[Sidenote: How Obtained]
The principle on which the first-named was obtained was that explained in the previous chapters. The synthetic reading of Romans led to certain discoveries, as follows: (1) That epistle contains a single theme, viz., the gift of God's righteousness to men. (2) This theme is developed along three main lines: its necessity, its nature, and its effect upon man. (3) Its effect upon man is developed again along three lines: his relations to God, his own experience, and his relations to others. (4) The last-named subdivision (his relations to others) covers chapters 12-16, and expands the idea socially, politically, and ecclesiastically.
[Sidenote: The Strong and the Weak]
Some time before this final thought was arrived at, the consideration of the epistle had already yielded material for several expository discourses, but it was conceived that still a good one of a very practical order lay embedded, say, in chapters 13:8 to 15:7, where the inspired writer is dealing with the Christian in his church or ecclesiastical relations. A sample better in some respects might readily be given, but this is chosen because it lies at hand, and also because it is not a "stock" piece got up for the occasion, but such an one as lies upon the surface of the text, and which any young beginner might evolve on his own account with a little pains.
The theme decided on was this:
The Strong and the Weak, or the Christian's Debt to His Brother. Romans 13:8 to 15:7.
1. We have here the command for Christians to love one another. 13:8-10.
2. The urgency for its observance. 11-14.
3. The particular call for its application (fellowshiping the weak). 14:1.
4. The description of the weak (conscientious scruples as to eating, and the observance of days). 14:2, 5.