Traits of Christ Needed in Your Life – Part One

Romans 15: 1 – 13

        Jesus “…made Himself of no reputation, and taking the form of a servant,” came “in the likeness of men” (Phil.2:7).

        He appealed to His followers then, as He does now, to love and aid one another. He is our example. In His role, He “came not to be served, but to serve.”  We who follow Him must do the same.

        Selfishness is dealt with in this passage (Vs. 1- 6).  Christian love and selfishness are mutually exclusive.  You don’t have both. Some Christians felt imposed upon by a preceding request that regarded doing without some certain foods and special days in Jesus’ name. When considering what you are giving up for Him, remember what He gave up for you.  Like Jesus, we must be willing to give up some rights that other people might be helped with.

        In this chapter four different words for servant are used in the Greek text.   God in His wisdom knows that a servant temperament brings JOY to the servant, GLADNESS to the one served, and gives GLORY to Him.

        Frank Tyger, journalist/cartoonist, wrote, “If you want happiness, provide it for others.” “The only ones among us who will really be happy are those who have sought and found how to serve,” Declared Albert Schweitzer. 

        A.  Christ’s Model Incites Us   —  (Vss. 1 – 4)

        Paul identifies himself with the strong majority.  Literally, “We the strong are under obligation to bear the weaknesses of the not strong” (Vss. 1 – 4).

        Gal. 6: 1, 2, “if a man is overtaken in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness…Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ”(Galatians 6: 1, 2).     

        The conduct of the strong should be to “please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. “We should relate in such a way as to try to build up others.        

        Jesus is revealed to be our prototype, our example (Vs. 3).

        The Scripture as one of two assets every believer has that will enable victory in interpersonal relations (Vs. 3).. The principle of prayer which is practiced in the following verses is the second asset. Believers need to utilize these assets. The first major problem in the New Testament church was caused by the apostles not having enough time to minister the Word and pray (Acts. 6: 1 – 7).  Prayer is a process of opening the door of our life and inviting God in to help.

        In addition to spiritual benefits derived, it indirectly helps us psychologically and physically.  Harvard cardiologist Herbert Benson has been studying this since 1968.  He has concluded that, “People high in spirituality…turn out to score high on psychological tests.” They score the highest on the life-purpose index and register the sharpest drop in pain.  (“The Prayer War,” “Psychology Today,” Stephen Kiesling & George Harris).

        The Scripture bears enough witness of God’s faithfulness to motivate “hope.” Employ these two spiritual assets: prayer and Bible knowledge.