EXPOSITORY OUTLINES PART V EXPOSITORY OUTLINES Our concluding chapter has been reserved for one or two "sample" expository outlines that may prove helpful as suggestions to inexperienced beginners. The first is drawn from the author's own store, and the second is that of Pastor F. E. Marsh, of Sunderland, England, which has come under the author's observation and affords a good illustration of another variety of the species. [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. 5. The way in which fellowship is to be shown: (_a_) by not judging them, 3-12; (_b_) by not putting a stumbling-block in their way, 13-19; (_c_) by edifying them, 20-23. 6. The motive in the premises (the example of Christ). 15:1-4. 7. The object in view (the glory of God). 5-7. In developing division 5 it was shown (_a_) that we should not judge the weak brother, for the following reasons: (1) God has received him. Verse 3. (2) He is accountable to God only. Verse 4, first part. (3) God can make him stand. Verse 4, last part. (4) Each man must be fully persuaded in his own mind. Verse 5. (5) The weak brother may be honouring and serving God even under the conditions named. Verse 6.