Living Together in Christian Freedom | Bob Wriedt | Romans 14:13-23
This week at Grace, we're in the second half of Romans 14 and continuing the discussion of Christian freedom.
And honestly, it's in the second half of the chapter where things get challenging. Because this is the part of the passage where it's not enough to just "let it go" when we disagree. When the application is, "Don't quarrel about secondary matters of faith," most of us nod our heads agreeably. Who wants to fight over things that are of dubious importance?
But the second half of Romans 14 is tougher to nod along with amicably. Now Paul challenges us to sacrifice our preferences for the sake of one another, and let the weaker brother have their way as a gift of love. In the words of my kids (seemingly a dozen times a day), "Why does HE get to be first? Why can't I be first?" Or, "Why should SHE get HER way? Why can't we do it MY way?"
Good questions. And not ones that go away when we get older. So let's talk about them.
See you Sunday!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
Romans 14:13-23
13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. 14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. 16 So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
20 Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. 21 It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.[a] 22 The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. 23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.