Romans Chapter 15 Vs. 14

 

Paul the Minister to the Gentiles

And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. Rom. 15:14

persuaded of you,... Paul persuaded of seven things:

1. That God would fill them with joy.

2. That God would fill with peace.

3. That faith would abound in hope.

4. That they had Spiritual power.

5. That they were filled with goodness (Rom. 15:14).

6. They were filled with knowledge.

7. They were capable of ministering.

This persuasion is no more a definite law or a guarantee that such is true of every Christian than that of Rom. 8:38-39. Both passages reveal possibilities for all Christians which should be normal in every life, but some are not so persuaded as Paul was.

Concluding Remarks

Though all Paul’s letters have closing remarks, he devoted more space to them in Romans than in any other epistle. This was due at least in part to the fact that he had never visited the city and its churches and to his desire to establish personal relationships with his readers. Another factor undoubtedly was his plan to visit Rome in the future.

Personal plans

In writing to a group of people whom he had never met as a group, Paul showed admirable restraint in avoiding personal references to himself. Only once did he use himself as an example (Rom. 7:7-25), and his other personal remarks are few (Rom. 1:8-16; 9:1-3; 10:1-2; 11:1). Now as he closed his letter he felt led to discuss his philosophy of ministry and his plans in light of it.

Paul had demonstrated in this letter and elsewhere his ability to be straightforward, even almost blunt, and forceful. Yet he also had a deep concern for the feelings of others and an ability to use effective principles of interpersonal relations. This is seen in his statement, I myself am convinced (perf. tense, “I stand convinced”; cf. Rom. 8:38), my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge (perf. tense, “having been filled with all knowledge,” not in the absolute sense, but in the sense that they had an understanding of the full scope of Christian truth), and competent (lit., “being able”) to instruct (nouthetein, “to counsel, admonish”; cf. Col. 1:28; 3:16) one another.

Ezekiel Chapter 42 Vs. 2

 The Temple's Chambers

Before the length of an hundred cubits was the north door, and the breadth was fifty cubits. Eze 42:2

an hundred cubits... This would be 175 feet.

was fifty cubits... This would be 87 feet 6 inches.

This is not inside the chamber, but at the north gate. This area was 175 feet long by 87 feet 6 inches wide.

The row of rooms… next to the outer court was 87½ feet (50 cubits) long. The other row of rooms next to the sanctuary was twice as long, 175 feet (100 cubits, Eze. 42:8).

Romans Chapter 15 Vs. 13

 

Christ the Hope of Jews and Gentiles

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Rom 15:13

the God of... The God of the hope of both Jews and Gentiles, who made the promises of eternal salvation to both; and, who has fulfilled them most punctually, fill you with joy and peace in believing you may abound in that same hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit.

abound in hope... God is the source of eternal hope, life and salvation, and He is the object of hope for every believer.

2Thes. 2:16-17 “Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given [us] everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,” “Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.”

the power of... The believer’s hope comes through the scripture which was written and is applied to every believing heart by the Holy Spirit.

John 14:1 “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.”

God expects us to believe and He will do the rest.

Several times Paul’s words sound as if he were ending this epistle (Rom. 15:13, 15:33; 16:20, 16:25-27). This verse (Rom. 15:13) is in effect a benedictory prayer. The description of God as the God of hope relates to hope mentioned in the preceding verses and to the promises of God recorded in the Scripture which give hope (Rom. 15:4). Paul desired God to fill his readers with all joy and peace (cf. Rom. 14:17). Joy relates to the delight of anticipation in seeing one’s hopes fulfilled. Peace results from the assurance that God will fulfill those hopes (cf. Rom. 5:1; Phlp. 4:7). These are experienced as believers trust in Him (cf. Heb. 11:1). As a result believers overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (cf. Rom. 15:19). The achievement of all God’s purposes for the spiritual welfare of His children comes from the power given by the Spirit of God. What a fitting closing reminder to the apostle’s discussion of Christian living.

