnant’s redemption by God out of the enemy’s hand. This redemption is an occasion for them to confess God’s name among the nations.

Romans 15:10. The outcome of this is that in the second quotation in this verse, the nations are called to rejoice with God’s people. They are invited to share in the joy of the redemption.

Romans 15:11. In the third quotation “all you Gentiles” and “all the peoples” are called to worship and praise the Lord. Here the joy is not confined to the people of Israel, but all the earth’s nations may share in it.

Romans 15:12. Then here, in the fourth quotation, the cause of this joy is indicated. The “root of Jesse” is mentioned, speaking of the Lord Jesus. Look up Revelation 22 (Revelation 22:16). He will arise to rule over the nations. Under His millennial reign there will be a time of joy and gladness that all the nations are now feverishly trying to attain in their own strength. A time will come when the nations will hope in Him.

Romans 15:13. But you do know “the God of hope”. He is able to fill you with all joy and peace in believing. It’s still “believing” that counts. To believe means to trust in God Who will make everything happen as He has said, even if everything around you seems to contradict it. If you’re filled with this, you’ll “abound in hope”. It will make you glad and you will be able to praise Him in a world where God and His Christ are being more and more denied.

You don’t need to try to be enthusiastic. This is what people without God do. They say: ‘Keep your chin up’ and: ‘Never say die.’ Exhortations like this don’t give any real or lasting power. Man doesn’t possess this power by himself. Your power is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has come to direct your heart to the Lord Jesus. Only then will your hope be unshakable and bountiful.

Now read Romans 15:8-13 again.

Reflection: How can you receive ‘all joy and peace in believing’?

1 Corinthians 4:20

The Gospel: For Jew and Gentile

Romans 15:8. The Lord Jesus has become “a servant”! Think about this. He, the eternal Son of God, has taken the form of a Servant (Philippians 2:6-7). He came to serve, not to be served. Here we read that He has become a servant to the circumcision. This means He came to the Jewish nation because circumcision had been given to that nation as a sign of the covenant God had made with them. He lived as a Jew among this people.

The aim of His coming was, among others, to confirm the promises made to the fathers, like Abraham. These promises were spoken by God. They were as firm as God’s truth because when God says something, He will do it. The Lord Jesus therefore came to confirm the promises.

Romans 15:9. But there was something more for which the Lord Jesus became a servant to the circumcision. This was “for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy”. Here Paul makes clear the coming of the Lord Jesus implied a blessing for both Israel and the nations. Isaiah 49 speaks of this in a wonderful way. There, God says to the Lord Jesus: “It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also make You a light of the nations so that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth” (Isaiah 49:6).

In the first part of this quotation we see that it was in God’s heart for the Lord Jesus to restore Israel. But this wasn’t all. To God, the work of His Son was so great that He didn’t want to limit its benefits to Israel. He wanted all the nations to share in the mercy which would come to man through the Lord Jesus. The result would glorify and magnify God.

What’s surprising is that God spoke of mercy for the nations in the Old Testament. This mercy wasn’t something new, as if it was only revealed in the New Testament. This is not about the church of God, for in the Old Testament, the church was a mystery, that is, something God did not reveal to them. But even in the Old Testament time, God’s heart was going out toward the nations outside Israel. They had a different standing, for Israel was and remains God’s elect people, and has a separate place in the history of salvation. But God hadn’t rejected the other nations.

To confirm this thought, four verses from the Old Testament are quoted here. These four examples represent all the Old Testament, for they are taken from the Law of Moses (Deuteronomy 32:43), the Psalms (Psalms 18:49; Psalms 117:1) and the Prophets (Isaiah 11:10). In Luke 24 the Lord Jesus listed these three parts as a summary of the whole Old Testament (Luke 24:44b).

The first quotation, at the end of Rom 15:9, is from Psalms 18 (Psalms 18:49). It may be considered as a heading over the other quotations. There we have the remnant’s redemption by God out of the enemy’s hand. This redemption is an occasion for them to confess God’s name among the nations.

Romans 15:10. The outcome of this is that in the second quotation in this verse, the nations are called to rejoice with God’s people. They are invited to share in the joy of the redemption.

Romans 15:11. In the third quotation “all you Gentiles” and “all the peoples” are called to worship and praise the Lord. Here the joy is not confined to the people of Israel, but all the earth’s nations may share in it.

Romans 15:12. Then here, in the fourth quotation, the cause of this joy is indicated. The “root of Jesse” is mentioned, speaking of the Lord Jesus. Look up Revelation 22 (Revelation 22:16). He will arise to rule over the nations. Under His millennial reign there will be a time of joy and gladness that all the nations are now feverishly trying to attain in their own strength. A time will come when the nations will hope in Him.

