GUEST SPEAKER: Pastor Gabriel Tseng
The Jews and the Gentiles are co-heirs of Christ. The Jews and the Gentiles can be strong in different ways. Paul references the strong as those who can bend and accept their brother. A redefinition of who is strong and who is weak. The one who is able to tolerate/accept/love the other is the “strong” one. Paul refers to the Jews as strong because of their prior knowledge of the church, but they are not strong in accepting the new graces and season that God is bringing to pass through the Gentiles.
Paul demonstrates how to resolve conflict and enjoy unity. He leaves to minister the gospel without “resting on his laurels” of a great ministry. He leaves for sacrificial ministry. The mature and the strong believer is one who sees a weaker brother says, “I can be helpful for him.” The immature brother looks around and asks, “What can I get fed?”