Ezekiel Chapter 42 Vs. 1

 

The Temple's Chambers

Then he brought me forth into the utter court, the way toward the north: and he brought me into the chamber that was over against the separate place, and which was before the building toward the north. Eze 42:1



Then he brought... Then—after the general specifications of the sanctuary were given, the prophet was taken into the outward court (or the 500-cubit square) toward the north to view the rooms in the outer court (Eze. 42:1-8).

into the utter... This chamber was not included in the earlier study, because this one is at the outer court, and the others were near the Holy Place. It appears, in the vision that Ezekiel has entered inside one of the chambers. We decided before that the chambers were for the use of the priests.

The chambers in the inner court

Leaving the temple proper, Ezekiel then described several adjacent structures for use by the priests. The Millennial Temple, near Eze. 40:1-4). This complex of rooms was connected with the inner court, with entrances from the outer court.

Romans Chapter 15 Vs. 12

Christ the Hope of Jews and Gentiles

And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust. Rom 15:12

There shall be... The 18th Old Testament prophecy fulfilled in Romans (Rom. 15:12; Isa. 11:10). Next, Rom. 15:21.

rise to reign... Greek: archo, rule. Here; Mar. 10:42. All these prophecies (Rom. 15:9-12) prove that both the Jews and the Gentiles were to become one in the worship of God, being equal in His mercies and grace (1Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:11). The Jews could not deny such arguments from their own prophets.

shall be a... Root of Jesse is a way of referring to Jesus as the descendant of David, and thus of David’s father Jesse.

Isa. 11:1 “And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:”

Isa. 11:10 “And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.”

in him shall... This promise of the Branch is promising that Jesus will come to save all of us.

Jer. 16:19 “O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and [things] wherein [there is] no profit.”

The plan of God from the beginning of the earth was to make the way open for salvation to whosoever will.

A progression of thought can be traced through the four quotations. In the first, David praised God among the Gentiles (Rom. 15:9); in the second, Moses exhorted the Gentiles, Rejoice… with His people (Rom. 15:10); in the third the psalmist commanded the Gentiles to praise the Lord (Rom. 15:11; cf. Rom. 15:7); and in the fourth, Isaiah predicted that the Gentiles will live under the rule of the Root of Jesse (the Messiah) and they will hope in Him (Rom. 15:12). The Old Testament never presented the Gentiles as “heirs together with Israel, members together… in the promise in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 3:6), but it certainly did see them as receiving blessing from God’s fulfilling His covenantal promises to His people Israel. 

Ezekiel Chapter 41 Vs. 26

 The Inner Temple

And there were narrow windows and palm trees on the one side and on the other side, on the sides of the porch, and upon the side chambers of the house, and thick planks. Eze 41:26

narrow windows and... Narrow windows with palm trees between them were in many parts of all these buildings.

palm trees on... The facings around the windows were decorated with palm trees.

and upon the... All of this is describing a very similar area, to the temple and its surroundings that had been in Jerusalem. Some of the details were a little different, but it is very familiar. This was a large complex approximately 750 feet long, and in places, three stories high. It was highly decorated, but there was a noticeable lack of gold and silver.

Ezekiel then recorded the overall dimensions of the temple proper (Eze. 41:12-15) and described its decorations and furnishings (Eze. 41:16-26).

Immediately west of the temple was a structure described as the building facing the temple courtyard on the west side (Eze. 41:12).

Carved cherubim and palm trees were etched into the wood that covered the interior of the temple building. The carved cherubim represent the guardians of God’s dwelling place (cf. Eze. 1:4-28; 10:1-22). Possibly the palm trees represent the fruitfulness and blessing provided by God.

The doors to the outer sanctuary had cherubim and palm trees… carved on them (cf. Eze. 41:17-20).

Romans Chapter 15 Vs. 11

 

Christ the Hope of Jews and Gentiles

And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. Rom 15:11

Praise the Lord,... The 17th Old Testament prophecy fulfilled in Romans (Rom. 15:11; Psm. 117:1). Next, Rom. 15:12.

and laud him... Greek: epaineo, highly extol. Here; Luke 16:8; 1Cor. 11:2, 11:17, 11:22.

Psm. 117:1 “O Praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.”

We know that this could not be just the Jews, because “nations” is plural. The physical house of Israel is just one nation. God inhabits the praises of His people. We should praise Him, because He has brought us life.

1Cor. 15:45 “And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam [was made] a quickening spirit.”

Jesus Christ (the second Adam), brought us life when He quickened our spirit.