Romans 15:13. But you do know “the God of hope”. He is able to fill you with all joy and peace in believing. It’s still “believing” that counts. To believe means to trust in God Who will make everything happen as He has said, even if everything around you seems to contradict it. If you’re filled with this, you’ll “abound in hope”. It will make you glad and you will be able to praise Him in a world where God and His Christ are being more and more denied.

You don’t need to try to be enthusiastic. This is what people without God do. They say: ‘Keep your chin up’ and: ‘Never say die.’ Exhortations like this don’t give any real or lasting power. Man doesn’t possess this power by himself. Your power is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has come to direct your heart to the Lord Jesus. Only then will your hope be unshakable and bountiful.

Now read Romans 15:8-13 again.

Reflection: How can you receive ‘all joy and peace in believing’?

1 Corinthians 4:21

The Gospel: For Jew and Gentile

Romans 15:8. The Lord Jesus has become “a servant”! Think about this. He, the eternal Son of God, has taken the form of a Servant (Philippians 2:6-7). He came to serve, not to be served. Here we read that He has become a servant to the circumcision. This means He came to the Jewish nation because circumcision had been given to that nation as a sign of the covenant God had made with them. He lived as a Jew among this people.

The aim of His coming was, among others, to confirm the promises made to the fathers, like Abraham. These promises were spoken by God. They were as firm as God’s truth because when God says something, He will do it. The Lord Jesus therefore came to confirm the promises.

Romans 15:9. But there was something more for which the Lord Jesus became a servant to the circumcision. This was “for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy”. Here Paul makes clear the coming of the Lord Jesus implied a blessing for both Israel and the nations. Isaiah 49 speaks of this in a wonderful way. There, God says to the Lord Jesus: “It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also make You a light of the nations so that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth” (Isaiah 49:6).

In the first part of this quotation we see that it was in God’s heart for the Lord Jesus to restore Israel. But this wasn’t all. To God, the work of His Son was so great that He didn’t want to limit its benefits to Israel. He wanted all the nations to share in the mercy which would come to man through the Lord Jesus. The result would glorify and magnify God.

What’s surprising is that God spoke of mercy for the nations in the Old Testament. This mercy wasn’t something new, as if it was only revealed in the New Testament. This is not about the church of God, for in the Old Testament, the church was a mystery, that is, something God did not reveal to them. But even in the Old Testament time, God’s heart was going out toward the nations outside Israel. They had a different standing, for Israel was and remains God’s elect people, and has a separate place in the history of salvation. But God hadn’t rejected the other nations.

To confirm this thought, four verses from the Old Testament are quoted here. These four examples represent all the Old Testament, for they are taken from the Law of Moses (Deuteronomy 32:43), the Psalms (Psalms 18:49; Psalms 117:1) and the Prophets (Isaiah 11:10). In Luke 24 the Lord Jesus listed these three parts as a summary of the whole Old Testament (Luke 24:44b).

The first quotation, at the end of Rom 15:9, is from Psalms 18 (Psalms 18:49). It may be considered as a heading over the other quotations. There we have the remnant’s redemption by God out of the enemy’s hand. This redemption is an occasion for them to confess God’s name among the nations.

Romans 15:10. The outcome of this is that in the second quotation in this verse, the nations are called to rejoice with God’s people. They are invited to share in the joy of the redemption.

Romans 15:11. In the third quotation “all you Gentiles” and “all the peoples” are called to worship and praise the Lord. Here the joy is not confined to the people of Israel, but all the earth’s nations may share in it.

Romans 15:12. Then here, in the fourth quotation, the cause of this joy is indicated. The “root of Jesse” is mentioned, speaking of the Lord Jesus. Look up Revelation 22 (Revelation 22:16). He will arise to rule over the nations. Under His millennial reign there will be a time of joy and gladness that all the nations are now feverishly trying to attain in their own strength. A time will come when the nations will hope in Him.

Romans 15:13. But you do know “the God of hope”. He is able to fill you with all joy and peace in believing. It’s still “believing” that counts. To believe means to trust in God Who will make everything happen as He has said, even if everything around you seems to contradict it. If you’re filled with this, you’ll “abound in hope”. It will make you glad and you will be able to praise Him in a world where God and His Christ are being more and more denied.

You don’t need to try to be enthusiastic. This is what people without God do. They say: ‘Keep your chin up’ and: ‘Never say die.’ Exhortations like this don’t give any real or lasting power. Man doesn’t possess this power by himself. Your power is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has come to direct your heart to the Lord Jesus. Only then will your hope be unshakable and bountiful.

Now read Romans 15:8-13 again.

Reflection: How can you receive ‘all joy and peace in believing’?