Introduction

Welcome back to our Romans Bible Study here on Living for the Christ!
Romans 14 taught us how to handle differences in the church with humility and love. Now in Romans 15, Paul continues the theme of unity — showing what it looks like to build others up, welcome one another, and live in harmony for the glory of God.

He also opens his heart about ministry, missions, and the hope believers have through Christ.
Let’s walk through this chapter together.

Key Themes in Romans 15

• Bearing with the weak
• Building others up
• Christ as our example
• The Scriptures give endurance and hope
• Unity among believers
• Salvation for both Jews and Gentiles
• The heart of missions
• The power of prayer

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Romans 15:1–3 — Bear With the Weak

“We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” — Romans 15:1

Who are “the strong” and “the weak”?

The strong — believers who understand their freedom in Christ
The weak — believers with sensitive consciences or uncertainties about certain practices

This continues the flow of Romans 14.

What does “bear with” mean?

It doesn’t mean “put up with.”
It means:

• be patient with
• support
• walk alongside
• sacrifice personal preference

Why? Because this is what Christ did for us.

“For Christ did not please Himself…” — Romans 15:3

💛 Real-life examples

• Being patient with someone newer in the faith
• Not pressuring a believer to do something their conscience isn’t ready for
• Offering guidance instead of frustration
• Supporting someone who struggles spiritually
• Choosing gentleness instead of criticism

🔍 Reflection

• Who in your life needs patience or support from you right now?
• How can you bear with them the way Christ has borne with you?

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Romans 15:4 — Scripture Gives Hope

“For whatever was written… was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” — Romans 15:4

Scripture doesn’t just inform — it encourages, strengthens, and fills us with hope.

Ways Scripture Produces Hope

• Psalms calm anxious hearts
• God’s promises bring peace during trials
• Stories of God’s faithfulness help us endure
• Prophecies remind us of Christ’s return
• Jesus’ words give assurance

🔍 Reflection

• Which verse has encouraged you recently?
• Do you turn to Scripture first when discouraged?

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Romans 15:5–6 — Unity That Glorifies God

“Live in such harmony… that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” — Romans 15:5–6

Unity isn’t optional — it’s central to Christian witness.

Why unity matters

• It reflects Christ
• It strengthens the church
• It glorifies God
• It displays the Gospel to the world

Unity doesn’t mean sameness.
It means different people praising the same Lord together.

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Romans 15:7 — Welcome One Another

“Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you…” — Romans 15:7

📘 Word Study: “Welcome” (proslambanō)

Meaning:

• to receive fully
• to accept into one’s heart
• to take alongside
• to embrace in fellowship

Christ welcomed you — with grace, patience, and love.
We are called to do the same.

🔍 Reflection

• Do I welcome others with the same kindness Christ showed me?
• Are there people I avoid or judge instead of embracing?

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Romans 15:8–13 — One Savior for All Nations

Paul explains that Jesus’ ministry fulfilled promises to Israel and opened the door of salvation to the Gentiles.

He quotes multiple Old Testament passages showing God’s plan for the nations to praise Him.

The Highlight — Romans 15:13

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing…”

This is one of Scripture’s most beautiful blessings.
Joy, peace, and hope all flow from:

• believing
• the Holy Spirit’s power
• trusting God’s promises

🔍 Reflection

• Where do you need God’s hope this week?
• Do you rely on the Spirit’s power to fill you with peace?

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Romans 15:14–21 — Paul’s Mission and Ministry

Paul encourages the Roman believers:

“You yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another.” — v.14

He explains that his ministry is to the Gentiles — spreading the Gospel where Christ has not been named.

This is the heart of missions.

Paul’s ministry model

• Humility
• Obedience
• Sacrifice
• Eagerness to preach
• Desire to reach the unreached

Modern application

We can:

• Support missions
• Pray for unreached people groups
• Share Christ with our neighbors
• Live as witnesses in our homes and communities

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Romans 15:22–33 — Paul’s Plans and Prayer Request

Paul shares his travel plans and desire to visit Rome, then Spain.

He also mentions bringing financial aid to believers in Jerusalem — showing compassion across cultures.

His closing request is powerful:

“Strive together with me in your prayers…” — v.30

Even Paul needed prayer.
No Christian walks alone.

🔍 Reflection

• Who can you pray for today?
• Do you ask others to pray for you?

🧩 Living Romans 15 This Week

Here’s a practical checklist:

• 💛 Be patient with someone who struggles
• 🧱 Build someone up with encouragement
• 🤝 Welcome a new believer at church
• 📖 Read Scripture daily for hope
• 🌍 Pray for missionaries
• 🙏 Ask someone to pray for you

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📌 Key Takeaways from Romans 15

Truth	Verse	Encouragement
Bear with the weak	15:1	Use strength to serve others
Scripture brings hope	15:4	God’s Word encourages and sustains
Unity glorifies God	15:6	Harmony is worship
Welcome as Christ welcomed you	15:7	Extend Christ-like grace
Hope comes from the Spirit	15:13	God fills you with joy and peace
Missions matter	15:14–21	The Gospel is for all nations
Prayer is essential	15:30	Even the strong need support

🙏 Prayer

Father,
Thank You for the hope we have through Christ. Help us to bear with the weak, build others up, and welcome one another as You have welcomed us. Teach us to find endurance and encouragement through Your Word. Fill us with joy, peace, and abounding hope through the Holy Spirit. Strengthen us to support Your mission and to pray faithfully for one another.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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💬 Let’s Talk!

• How has Scripture given you hope recently?
• What does it look like to “bear with the weak” in your life?
• How can you help build unity in your church?

👇 Share your thoughts below or join the discussion with #LivingForTheChrist