Romans 15 - A Study Guide by Mark A. Copeland

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                      "THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS"

                            Chapter Fifteen

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To see further the importance of being considerate of weak brethren

2) To be impressed with the example of the churches in Macedonia and
   Achaia in their liberality toward the church in Jerusalem

SUMMARY

Paul continues his discussion on how those who are strong are to 
receive and bear with the infirmities of the weak.  Encouraging the 
strong to be concerned with uplifting the weak, he reminds them of 
Christ and His unselfishness (1-3).  Reminding them of the value of the 
Old Testament Scriptures, he pleads for patience so that with one mind 
and one mouth they may glorify God (4-6).  Finally, he calls for them 
to receive one another to the glory of God, just as Christ served both 
Jews and Gentiles in fulfilling the prophets of old (7-12).  Paul then 
offers a prayer that God might fill them with joy and peace in 
believing, so that they may abound in hope with the help of the Holy 
Spirit (13).

At this point, Paul begins to draw this epistle to a close by making 
remarks concerning his apostleship and plans to see them.  Recognizing 
their own abilities in the faith, he still felt it appropriate to write 
to them as he did (14-16).  Speaking of his design not to preach where 
Christ had already been received (17-21), Paul tells of his plan to 
come to Rome on his way to Spain (22-24).  But first, he is going to 
the poor saints in Jerusalem with a contribution from the saints in 
Macedonia and Achaia (25-29).  Realizing the danger such a trip 
entails, he asks to be remembered in their prayers (30-33).

OUTLINE

I. CONCLUDING ADMONITIONS TO STRONG BRETHREN (1-13)

   A. BEAR WITH THE SCRUPLES OF THE WEAK (1-6)
      1. Try to please your brethren, as Christ did (1-3)
      2. With the help of God and Scripture, be patient, so you may
         with one mind and mouth glorify God (4-6)

   B. RECEIVE ONE ANOTHER (7-12)
      1. As Christ received us, to the glory of God (7)
      2. As Christ served Jews and Gentiles, in fulfillment of prophecy
         (8-12)

   C. PAUL'S PRAYER FOR THEM (13)
      1. That God might fill them with all joy and peace in believing
         (13a)
      2. That they might abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit
         (13b)

II. PAUL'S PLANS TO SEE THEM (14-33)

   A. THE REASON FOR WRITING THEM (14-21)
      1. He is well aware of their own abilities (14)
      2. Simply reminding them, as is appropriate from one who is a
         "minister to the Gentiles" (15-16)
      3. Though he normally aims to preach where Christ has not been
         named (17-21)

   B. HIS TRAVEL PLANS (22-29)
      1. To go to Spain via Rome (22-24)
      2. But first,  to Jerusalem with a contribution from those in
         Macedonia and Achaia (25-29)

   C. REQUEST FOR PRAYER, AND PRAYER FOR THEM (30-33)
      1. His request for their prayers for his safe journeys (30-32)
      2. His prayer that God be with them (33)

WORDS TO PONDER

edification - to build up; "used only figuratively in the NT..the
              promotion of spiritual growth" (VINE)

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) List the main points of this chapter
   - Concluding Admonitions To Strong Brethren (1-13)
   - Paul's Plans To See Them (14-33)

2) Whose example are we to follow in bearing the weakness of others?
   (1-3)
   - Christ's

3) What value is the Old Testament to Christians? (4)
   - To learn, to find patience and comfort, to increase hope

4) Why is it important that we be of one mind? (5-6)
   - So we may in unity of mind and mouth glorify God

5) To what degree are we to receive one another? (7)
   - As Christ received us; to the glory of God

6) In his preaching, what did Paul try to avoid? (20)
   - Preaching where Christ had already been preached

7) Where did Paul hope to go after passing through Rome? (24)
   - Spain

8) Where was he headed for at the time he wrote this epistle? Why? (25)
   - Jerusalem; to minister the contribution from Macedonia and Achaia
     for the poor saints in Jerusalem
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