The Joy of Christian Liberty - Part 1

In Romans 15:1-13, Pastor Gordon teaches that strong Christians have an obligation to actively carry the weaknesses and failings of weaker brothers rather than avoiding or judging them, with the goal of building up the body. The motivating example is Christ himself, who bore the reproaches of sinners without retaliating, carrying them silently to the cross rather than pleasing himself. Because Christ has already atoned for the failings of our brethren, heaping further insults on them means hurling reproaches that Christ already bore and paid for. Paul appeals especially to Gentile believers to receive one another with humility, recognizing that Christ extended mercy to outsiders and brought them into the covenant family they never deserved. The passage closes with a benediction calling the church to abound in hope, joy, and peace through the Holy Spirit as they pursue unity together.