Paul continues discussing the essential Christian qualities of loving God and other people. In this context, he emphasizes that we should focus on helping others rather than simply seeking to please ourselves.
We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Each of us must please our neighbor for the good purpose of building up the neighbor.
For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me” (Romans 15.1-3).
In this passage, Paul quotes Psalm 69:9 which is a prophetic image of Jesus’ selflessness, showing how He willingly bore the insults and burdens placed on Him for the sake of others.
In today’s YouTube video, Rudy Ross explains that we are the weak ones on earth, but God cares for our weaknesses by providing everything we need to live the best life possible.
A key trait of God’s people is to reflect His character to a world that doesn’t know Him. One way we do this is by putting others’ needs ahead of our own self-interest.
A Written Record
As a young adult, I made deliveries to gas stations and parts stores in rural areas. The man who usually ran the route gave me directions to one location. He said, “Pass a bridge, find the big tree on the right, and after that tree, there’s a gravel road. Turn right, follow that road, and you’ll get to your destination.”
His directions worked, but I’m so grateful I don’t need to rely on that kind of guidance anymore. Now, I can use GPS on my phone.
The written record of God’s Word functions more like the GPS on my phone, compared to the verbal directions the delivery driver gave me. Paul expresses his gratitude to God for the guidance He provides through His Word.
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.
May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 15.4-6).
When we have God’s written Word before us, we don’t have to wonder if we’ve heard correctly. In Paul’s day, the written Word was the Old Testament, and today, it is the complete Bible.
These Scriptures give us steadfastness and encouragement to live according to the will of Christ. Christ’s will calls us to live in harmony with one another so that together we can glorify God and our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Put in Practice
There’s an old saying that suggests a person who doesn’t read their Bible is no better off than someone who can’t read at all.
In the same way, if we can read and understand the Bible but don’t put it into practice, it’s like having the instructions to do something right, but not using them to actually get it done.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross and I discussed this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 