THE KINDLY
LIVING OF THE CHRISTIAN
ROMANS 15:1-7 "We
then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to
please ourselves. Rom 15:2 Let every one of us please [his] neighbour for [his]
good to edification. Rom 15:3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it
is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. Rom 15:4
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning,
that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Rom
15:5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one
toward another according to Christ Jesus: Rom 15:6 That ye may with one mind
[and] one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Rom 15:7
Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of
God."
Introduction
a. To
be a kindly Christian is simply to be a good Christian to the people around
you, whether they are in the world or inside the local church. This is the plan
and desire of God for all Christians after they are saved.
2 TIMOTHY 3:15-17 "And
that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make
thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 2 Tim 3:16 All
scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 2 Tim 3:17 That
the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."
b.
Every individual Christian should follow the example of the Lord Jesus Christ.
He is the ultimate example for all people, especially to lost sinners.
1 PETER 2:21 "For
even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us
an example, that ye should follow his steps."
Five
Important Truths to Know and Understand:
I. THE
CONSIDERATION OF THE WEAK
ROMANS 15:1-2 "We
then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to
please ourselves. Rom 15:2 Let every one of us please [his] neighbour for [his]
good to edification."
a.
Paul encouraged all strong Christians inside the local church to bear the
infirmities of the weak.
b. The
church is the body of Christ; those parts that are weak need the assistance of
the stronger parts.
c. A
kindly Christian is a considerate church member who remains strong in their
Christian life.
2 TIMOTHY 2:2 "And
the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit
thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also."
II.
THE COMPASSION OF CHRIST
ROMANS 15:3 "For
even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them
that reproached thee fell on me."
a.
Christ provided a kindly life testimony before His disciples. He started with
twelve disciples and grew that influence until there were 120 strong, kindly
Christians.
b.
Paul was a good example of a kindly Christian to lost sinners by winning them
to Christ
(1 Corinthians 9:19) 1Cor 9:19
For though I be free from all [men], yet have I made myself servant unto all,
that I might gain the more.
c. The
Christians at Rome showed kindness by helping the needy servants of God.
III.
THE COMFORT OF THE WORD
ROMANS 15:4 "For
whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we
through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope."
a. A
kindly Christian has a good ministry inside the local church: giving comfort to
the weak and needy
(Galatians 6:1-2) Gal 6:1
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore
such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be
tempted.
Gal 6:2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so
fulfil the law of Christ.
b. A
kindly Christian does not only comfort the weak but also supports the
missionaries of the Lord Jesus Christ.
(Philippians 4:15-18) Php 4:15
Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I
departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving
and receiving, but ye only.
Php 4:16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and
again unto my necessity.
Php 4:17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire
fruit that may abound to your account.
Php 4:18 But I have all, and abound: I am full,
having received of Epaphroditus the things [which were sent] from you, an odour
of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
c. A
strong church will always produce more spiritual and strong leaders from
within.
IV.
THE CONFORMITY THROUGH CHRIST
ROMANS 15:5 "Now
the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward
another according to Christ Jesus:"
a.
Kindly Christians are "Christ-likeminded," according to the Bible.
b.
Kindly Christians use their mouths to glorify God within the local church.
(Romans 15:6) Rom 15:6
That ye may with one mind [and] one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ.
c.
Kindly Christians express the true love of Christ as members of one body.
(Romans 15:7) Rom 15:7
Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of
God.
V. THE
CONTINUITY TO LIVE LIKE CHRIST
1 Corinthians 11:1 – "Be ye
followers of me, even as I also am of Christ."
2 Timothy 3:14 – "2Tim 3:14
But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured
of, knowing of whom thou hast learned [them];"
1 Peter 2:21 – 1Pet 2:21
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving
us an example, that ye should follow his steps:"
GOD
BLESS YOU ALL
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