Jimbo's Jots

We’re finishing The Art of Neighboring series at Plymouth this week. For the month of July, our sermon series and participation in Impact Week has been a way to challenge us to step out of our own bubble world. Last week, during the sermon, we talked about moving beyond the “that’s a really good idea!!” to “what can I do?” and “this is what I’m going to do!”

Which brings us to our text in Romans 14 and 15 this week. After Paul challenges the churches in Rome to offer their bodies as a living sacrifice and demonstrating that through loving others and honor those in official roles, he now moves beyond the teaching to the reasons why.

First, we are looking at Romans 14:1-15:7. Weirsbe points out, and I looked to see, that Paul uses the same phrase to start and end this paragraph of text.

“Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. “(14:1)

 ^“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” (15:7)

Now, Paul goes further to explain why we need to have this attitude of acceptance:

1. our own acceptance by God (14:1-3)
2. Jesus is Lord (14:5-9)
3. Jesus is Judge (14:10-12)

Therefore, we live this life according to God’s principles and give up our own mindsets that could cause someone else to stumble in their faith. “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” (14:19)

Let us do this by reaching out to our neighbors in kindness! Let us do this by speaking godly words to our children and coworkers! Let us be known by all as being people of peace FOR EACH OTHER!!

Be blessed and be a blessing!