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WHEN IT COMES TO OUR OPINIONS

Why do we feel the need to exercise the power of our argument over others?

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Is it possible that we have lost the ability to have conversation about our differences while at the same time honoring the person on the other end of the dispute?

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Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. ¹⁴ But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

- Romans 13:13-14

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Whether our focus is our relationship with the world around us (ch 12),

or governing authorities (ch13), or even within the church (ch 14-15),

LIGHT MUST SHINE OUT OF THE DARKNESS

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As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.

- Romans 14:1

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WHO IS WEAK IN FAITH?

HOW IS QUARRELING A THREAT TO “WELCOMING” HIM?

WHAT ROLE DO OPINIONS PLAY?

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One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. ³ Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him.

- Romans 14:2-3

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Paul considers the weak Christian as the more strict in the situation.

Legalistic.

(More directly, operating out of fear)

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For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. -Galatians 5:1

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. -Galatians 5:13

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BOTH AN EXHORTATION

AND A

WARNING

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For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” ¹⁵ But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.

-Galatians 5:14-15

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DIFFERENCES?

cause

for conflict?

or basis

for balance?

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DIFFERENCES?

Paul isn’t saying “Erase your differences.”

He is saying,

“Rise above them.”

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Who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? Their own master will judge whether they stand or fall. And with the Lord’s help, they will stand and receive his approval.

- Romans 14:4

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THE LORD DOES NOT NEED OUR HELP IN JUDGING OTHERS.

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So why do YOU condemn another believer? Why do YOU look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.

- Romans 14:10

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PAUL IS ALERTING US TO THIS REALITY.

WHEN I KNEEL BEFORE THE LORD, NO ONE WILL NEED HIM MORE THAN ME.

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Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. ¹³ So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.

- Romans 14:12-13

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DON’T LET YOUR PERSONAL OPINIONS,

UNTIED TO DOCTRINE,

CREATE AN ARGUMENTATIVE

ENVIRONMENT

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For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

- Romans 14:17

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RIGHTEOUSNESS

PEACE

JOY IN THE SPIRIT

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So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.

- Romans 14:19

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Where scripture is silent, lower its volume in your heart

Where you have freedom,

don’t parade it arrogantly

Where you have a strong opinion, learn to distinguish

a preference from a precept

Where you can promote peace and edification, DO SO.

WITH REGARD

TO OUR CONVICTIONS

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We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

- Romans 15:1

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“bear with”

bastazó

to carry, lift,

to endure

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Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. ³ For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.”

- Romans 15:2-3

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Fundamental

Principle We Cannot Miss:

TURN YOUR HEART OUTWARD AND BUILD

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For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

- Romans 15:4

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May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, ⁶ that together you may WITH ONE VOICE GLORIFY THE GOD and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

- Romans 15:5-6

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