Paul quoted four Old Testament passages, introducing the series with the formula, As it is written (perf. tense, “it stands written”). Significantly these quotations are taken from all three divisions of the Old Testament — “the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms” (Luke 24:44) — and from three great Jewish heroes: Moses, David, and Isaiah. The first quotation (Rom. 15:9) is from David’s song of deliverance (2Sam. 22:50; Psm. 18:49); the second (Rom. 15:10), from Moses’ valedictory song to the people of Israel (Deut. 32:43); the third (Rom. 15:11), from both the shortest and the middle chapter of the Bible (Psm. 117:1); and the fourth (Rom. 15:12), from Isaiah’s messianic prophecy (Isa. 11:10).

Ezekiel Chapter 41 Vs. 25

 The Inner Temple

And there were made on them, on the doors of the temple, cherubims and palm trees, like as were made upon the walls; and there were thick planks upon the face of the porch without. Eze 41:25

These doors, like the wainscoting, were decorated with palm trees and cherubims. These thick planks could be for decoration, or for trimming. They could also, have made a wooden face for the front.

Double doors led to the outer sanctuary of the temple and to the most holy place. The doors to the outer sanctuary had cherubim and palm trees… carved on them (cf. Eze. 41:17-20).

Again Carved cherubim and palm trees were etched into the wood that covered the interior of the temple building. The carved cherubim represent the guardians of God’s dwelling place (cf. Eze. 1:4-28; 10:1-22). Possibly the palm trees represent the fruitfulness and blessing provided by God. These decorations are similar to those Solomon included in his temple (cf. 1Ki. 6:29).

Romans Chapter 15 Vs. 10

 

Christ the Hope of Jews and Gentiles

And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. Rom 15:10

Rejoice, ye Gentiles,... The 16th Old Testament prophecy fulfilled in Romans (Rom. 15:10; Deut. 32:43). Next, Rom. 15:11.

Deut. 32:43 “Rejoice, O ye nations, [with] his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, [and] to his people.”

There is a physical house of Israel and the Church. Believing Jews and Gentiles are of the Church that has been grafted into the tree of life. We are now Gods just like the natural Jew, by adoption into the family of God.

To demonstrate the validity of his statement concerning the ministry of Christ and its purposes, particularly the one relating to Gentiles, the Apostle Paul quoted four Old Testament passages, introducing the series with the formula, As it is written (perf. tense, “it stands written”). Significantly these quotations are taken from all three divisions of the Old Testament — “the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms” (Luke 24:44) — and from three great Jewish heroes: Moses, David, and Isaiah. The first quotation (Rom. 15:9) is from David’s song of deliverance (2Sam. 22:50; Psm. 18:49); the second (Rom. 15:10), from Moses’ valedictory song to the people of Israel (Deut. 32:43).

Ezekiel Chapter 41 Vs. 24

 The Inner Temple

And the doors had two leaves apiece, two turning leaves; two leaves for the one door, and two leaves for the other door. Eze 41:24

Each opening of the doors had two small doors, which were hung from the sides, and opened in the middle.

This must refer to the doors of the holy place and the most holy place (Eze. 41:23-25).

Double doors led to the outer sanctuary of the temple and to the most holy place.

Ezekiel then recorded the overall dimensions of the temple proper (Eze. 41:12-15) and described its decorations and furnishings (Eze. 41:16-26).

Romans Chapter 15 Vs. 9

 

Christ the Hope of Jews and Gentiles

And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. Rom 15:9

the gentiles might... We Gentile believers have much to glorify God for.

Gal. 3:14 “That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”

Acts 15:7 “And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men [and] brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.”

For this cause... The 15th Old Testament prophecy fulfilled in Romans (Rom. 15:9; Psm. 18:49). Next, Rom. 15:10.

There were two promises of this very thing in the Old Testament, because God extended His grace and mercy to a people outside the covenant as it was written.

2Sam. 22:50 “Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name.”

Psm. 18:49 “Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.”

and sing unto... Greek: psallo. Here; 1Cor. 14:15; Eph. 5:19; Jas. 5:13.

