Setting
Paul has been providing practical guidelines on how believers ought to live as pleasing sacrifices to God. A large part of these teachings pertains to our interactions with others, including brethren in the body of Christ and those outside the church. In the passage of this lesson, Paul addresses a specific area, which is how we as followers of Christ ought to bear with those who are weak in faith.
Key Verse
(15:1, ESV)
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Outline
General Analysis
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1. Record teachings in this passage pertaining to how our relationship with God determines our relationship with our fellow brethren.
Segment Analysis
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14:1–12
1. In the current context, what characterizes someone who is weak in faith?
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2. Why do some regard dietary restrictions or observance of days as highly important?
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3. Based on the rest of the passage, how are we to “welcome” the one who is weak in faith?
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4. What are the negative consequences of despising or judging one another?
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5. Where do you draw the line in terms of what you should insist on and what should be up to each individual?
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6. What does this segment teach about our personal accountability to the Lord?
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14:13–23
7. How does the principle of love underly not passing judgment on our brethren?
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8. Explain the exhortation of verse 16.
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9. Explain the contrast between “eating and drinking” and “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit”
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10. Explain the teachings in verses 22 and 23.
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11. How can we be sure that all things we do proceed from faith?
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15:1–13
12. Cite present-day examples of “failings of the weak” that call for endurance on your part.
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13. How did Christ serve as a model of bearing with the failings of the weak?
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14. Why does welcoming one another in the Lord glorify God?