Romans 15:1

Now we that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

'Now' -'is progressive; it means, "to proceed with the matter in hand." (McGarvey p. 532)

'we' -'It is. characteristic of Paul's to identify himself with those on whom he lays especial burdens.' (McGarvey p. 532) Paul places himself in the "strong" category.

'strong' -in the sense described in Chapter 14. Those who have been able to bring their consciences in line with the truth on such things as food.

Point to Note:

This section isn't teaching that the spiritually mature must allow "weak" Christians to remain in their sins.. different approach is to be taken when sin is involved. (Matthew 18:15 ff; Luke 17:3). Strong and weak in these verses don't refer to "moral" strength and weakness. For God doesn't excuse or make allowances for anyone, even the most recent of converts when it comes to immoral behaviour. (Acts 8:20; 1 Corinthians 6:9; Galatians 5:19)

Compared to Jesus, everyone was "weak". But the areas that Jesus didn't "put up with", were areas that involved the violation of God's will. Those areas often received. swift rebuke. (Matthew 16:23; Matthew 19:23; Luke 9:55; Matthew 23:1; Mark 16:14)

'ought' -'Most scrupulous brethren would tend to place themselves in the "strong" column. But, if so, such demands attendant obligations.' (Green p. 14)

-'under obligation we are' (Lenski p. 857) 'Strength in the gospel always brings upon it's owner the obligation and command to SERVE (Galatians 6:2), and the one who truly serves must eliminate his self-conceit and arrogance.' (McGarvey p. 532)

'bear' -941. bastazo bas-tad'-zo; perhaps remotely derived from the base of 939 (through the idea of removal); to lift, literally or figuratively (endure, declare, sustain, receive, etc.): -bear, carry, take up.

-'bear with or tolerate' (Hodge). To bear with, to be indulgent to, to endure patiently, not to contend with. (Barnes p. 318)

'infirmities' -in the context, the "infirmity" of the weak brother is his inability at this point in time to line up his conscience with something that God says he can do.

Points to Note:

1. 'We are not to bombast him, ridicule him, despise him or isolate him.' (McGuiggan p. 410)

2. Placing yourself in the "strong" category is placing yourself under obligation to serve, bear with and accommodate yourself to the tender consciences of others in matters of indifference. Paul did. (1 Corinthians 9:19)

3. The word "bear with", suggests that this may be an inconvenience at times. Forgoing. juicy steak for. weak brother will test our love and patience. But the truly "strong", are willing to make such sacrifices without complaint.

4. 'The Christian fellowship should be marked by the consideration of its members for each other. But it is to be noted that this consideration must not degenerate into an easy-going, sentimental, pliable laxity. It must always be designed for the other person's good, and for his upbuilding in the faith. It is not the toleration which tolerates because it is too lazy to do anything else..'

'and not to please ourselves' -'It is so easy for. man whose own conscience is quite clear about some course of action to snap his fingers at his critics and say "I'll please myself."' (F.F. Bruce p. 254)

Often the temptation of the "strong", is to think, "Well,. don't have any problems with this, it doesn't bother me and if you can't handle it, that's your problem. And I'm not about to let the silly "scruple" of another Christian to spoil my fun." Such an attitude makes us into liabilities rather than assets.