God’s second objective in Christ’s ministry was so that (lit., “and that,” because the following clause is coordinate with the preceding one) the Gentiles may glorify God (cf. Rom. 15:6) for His mercy. God had made covenants only with Israel (Rom. 9:4), not with the Gentiles (cf. Eph. 2:12), so God had no covenantal promises to confirm with the Gentiles. Any spiritual blessings that come to the Gentiles spring solely from the mercy of God. Nevertheless God eternally purposed to bless the Gentiles spiritually through the Lord Jesus as their Messiah and through His covenants with Israel (e.g., Gen. 12:3; cf. John 4:22).

Ezekiel Chapter 41 Vs. 23

 The Inner Temple

And the temple and the sanctuary had two doors. Eze 41:23

temple and the... This must refer to the doors of the holy place and the most holy place (Eze. 41:23-25).

Again these two doors were in the Holy Place and the most Holy Place.

Double doors led to the outer sanctuary of the temple and to the most holy place.

Romans Chapter 15 Vs. 8

 

Christ the Hope of Jews and Gentiles

Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: Rom 15:8

Now I say... Christ confined His ministry to the Jews to confirm the Scriptures, so the Gentiles should be able to bear with a few Jewish scruples and glorify God for mercy through Christ (Rom. 15:8-9). Jesus says He was sent to the house of Israel.

Mat. 15:24 “But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

to confirm the... The promises here mentioned are the ones made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We know also, that all believers in Christ are heirs of the promises to Abraham.

Gal. 3:29: “And if ye [be] Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

Having pointed to the Lord Jesus as the Model for Christians, Paul proceeded to discuss Jesus’ ministry and its objectives: Christ became a servant (the word “deacon” comes from this Gr. noun diakonon) of the Jews (lit., “to the circumcision”). Jesus was born a Jew as God’s Messiah for Israel. God had two objectives to accomplish through Jesus’ ministry. The first was to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs (cf. Rom. 9:4-5). God’s second objective in Christ’s ministry was so that (lit., “and that,” because the following clause is coordinate with the preceding one) the Gentiles may glorify God (cf. Rom. 15:6) for His mercy.

In verses 9-12, it shows God’s plan has always been to bring Jew and Gentile alike into His kingdom and to soften the prejudice of Christian Jews against their Gentile brothers. Paul quotes from the Law, the Prophets and twice from the Psalms, all the recognized divisions of the Old Testament proving God’s plan from their own Scripture.

Ezekiel Chapter 41 Vs. 22

 The Inner Temple

The altar of wood was three cubits high, and the length thereof two cubits; and the corners thereof, and the length thereof, and the walls thereof, were of wood: and he said unto me, This is the table that is before the LORD. Eze 41:22

altar of wood... This altar was different from the large altar of sacrifice in the center of the 100-cubit square and in front of the temple. This was the altar of incense, 6 feet 3 inches high and 4 feet 2 inches square, all of wood instead of being covered with gold like the one Moses made for the tabernacle. Here it is called a table that is before the Lord.

three cubits high... This would be 5 feet 3 inches.

thereof two cubits... This would be 3 feet 6 inches.

This was the altar of incense.

Again, the altar made of wood was 6 feet 3 inches high and 4 feet 2 inches square. This was all made of wood. “Wood” is symbolic of the world. LORD is Jehovah. This same altar had been made of shittim wood covered with 24 karat gold in the tabernacle in the wilderness. This to be made of just wood, is strange. This wood could symbolize that all the world will stand before God. Perhaps it was made of wood, because it was to be built in hard times, when there would be no gold.

The only piece of furniture in the temple proper Ezekiel described was a wooden altar three cubits (6 feet 3 inches high) and two cubits (4 feet square), called the table that is before the Lord (Eze. 41:22). Was this the altar of incense in the holy place (cf. Exo. 30:1-3; 1Ki. 7:48) or the table that held the bread of the Presence? (Exo. 25:23-30) The proportions of the piece are closer to those of the altar of incense (cf. Exo. 25:23; 30:1-2).

Romans Chapter 15 Vs. 7

 

The Example of Christ

Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. Rom 15:7

as Christ also... Christians are to receive each other in spite of their faults and scruples, as Christ has received them.

If the sinless perfect Son of God was willing to bring sinners into God’s family, how much more should those who have been forgiven be willing to warmly embrace and accept each other despite their disagreements over issue of conscience?

