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"We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak..."

Text: Romans 15:1

THE STRONG AND THE WEAK

Paul moved away from the topic of “eating and drinking”. However, he continued to discuss the relationship between the strong and the weak.

“We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples
of the weak, and not to please ourselves.”
Romans 15:1

1. We then who are strong

a) Paul identifies himself among the strong.

b) The strong, in this context, had consciences that were not troubled by dietary concerns.

2. The weak

a) These were brethren who believed in the Lord Jesus.

b) They had “scruples” that caused them to be troubled if dietary laws were not observed.

3. The relationship between the strong and the weak

The strong could help the weak in a number of ways. Let us consider the following:-

a) The strong must, at least, be considerate when they relate to those who were weak.

b) They must recognize that the weak had “scruples” that did not allow them to partake of food they considered impure.

c) They must try to “bear with the scruples of the weak”.

i) They must not despise the scruples of the weak.

ii) They must understand that these scruples were very real things to the weak.

iii) They must bear with the weak and not make hard demands on them.

d) The strong must not seek to please themselves.

i) They must not think only in terms of their strong faith.

ii) They must not do as they please even if they are within their rights.

iii) They must ever think of the weak in all their actions.