Bill Acton :: Romans 15 - How Christians Live Together

Sermon Outline for Romans 15

1. How Christians Live Together – Rom 15:1-2
   1. The strong sustain the weak
      1. Bearing weakness together
         1. We all have areas of strength
         2. We all have areas of weakness
      2. Not living just to “please” self
         1. The sacrifice of personal desires
         2. The desire for growth for others
   2. The strong encourage the weak
      1. By sharing how God helps
      2. By patient loving kindness
      3. By remaining firm to convictions
   3. The weak encourage the strong
      1. By willingness to learn
      2. By response to God’s Word
2. The Example of Christ – Rom 15:3
   1. He did not live for Himself
   2. He took all the hatred of the world for God upon Himself
   3. He gave His life completely
3. The Encouragement of the Scripture
   1. The Old Testament is for our learning
      1. Through the historical experiences we learn about the nature of God
      2. Through the historical experiences we learn how we should respond – 1Co 10:1-15
   2. All of God’s Word builds comfort and patience
   3. God’s Word is given for the purpose of building hope
4. The Enabling Power of God
   1. God gives strength
      1. Strength to do beyond our own abilities
      2. Strength to submerge our own interests for the interests of the entire Body of Christ
   2. God gives unity of purpose
      1. One voice
      2. Praise to God
      3. The Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
5. The Relationship Desired
   1. Accept one another
   2. As Christ accepts us
      1. In our unworthiness
      2. In our poor response
      3. In our failing performance
6. Our Relationship to Adam or to Christ Determines Our Position Before God
7. Our Fellowship with Christ Determines Our Relationships to Each Other