2. The Problem Is…

3. THEME Adequate time with God in Scripture produces a fruitful, satisfying life in people NOW.

4. Romans 15:1-4 1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

5. 1a. Our Common Purpose Confirmed A. We who are strong 1a We who can do something with the soul, the spiritual part of life Spirit portion: Conscience, humility, wisdom, knowledge of the Word, discernment B. Ought to bear with 1b Are obligated to carry it in some meaningful way Does NOT mean just tolerate or put up with it

6. 1b. Our Common Purpose Confirmed C. The failings of the weak 1c The infirmities of the ones without strength – spiritually or otherwise 1Th. 5:14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters,15 admonish the undisciplined, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient toward all. D. And not to please ourselves 1d And we should not do it for mere personal gratification

7. 2. Our Common Purpose Explained 2 Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. Instead: Do it to please the neighbor To Please: For their benefit, to bless them, to deal with spiritual blindness, lack of self-control, stubbornness, fear, etc. To improve their spiritual condition, to help them with their soul development

9. THEME Adequate time with God in Scripture produces a fruitful, satisfying life in people NOW.

10. Our Common Purpose As Seen Elsewhere In Scripture Eph. 2:10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. 1Tim. 6:18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.

11. 3a. Our Common Purpose Empowered Example: Christ did not please Himself He took the insults on those doing “good” onto Himself. “When you do “good” for the soul of someone else, and get trouble with it, I take it personally! I, Jesus, am there in it all!”

13. 3b. Our Common Purpose Empowered 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us Everything in the Bible points to this truth …So that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. With the Bible we have endurance With the Bible we have encouragement With the Bible we have hope

14. 4. Our Common Purpose Appreciated 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace, as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

15. Our Challenge… Spend enough time With God in the Bible So that lives are changed for the good. Test It. Measure It. Enjoy it.