The Holy Spirit in the Epistles
Day 34 — Maintaining Unity and Settling Disputes on the Small Stuff
Romans 14 & 15
1. Accept one who is weak in faith, but don’t pass judgment on opinion 14:1
a. Vegetarians vs. eat everything 14:2,3
b. Which day to observe vs. all days are alike 14:5-7
2. Whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s 14:7-9
3. No contempt for brothers. We all stand before God, I will give account for me 14:10-12
4. The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace 14:15-23
and joy in the Holy Spirit.
5. Not pleasing ourselves, but bearing with the weakness of others, unified 15:1-6
6. With the unity of believers the prayer is that the God of hope will fill them with
all joy, abounding in hope, by the power of the Holy Spirit 15:8-13
7. Paul was set aside for service to the Gentiles by the Holy Spirit. 15:15,16
8. Paul credits his success to the power of the Holy Spirit, signs and wonders 15:17-19
9. Paul asks brethren to pray by Christ and the love of the Holy Spirit for him 15:30-32
Questions:
1. It seems here that Paul is helping to reframe the disputes into a bigger picture where the
heart of God is not in do’s and don’t on behavior, but rather righteousness and peace and
joy in the Holy Spirit.
Do you see disputes in the modern church over things other than meat or which days
to honor? [political stances, vaccinations, music, attire, gifts of the Spirit, sermon length, …]
What tempers our opinions so that we can avoid criticizing the servant of Another?
2. How can there be unity of believers when there is difference of opinion on so many issues?
3. Do you see yourself as “set aside” for a purpose by the Holy Spirit?
If so, what?
If not, is there a problem? Should you be asking the Lord for a purpose or wait for it?
4. Paul models humility in 2 ways: A. Gives credit to the Holy Spirit for successes.
B. Asks for prayer from the body for him
Do you have or take opportunities to ask for people to pray for your service to God?
How can you not “humble brag” when crediting the Holy Spirit with an outcome?
Reflection, Notes and Prayer
Day 35 Spiritual Man Perceives Through the Spirit, Natural Can’t 1 Corinthians 1-3
Reflection, Notes and Prayer