Romans 15:1-6
Read Romans 15:1-6
Helpful Background Information:
By the end of the book of Romans, Paul turns his focus to issues creating division in the church. In chapter 15, he’s specifically addressing disagreements about Jewish food laws and Sabbath observance. To put it simply, Paul says that these practices aren’t what determine who is included or excluded from the Church. To be clear, these issues were culturally important. However, they weren’t substantial enough to divide followers of Jesus.
What’s especially important to understand is that Paul urges those who are spiritually mature and strong in their faith to lay aside their rights and preferences for the sake of those who are younger in their faith. In this sense, one’s strength and maturity is measured by their willingness to serve.
What Paul is teaching is not new at all—we see in our primary passage for this week, Mark 10:32-52, that Jesus measures greatness and primacy by one’s willingness to serve. According to Jesus, power and position are to be used for the benefit of those under authority, not for personal gain. Paul applies this principle to early church communities so that they retain unity and focus on the things that matter most.
Reflection Questions:
When it comes to functioning as a community of believers, Paul says that we are not to “please ourselves” (v.1) but to “please our neighbors for their good” (v.2).
In what ways might you come to church with your own interests and preferences in mind?
What would it look like to shift your focus toward what will build up your neighbors?
Reread (vv.5-6).
Based on these verses, what does God want to see in His people?
In your experience, what tends to get in the way of this becoming a reality?
What is one new way that you could serve members of your church community who you are different from?