John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” “By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

Since the goal of interpersonal relationships among Christians is a unified glorying of God, Paul concluded his commands with Accept one another (pres. imper., “keep on accepting or receiving one another”). Significantly this is the same command Paul gave the strong Christians when he opened this entire discussion (Rom. 14:1). The Model of acceptance for Christians, however, is the Lord Jesus, who accepted us. The Lord received believers when they were not only “powerless” (Rom. 5:6, lit., “weak”) but also “ungodly” (Rom. 5:6), “sinners” (Rom. 5:8), and “enemies” (Rom. 5:10). Certainly Christians can receive others who differ with them on nonessential matters. Jesus Christ received them so that they can bring praise to God (lit., “unto glory of God”), which is the purpose of Christian unity (Rom. 15:6).

Ezekiel Chapter 41 Vs. 21

 The Inner Temple

The posts of the temple were squared, and the face of the sanctuary; the appearance of the one as the appearance of the other. Eze 41:21

posts of the... These were not columns of the porch but pilasters; they were all alike and formed part of the inner walls of the temple.

The posts were not round, but square. On both sides of the sanctuary wall, at the face, were the same. The inside matched the outside wall.

Ezekiel then recorded the overall dimensions of the temple proper (Eze. 41:12-15) and described its decorations and furnishings (Eze. 41:16-26). Immediately west of the temple was a structure described as the building facing the temple courtyard on the west side (Eze. 41:12).

Romans Chapter 15 Vs. 6

 

The Example of Christ

That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Rom 15:6

That ye may... Our unity should be both real and apparent. But the consummate purpose of unity is not to please other believers but to glorify God.

Eph. 1:3 “Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly [places] in Christ:”

and one mouth... We must all agree to the fact that Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord is also the Resurrection and our Life. Our praises to the Father should go up continually for giving His only begotten Son that we might be saved.

1Pet. 1:3 “Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,”

The ultimate purpose of this unity was that with one heart and mouth (a unity of inward feeling and outward expression) they would glorify (pres. tense, “keep on glorifying”) the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (2Cor. 1:3; Eph. 1:3; 1Pet. 1:3 have the same wording about God). This is the final purpose of Christians individually and of the church corporately (cf. Rom. 15:7; 1Cor. 6:20; 2Thes. 1:12).

Ezekiel Chapter 41 Vs. 20

 The Inner Temple

From the ground unto above the door were cherubims and palm trees made, and on the wall of the temple. Eze 41:20

These decorations went just about to the height of man from the floor.

Again, Carved cherubim and palm trees were etched into the wood that covered the interior of the temple building. The carved cherubim represent the guardians of God’s dwelling place (cf. Eze. 1:4-28; 10:1-22). Possibly the palm trees represent the fruitfulness and blessing provided by God. These decorations are similar to those Solomon included in his temple (cf. 1Ki. 6:29).

Romans Chapter 15 Vs. 5

 

The Example of Christ

Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: Rom 15:5

Now the God... It is only by accepting and agreeing with what is written that people can be like-minded (Rom. 15:4-7).

patience and consolation... In the Scripture above means “comfort”. In the upper room on the day of Pentecost, they were in one accord. This pleased God and the Holy Ghost fell with power from on high. The unity that God wants us to have is unity of the Spirit.

to be likeminded... If saints would learn to leave off all doubtful disputations (Rom. 14:1), become unified on the point of not judging each other regarding things not written and agree on the things that are written, there would be perfect unity in doctrine. Then Rom. 15:4-7 would be literally fulfilled.

It is very important that we Christians be in one accord. We are all part of the family of God and will live in heaven together. We need to learn to live peaceably here with each other.

Rom. 12:18: “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”

Despite differing views on non-essential issues, Paul urges the strong and the weak to pursue loving spiritual harmony in regard to matters on which the Bible is silent.

The steadfast endurance and encouragement a Christian receives from the Scriptures (Rom. 15:4) come ultimately from God (Rom. 15:5), the Author of the Scriptures. Paul prayed that God would give his readers a spirit of unity (lit., “to think the same”; Rom. 12:16, “live in harmony,” has the same Gr. construction) as they follow Christ Jesus (lit., “according to Christ Jesus”).

