Page 50 - Advanced New Testament Survey Student Textbook

(2) Principle of motivation: Let each one be convinced in his own mind (14:5-9)
(3) Principle of accountability: Each one will give account of himself to God (14:10-12)

In warning the strong not to cause their weaker brother to stumble (14:13-15:4), Paul gives three
principles:
(1) Principle of restraint: limiting one’s liberty for the sake of others (14:13-21)
(2) Principle of faith: protecting one’s conscience in ethical decisions (14:22-23)
(3) Principle of sacrifice: remembering the example of Christ (15:1-4)

Paul eventually gives a concluding prayer and appeal to unity and mutual acceptance (15:5-13).

Impact:
Rom. 1:21 – Here Paul reminds us that the purpose of our existence is to bring glory to God. Are
you convinced that you rightly bring glory to God? How do you do you know that you correctly
bring glory to God? How do you help others bring glory to God?

Rom. 3:10 – 28; 5:6 – 11 – through theses verses we see the incomprehensibility of the richness of the
love of God toward the powerless, depraved humans like us. We need to thank God for loving us
without any deserving cause. However, do you love God and His people? How do you show that you
love them?

Rom. 4:11–15 – Here we see father Abraham’s shining example of what it means to be righteous based
on faith in God’s grace and not in our own efforts. In What ways do you show that you are an example
of righteousness of faith in your family, community, and ministry?

Rom. 6:22 – Our walk in newness of life is not a restriction to life of freedom, it is rather a freedom from
the life of slavery to sin, it results in justice and life, rather than shame and death. How do you
demonstrate that you are walking in the newness of life? How do you help others walk in the same
newness of life?

Rom. 10–11 – This passage reminds us that it is not based on our love but on His love for us that He
sustains us through all kinds of suffering in life and work. “Hope does not disappoint us, because God’s
love has been poured into our hearts.” Even when suffering threatens to harden our hearts, God’s love
makes us agents of His reconciliation, which we have received in Christ.

Rom. 12:2–3 – These verses remind us of the effective transforming power that is in the Word of God.
Therefore, our primary motivation for subjecting ourselves into the study of God’s Word is for our
spiritual renewal. What motivates you to study God’s word? How do you use that motivation to
influence others to study God’s Word?

Rom. 13:1 – 7 – These verses give us a positive perspective about the governing authorities. Cooperation
to the governing authorities regardless of whether they are bad or good is one way of honoring and
glorifying our sovereign God. Being aware of other Scriptures, our only exception to this cooperation is
when the governing authorities infringe on our rights to obeying God (Acts 5:29).

Rom. 16:3 – 23 – these verses teach us that a Christian life is built in a community of other believers.
And the repeated phrase “hard work” reminds us that the purpose of our Christian communities is to

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