1. Welcome to the Adult Two Couples Class Immanuel Baptist Church

2. Question of the Day Complete the following sentence: “Just for fun, before I die, I would like to….”

3. Announcements –January thru March fellowship  April 22 nd hosted by the Floyds  You too can be a host –Benevolence fund  Gift for the Holts

4. Prayer Requests Service details for Dan Holt -Visitation-today 5-7pm -Funeral-tomorrow 1pm Janet Floyd report

5. Question of the Day Complete the following sentence: “Just for fun, before I die, I would like to….”

6. Context Written by Paul to the church at Rome Written by Paul to the church at Rome Composed of Jewish & Greek Christians Composed of Jewish & Greek Christians It is the longest letter of the Apostle It is the longest letter of the Apostle Probably written around 56 A.D. Probably written around 56 A.D. Jews in the church were causing problems Jews in the church were causing problems Paul deals with relating to others and the world Paul deals with relating to others and the world

7. Context We continue our study on how to relate to others who have differing opinions on debatable matters of Christian living. We have looked at the freedom that believers have in Christ and the challenge that goes with that freedom to avoid criticizing others whose convictions may be different from our own. As believers we have a responsibility to guard our actions so that they do not serve as a stumbling block to others who are weak in the faith. Now we look at the importance of having an attitude of sacrifice and acceptance toward others and how doing so brings glory to God.

8. Overview An Obligation of Sacrifice An Obligation of Sacrifice An Obligation of Acceptance An Obligation of Acceptance The Obligation of God The Obligation of God

9. Key Truth Fulfilling our obligation to sacrifice for and accept others glorifies God and unifies our church in the Spirit.

10. Romans 15 : 1 - 6 An Obligation of Sacrifice

11. The obligation of the strong in faith The obligation of the strong in faith –To “…bear the weaknesses…” of the weaker in faith  Philippians 2:3-4 –Also applies to service for those who have no faith We are to be instruments of pleasure We are to be instruments of pleasure –We are to please others for a higher purpose  This is a “good” pleasure  This is an “edifying” pleasure The example of Christian sacrifice The example of Christian sacrifice –Jesus set the perfect example of what it means to “…please our neighbor…” –Jesus was the least deserving of the insult that He received –Philippians 2:5-8

12. An Obligation of Sacrifice Look to God’s Word for encouragement in meeting our obligations of sacrifice Look to God’s Word for encouragement in meeting our obligations of sacrifice –It ain’t easy! –Assurance (hope) that we are on the right track requires constant nourishment and consolation from God –Without the encouragement that comes from knowing that God has commanded our sacrifices, we will falter “Hooking up” with God’s encouragement “Hooking up” with God’s encouragement –Gives us access to God’s perseverance and encouragement –A church that gives of itself is drawn together in the Spirit of Christ –When a church is like Christ in sacrifice, it brings glory to God

13. Romans 15 : 7 - 12 An Obligation of Acceptance

14. Acceptance of others hinges on our ability to mimic Christ’s acceptance of us Acceptance of others hinges on our ability to mimic Christ’s acceptance of us –Jesus offered Himself to make us righteous before God  Unconditionally, Mercifully, Lovingly, Sacrificially –Approach others with a like mind to improve their condition in life Christ came to extend the covenant to all peoples Christ came to extend the covenant to all peoples –Jesus came as the prophesied servant and Messiah of the Israelites –Confirming His promise verified His faithfulness to the Jews and opened the way for the Gentiles to also glorify God –Prophesies of scripture verifies God’s plan for salvation of the Gentiles  Vs9) 2 Samuel 22:50  Vs10) Deuteronomy 32:43  Vs11) Psalm 117:1  Vs12) Isaiah 11:10

15. The Obligation of God Romans 15 : 13

16. The Obligation of God God is obligated to us God is obligated to us –Is this hard to accept? –God is obligated by His own Word to do what He said –We can claim the promises of God to give us…  Assurance  Joy  Peace God meets His obligations when we meet our obligation of belief in His promises God meets His obligations when we meet our obligation of belief in His promises –Only by belief can we step out on faith and prove the Spirit  2 Chronicles 16:9 – For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.

17. Overview An Obligation of Sacrifice An Obligation of Sacrifice An Obligation of Acceptance An Obligation of Acceptance The Obligation of God The Obligation of God

18. Adult Two Couples Class