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Romans 14 Introduction: It would be nice if all Christians thought and acted the same way. But we don’t and that is for a variety of reasons. We come from different backgrounds, different ages, different occupations, different upbringings, and different levels of understanding of the scriptures. Romans 14 were given to instruct us in dealing with one another. Unfortunately is has been used to allow everything under the sun and at other times it has been neglected. We want to study this passage at this time. I) Two Different Views a. In Matters of the Faith i. Unity in diversity ii. Allow fellowship with any “weak” brother iii. Makes doctrinal position secondary to maintaining fellowship b. Matters of indifference i. Not matters of doctrine ii. Individual action II) Basic things to keep in mind a. This passage must be interpreted to harmonize with the rest of the Bible. b. The “weak brother” is not called the ignorant brother; he is the brother that cannot do something because of his conviction on the matter. c. The “strong brother” is not the enlightened brother; he is the one that can do that which is under discussion. d. Faith in this passage does not refer to the teaching about Jesus being the Son of God or the doctrine they had received but what they thought they could do. Hence, many translations does not have the word “the” in front of faith. i. See in Romans 14.23 the word faith is used referring to one’s personal conviction on the matter. ii. We are dealing with one’s conclusions III) Understanding Faith a. There are things we “must do” to be accepted by God, Galatians 5.22-23 i. We must worship in spirit and truth, John 4.24 1. One cannot decide it is wrong to worship on the 1st day of the week 2. One cannot maintain it is wrong to observe the Lord’s Supper on the 1st day of the week and therefore not do those things. ii. We must live honest and pure lives. iii. Elders must have the qualifications in 1 Timothy 3.1ff. b. There are things we “must not do” to be accepted by God, Galatians 5.16-21 i. We must not lie, steal, commit adultery, worship idols, etc. ii. We cannot add to or subtract from the word of God, Revelation 22.18ff c. There are some things we “may do” and they are called expedients or aids i. Individual liberties, 1 Corinthians 6.12; 10.23 ii. The eating of meats, 1 Corinthians 8.4-6 iii. The observance of days, Colossians 2.16, 21-23 iv. Circumcision, 1 Corinthians 7.19 d. We must keep each “thing” in the right category or column, Romans 14.9 i. The problem with circumcision occurred when some wanted to make it part of “the faith” in Acts 15.1 1. Galatians 2.3-5 shows that when it was made a test of fellowship or faith it was wrong 2. Acts 16.3 Shows when it was used as an expedient then it was ok ii. Eating of meats, 1 Corinthians 8.8-13 1. It was always wrong to eat it when it brought one into fellowship with idolatry, 2 Corinthians 6.14ff 2. Revelation 2.14 also makes this point iii. Sin is never allowed as a matter of personal liberty, 1 John 1.4-6 1. We must contend for the faith, Jude 3 2. We must study to understand the faith, 2 Timothy 2.15 IV) Obligations of the Strong and Weak Brethren a. Who are the weak? i. New born babes in Christ, 1 Corinthians 3.1-2; Hebrews 5.13-14 ii. Many came out of idolatry to serve Christ b. The strong are to consider the weak, vv. 15,21 i. Do not flaunt your liberty, 1 Corinthians 9.22 ii. If necessary the strong are to abstain from their liberty, 1 Corinthians 8.8-13 iii. Teach the brother who differs V) Lessons a. Some things are individual by nature and does not limit our ability to serve God, vv. 7-9 i. God judges us individually, 2 Corinthians 5.10 ii. This is not to excuse or allow sinful activity; each one in this passage was serving God and could not have been in sin. b. Weakness is not an excuse, Titus 3.10-11 i. False teachers are not the weak in this passage ii. The rebellious, stubborn, and factious are not the weak, Romans 16.16-17 c. Do not ignore your conscience, Romans14.23 i. To do what you believe is wrong is wrong. ii. Do not violate your personal conscience Conclusion : We must always have the proper attitude in times of disagreements. Possible to be wrong and have a bad attitude; to be wrong and have a good attitude; to be doctrinally right but have a right attitude; to be doctrinally right and have the right attitude. The first is wrong and will stay wrong, the second can be taught the truth; the third needs to repent, and the last is where we ought to be. |