A strong Christian life | Bob Wriedt | Romans 15:1-6

What does it mean to be a strong Christian? 

"Strong" is one of Paul's favorite metaphors to talk about the Christian life. Romans begins (1:11) and ends (16:25) with the stated goal of the book - to strengthen us. He prays for strength for others (Col 1:11), exhorts people to 'be strong' (Eph 6:10), and describes himself as strong in Christ (Phil 4:13). 

You've probably heard the metaphor of a "strong Christian" so often that you stopped noticing that it is a metaphor. But we all know that physical strength has nothing to do with what Paul is describing. So, what does it mean to be a strong Christian? 

This week at Grace, we're in Romans 15:1-6, where Paul describes his expectations of the strong and their means for achieving them. In short, he tells us what spiritual strength is, what it's for, and how to cultivate it. 

Let's take advantage of this opportunity to strengthened together this Sunday. 

In Christ, 
Pastor Bob

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Romans 15:1-6

1 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus,6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.