Sacrifice
Paul encapsulated advice from the previous chapter in Romans 15:1. Responsibility for sacrificing personal liberties rests with the strong Christians, not with the weak.
Christ was our role model, who did not please himself. Rather, he suffered insult and indignity to build us up (Romans 15:4). Paul later bolstered this thought in Philippians 2:3-10.
Romans 15 Outline
15:1-6
Christian duties
15:1-4
Fortify the weak
15:5-6
Prayer for Christian unity
15:7-13
Christ: Servant of Israel, Hope of the Gentiles
15:14-21
Paul: Minister of Christ to the Gentiles
15:22-33
Travel plans of Paul
15:22-24
Wish to visit Rome and Spain (Romans 15:28-29)
15:25-27
Deliver contribution to Jerusalem
15:30-33
Prayers for safety in Jerusalem
Scripture
The purpose of scripture is revealed in Romans 15:4. It was written for our instruction. We are expected to read scripture diligently, with perseverance. As reward for diligent study, we receive encouragement and hope.
God’s word trains us for righteousness, and fully equips us for every good work (2nd Timothy 3:16-17). Diligent study will increase your faith (Romans 10:17).
Unity
Paul repeatedly pressed the importance of Christian unity. In Romans 15:5-6 Paul inserted a brief prayer. Paul prayed that they would live in harmony with one another, and in accord with Christ, so that with one voice they could glorify God.
Paul characterized divisive men as self-condemned, and warned Titus to avoid them (Titus 3:9-11).
Paul emphatically urged the Corinthians to be united. In a fourfold appeal, Paul wanted them to agree, to have no divisions, to be united in the same mind, and to be united in judgment (1st Corinthians 1:10).