Sharper Iron — The Righteousness of God for You: The Strong and Weak in Harmony in Christ

Rev. Nate Hill, pastor at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Winchester TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Romans 15:1-7.

How ought the strong in faith regard and treat the weak in faith? St. Paul points to Jesus as foundation and example. Though the world would think the weak owe the strong, the reverse is true in the Christian church. Those who are strong in the faith are to bear with those who are weak. Rather than seeking their own good, those who are strong in the faith must instead build up the weak in faith and do what is good for them. Jesus sets the example in His passion and death. As Christ did not act for His own benefit but suffered for sinners, so Christians must not act for their own benefit but be willing to suffer for the good of each other. This instruction concerning Christ and His salvation is the content of the Old Testament, given to bring us endurance, encouragement, and hope. St. Paul prays for that very thing, in order that the Church, both weak and strong alike, would live together in one confession of faith. In this way, Christians welcome each other just as Christ first welcomed them.

“The Righteousness of God for You” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. Human righteousness cannot save, because all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. Only the righteousness of God can bring life and forgiveness to sinners. This is the righteousness that He has fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is the righteousness that is revealed in the Gospel, the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. This is the righteousness that is not earned, but is freely given by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God’s Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen.

Sharper Iron is underwritten by Lutheran Church Extension Fund, where your investments help support the work of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit lcef.org.

Romans 15:1-7

The Example of Christ

15 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. ²Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. ³For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” ⁴For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. ⁵May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, ⁶that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁷Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

English Standard Version (ESV)

Rev. Timothy Appel

Although a mathematics degree may not be incredibly helpful to (proudly born-and-raised Texan) Rev. Timothy Appel while hosting Sharper Iron, his love of CFW Walther and the season of Easter will come in handy. His Call is shepherding the flock at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, Illinois, and he’s also husband to wife Kristin and dad to their growing basketball team of children. When he’s not carrying out pastoral duties, you may find him reading “The Lord of the Rings,” snacking on Reese’s peanut butter cups, playing dominoes with his boys, or studying up on Texas history (including Sam Houston, of course).