Ep 56 Letting People Grow, Ro 14:13-19

What condition were you in when you got saved? For some of us that's an easy question to answer because we've only known the Lord tor a few weeks or months. But for others that encounter took place so long ago we hardly recognize the person we once were. We've changed so much over the years it's like we're talking about someone else. Memories of the old us start us laughing or blushing or cringing. We don't want to think about those days anymore; we've moved on. Over the years God changed us. The process wasn't easy. We often had to learn things the hard way... and then in some cases learn the same lesson again, and even over and over again until it stuck. And no one, no matter how old, would say they've arrived. All of us are painfully aware of how far we still have to go, and that's the point Paul Is trying to teach is in this pas sage. He's reminding us that spiritual growth takes time and since God was patient with us while those changes took place, we need to turn around and pass on to those behind us the same grace He gave us. Their growth will take time just as ours has, and being patient, as Paul will point out, doesn't mean abandoning people and letting them go it alone. It means refusing to exercise our own rights in some cases and putting their good ahead of ours. In other words, it means loving them like Jesus loved us. To receive a free copy of Dr. Steve Schell's book Understanding Romans, email us at [email protected] and ask for your copy at no charge. The book has all the notes from each sermon in this series. Also check out our website for additional resources for pastors and leaders. We have recorded classes and other materials offered at no charge. And if you would like to receive a copy of Pastor Steve's newest book Study Verse by Verse: Genesis at no charge, we are giving out this book as well!