Ezekiel Chapter 41 Vs. 19

 The Inner Temple

So that the face of a man was toward the palm tree on the one side, and the face of a young lion toward the palm tree on the other side: it was made through all the house round about. Eze 41:19

face of a... Jesus is the Lion of the tribe of Judah. He also came to this earth in the form of man, to save His creation. These two faces could be looking to that. These faces could symbolize the believers and physical Israel.

Carved cherubim and palm trees were etched into the wood that covered the interior of the temple building. The carved cherubim represent the guardians of God’s dwelling place (cf. Eze. 1:4-28; 10:1-22). Possibly the palm trees represent the fruitfulness and blessing provided by God. These decorations are similar to those Solomon included in his temple (cf. 1Ki. 6:29).

Romans Chapter 15 Vs. 4

 

The Example of Christ

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Rom 15:4

For whatsoever things... This refers to the whole Old Testament Scriptures (1Cor. 10:1-11; 2Tim. 2:15; 3:15-16; John 5:39; Luke 24:44; etc.). Christians presently live under the New Covenant and are not under the authority of the Old Covenant. God’s moral law has never changed and all Scripture is of spiritual benefit.

Gal. 3:24-25 “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster [to bring us] unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” “But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.”

might have hope... We know that faith comes by hearing and the hearing must be the word of God. Our hope comes from knowing the word of God. We have said before that the power is in the spoken and written Word of God.

Without the clear and certain promises of the Word of God, the believer has no basis for hope.

Then Paul stated a significant principle concerning the purpose and ministry of the Scriptures: For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us (lit., “for our instruction”). The Scriptures serve to give believers endurance (hypomonēs, “steadfastness in the face of adversities”) and encouragement so that they might have hope (pres. tense, “keep on having hope”; cf. Rom. 5:3-5). As Christians learn from the past (what is written in the OT about others who did not please themselves) they are motivated to endure and be comforted in the present, looking ahead in hope (confidence) to the future.

Ezekiel Chapter 41 Vs.18

 The Inner Temple

And it was made with cherubims and palm trees, so that a palm tree was between a cherub and a cherub; and every cherub had two faces; Eze 41:18

it was made... These cherubim with two faces and palm trees between were carved on wood or sculptured on the walls throughout the temple from the floor to above the doors (Eze. 41:18-20).

Not only were all the measurements to be accurate, but the beauty of it all was not overlooked either. The cherubims and palm trees were for decorations. The wainscoting was decorated with beautiful carvings.

Figures of angels with palms between them (possibly to depict life and fruitfulness of God’s servants), were on the walls of the temple proper and on the doors (verse 25). Each cherub (unlike that of chapter 1:10), which had 4 faces of a man a lion an Eagle and an ox, possibly to represent the humanity and kingship of Messiah.

Carved cherubim and palm trees were etched into the wood that covered the interior of the temple building. The carved cherubim represent the guardians of God’s dwelling place (cf. Eze. 1:4-28; 10:1-22).

Romans Chapter 15 Vs. 3

 

The Example of Christ

For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. Rom 15:3

For even Christ... When Jesus was facing death of His body on the cross, He asked for the cup to pass from Him. His very next statement was “not my will but thine Father”. Jesus submitted His will to the Father.

Psm. 40:8 “I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law [is] within my heart.”

This really, is the desire of true Christians; to do the will of God.

The reproaches of... The 14th Old Testament prophecy fulfilled in Romans (Rom. 15:3; Psm. 69:9). Next, Rom. 15:9. Is referring to slander, false accusations, and insults. Men hate God and they manifested that same hatred toward the One He sent to reveal Himself.

John 8:29 “And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.”

This is the example the Lord Jesus Christ left. Even He did not please Himself. He came “to do the will” of the Father who sent Him (John 4:34) and to please Him (John 5:30; 8:29). To support this statement Paul quoted a part of a verse from a messianic psalm (Psm. 69:9). Christ was insulted by others because of His associations with God the Father.

Ezekiel Chapter 41 Vs. 17

 The Inner Temple

To that above the door, even unto the inner house, and without, and by all the wall round about within and without, by measure. Eze 41:17

These measurements must be entirely accurate. This is measured inside and out.

