Romans 14:1-23
1) Accept the one who is weak in faith without quarreling over disputable matters (Romans 14:1).
a) How do you feel about disputable matters: alcohol, tattoos, dancing, Bible Translations, style of worship music, non-kosher food?
b) Each person must stand alone to give account to Christ one day for their our own personal convictions (Romans 14:12).
c) God has given us all a measure of faith. Together we form the Body of Christ and depend on each other for mutual edification and to accomplish the work of Christ upon the earth (Romans 12:1-8, I Corinthians 12: 12-31).
2) Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another, instead, make up your mind not to put a stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister (Romans 14:13).
a) Do not allow your personal freedoms/convictions in Christ hinder the spiritual maturity/growth of someone who is weak in faith.
b) Legalism is imposing personal convictions over someone else’s convictions when dealing with disputable matters.
c) We did not die for the sins of our brother. Make sure the love of Christ and the truth of God’s word speaks louder than your personal judgment and convictions in the life of a believer.
3) Do not puke your doctrinal convictions all over someone who is learning to walk and grow in Christ.
a) We are called to be "fishers of men", but allow the Word of God and the Holy Spirit to clean the catch. We have a tendency to be just like a Pharisee when we try to make other believers look, act and think like us.
b) Give people room to work out their own salvation before the Lord. Give them freedom to discover joy, peace and righteousness in the Holy Sprit on their own.
c) “A pinch of praise is worth a pound of scorn. A dash of encouragement is more helpful than a dipper of pessimism. A cup of thankfulness is better than a cupboard of criticism.” William Arthur Ward.
Discussion Question: In what ways can we promote peace and mutual edification in the Body of Christ without compromising central Biblical Truths?
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