Read Genesis 14
Highlights:
Dangers of criticism; don't condemn others (Rom. chap. 14). Live in harmony, giving praise and glory to the Lord (15:1-6). Paul's ambition should also be part of ours (15:20-21). Christians in one area took up a collection for believers in need (15:26-28).
The Christian who has received Christ as Lord of his life will not be content with living merely to satisfy self. To live for the glory of God and the salvation of others should become much more important to him than his own interests and pleasure.
None of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that He might be Lord both of the dead and living (Rom. 14:7-9). Since we are the Lord's, it needs to be repeated often that none of us is to live only for himself, for we were created in Christ Jesus unto good works (Eph. 2:10).
Even Christ, in whom dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead (Col. 2:9), pleased not Himself (Rom. 15:3). For the sake of others He came into the world; for others He lived; for others He prayed; for others He wept; for others He died; for others He arose from the dead; for others He intercedes at the right hand of the Father; and for others He will come again! How diametrically opposed this is to the self-centered philosophy of the world!
Some of us who are stronger will have much to answer for — such as the heartbreak or dismay in a weaker one when a word of kindness from us would have been so helpful. Do not pass anyone by; Christ never did. Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way (14:13).
Choosing to forego what pleases ourselves frees us to bear the infirmities of a weaker brother and thus help him gain victory in his spiritual life and win the crown of life (James 1:12). If we listen to the Holy Spirit and make that choice, we can thank God through all eternity.
Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God (Rom. 15:5-7).
Thought for Today:
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. 6:1).
Cross References:
For Rom. 14:11: See Is. 45:23. Rom. 15:3: See Ps. 69:9. Rom. 15:9: See Ps. 18:49. Rom. 15:10: See Deut. 32:43. Rom. 15:11: See Ps. 117:1. Rom. 15:12: See Is. 11:1,10. Rom. 15:21: See Is. 52:15.
Word Studies:
14:1 not to doubtful disputations, not for passing judgment on his questionable opinions; 16:2 succourer, helper, defender.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Bonnie Wilhite • Government Officials: Sen. Mary Landrieu (LA), Rep. Bobby Rush (IL), and Sen. Chuck Schumer (NY) • Country: Germany (82 million) in north-central Europe • Major language: German • Religious freedom • 33.8% Evangelical (Lutheran); 33.6% Catholic; 3.4% Muslim; 1% Orthodox; 1% Other Christian; .2% Other; 27% None • Prayer Suggestion: Pray and rejoice in the Lord for all His spiritual blessings (Is. 61:10).
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 6:14