Ezekiel as we have seen recorded the overall dimensions of the temple proper (Eze. 41:12-15) and described its decorations and furnishings (Eze. 41:16-26). Immediately west of the temple was a structure described as the building facing the temple courtyard on the west side (Eze. 41:12).Beyond the western end of the temple proper was a distinct building with space that serves the temple, possibly housing supplies. These were terraced buildings with decorations. We have seen from this, that this main area is definitely three stories tall.

Romans Chapter 15 Vs. 2

 

The Example of Christ

Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. Rom 15:2

for his good... Edification means to build up and strengthen. This is essentially the same appeal that Paul made previously, only with the added qualification of self-sacrifice.

We see scriptures by Paul about how He tried to win people to Christ by meeting them on their ground.

1Cor. 9:19-22 “For though I be free from all [men], yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.” “And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;” “To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.” “To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all [men], that I might by all means save some.”

The strong ought not despise the weak; they ought to bear with them. Also the strong should not seek to please themselves. This last clause is the key; a Christian should not be self-centered, but should be concerned about the spiritual welfare of others. Pleasing others, however, is not the end in itself, but is for their good, to build them up (lit., “unto edification”; cf. “edification” in Rom. 14:19).

Ezekiel Chapter 41 Vs. 16

 

The Inner Temple

The door posts, and the narrow windows, and the galleries round about on their three stories, over against the door, cieled with wood round about, and from the ground up to the windows, and the windows were covered; Eze 41:16

and the narrow...Both the windows and galleries were ceiled with wood, the windows having wood shutters.

their three stories... This refers to the 3 stories of the rooms on the outer wall of the temple area; there were 30 such rooms or chambers with 3 stories each, making 90 in all.

We see from this, that this main area is definitely three stories tall. This is summarizing all of the measurements by the One who looked like a man to Ezekiel. There was wainscoting from the floor up to the window.

Romans Chapter 15 Vs. 1

 

The Example of Christ

We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Rom 15:1

We then that... The strong and enlightened ones must tolerate and bear with the weaker and less enlightened brethren until they, too, become strong in faith and knowledge (Rom. 15:1-3).

ought to bear... We know that to whom much knowledge of the Word is given, much is required.

1Thes. 5:14: “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all [men].”

Another Scripture we need to look at is Luke 12:

Luke 12:48 “But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few [stripes]. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.” You see, God holds us responsible for what we know. The shepherds that God has placed over the flock, God requires to bring His message to the sheep.

and not to... The strong are not to simply tolerate the weaknesses of their weaker brothers; they are to help the weak shoulder their burdens by showing loving and practical consideration for them.

As Imitators Of Christ

Paul had written that Christians should not despise or condemn others (Rom. 14:1-12) nor should they hinder the conduct of other Christians (Rom. 14:13-23). Now he gave a third principle to observe when a believer is dealing with fellow Christians: he is to follow the example of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus was supremely the Person who ministered on behalf of others, not for Himself. It is fitting, therefore, that those who take His name should imitate Him.

Paul summarized the previous discussion (Rom. 14:1-23) by saying, We who are strong (obviously in convictions and conscience) ought (pres. tense, emphasizing continuing obligation; its first position in the sentence underscores its importance) to bear with the failings (lit., “infirmities, weaknesses”) of the weak (lit., “non-strong”). The strong ought not despise the weak; they ought to bear with them. Also the strong should not seek to please themselves.

Ezekiel Chapter 41 Vs. 15

 The Inner Temple

And he measured the length of the building over against the separate place which was behind it, and the galleries thereof on the one side and on the other side, an hundred cubits, with the inner temple, and the porches of the court; Eze 41:15

the galleries thereof... Galleries were made on the sides and fronts of the temple and the other building in the separate place; these were ceiled with wood (Eze. 41:15-16).

These were terraced buildings with decorations. This area is 175 feet long also. It appears that each of these designated areas is 100 cubits or 175 feet long.

Ezekiel then recorded the overall dimensions of the temple proper (Eze. 41:12-15) and described its decorations and furnishings (Eze. 41:16-26). Immediately west of the temple was a structure described as the building facing the temple courtyard on the west side (Eze. 41:12). The function of this building is not explained.