In this study of Romans chapter 14, Pastor Barry takes us through Paul’s teaching on how we as Christians should act toward each other when we disagree!
It is inevitable that, within the church, there will be practices considered permissible by some but not by others, particularly (using the examples given by Paul) in relation to dietary laws and the observance of specific days. He urges those who are “stronger” in their faith – those who understand the freedom they have in Christ – to welcome and not despise those who are “weaker” and hold more scrupulous views. Similarly, those with stricter convictions should not pass judgment on those who exercise their liberty.
Paul underscores the principle that each believer is ultimately accountable to the Lord. Whether one eats or abstains, whether one regards a certain day as special or considers all days alike, the underlying motivation should be to honour the Lord. For Christians, life and death are both oriented towards Christ.
The Apostle strongly cautions against judging or belittling fellow believers over such disputable matters. He asserts that all will stand before the ‘Bema’ judgment seat of Christ, and therefore, instead of placing stumbling blocks in each other’s way, believers should strive to live in a manner that promotes peace and mutual edification, whilst ‘working out their own salvation with fear and trembling!’.
Paul emphasises that while all food is inherently clean, it becomes wrong for someone to eat if it causes another believer to stumble in their conscience. He concludes by stating that everything that does not come from faith is sin, thereby highlighting the importance of acting in accordance with one’s sincerely held beliefs and showing consideration for the sensitivities of others within the church.
Oswald Chambers comments: “Always keep your life measured by the standards of Jesus. Bow your neck to His yoke alone, and to no other yoke whatever; and be careful to see that you never bind a yoke on others that is not placed by Jesus Christ. It takes God a long time to get us out of the way of thinking that unless everyone sees as we do, they must be wrong. That is never God’s view. There is only one liberty, the liberty of Jesus at work in our conscience enabling us to do what is right. Don’t get impatient, remember how God dealt with you — with patience and with gentleness; but never water down the truth of God. Let it have its way and never apologize for it. Jesus said, “Go…and make disciples” not — make converts to your opinions. – Oswald Chambers
In essence, Romans chapter 14 is a plea for tolerance, mutual respect, and the prioritisation of unity and love over personal preferences in matters of conscience within the church.
May you be blessed and encouraged by this teaching.
