Romans 15:1 KJV
We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and
not to please ourselves.
John R Rice wrote in his book on
Acts that the Apostle was wrong to go to Jerusalem
and compromise with the Judaizers by performing a vow in the Temple . Rice believed that Paul's love for
the Jews clouded his judgment and led him into the trap that caused his arrest
and imprisonment.[1]
But Paul's actions in Jerusalem are completely
consistent with the message of Romans chapter fifteen. Paul believed that,
though he was sure the position of the Judaizers was wrong, they were his
brothers and sisters in the Lord and he must bear their infirmities in the
sense of accepting them as brethren and putting up with their error until they
had matured enough to receive his truth. He obviously did not mean this to mean
that the truths concerning Christian liberties should not be taught because he
did teach them. But he allowed for the immaturity of these Jewish believers and
yielded what he knew to be his liberty for their benefit.
Did it cost him? Yes, it did. It
cost him his freedom. Eventually, it cost him his life. But that did not change
his conviction.
A Baptist always lets a man
mature in faith as God leads. [2]
[1]
John R Rice, Filled With the Spirit, pages 450-451, 456-457
[2] I
look back at my growing years as a Christian and am thankful for the patience
of those God placed before me as my pastors. There were times when my lack of
separation must have been the source of many prayers between my pastor and the
Lord. Years later my zeal was way ahead of my maturity and I preached messages
and said things that must have given my pastor heartburn. Never do I remember
feeling like I was anything other than loved and trusted and a blessing to
those men. Though looking back I am sure that it cost them to let the Lord deal
with me in His time, I am thankful that they did.
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