Presented, April 2, 2006 pm
CHRISTIAN LIBERTIES - 1
An Introduction to Romans 14
In our study in the book of Romans, we have been noting proper attitudes that Paul says we need. As we continue our study of Romans we come to Paul’s appeal for these brethren to work at achieving unity by setting aside CERTAIN differences. Tonight, before we launch into a study of the many lessons to be gleaned from this chapter (the importance of doing all things to the Lord, standing before Him in judgment, following the conscience, pursuing peace and edification) we want to introduce it by examining what the proper context is intended for it as well as noting how it is often abused to justify fellowship with those teaching certain errors.
I. Proper principles for understanding Romans 14 (and any other passage)
A. It must be true to the text and its context. Our goal is to determine what Paul intended as he wrote this epistle, NOT make it say what we WANT it to say.
B. Such means it must be true to ALL the Bible.
C.
As such, any
understand must not contradict truth. God’s word does NOT contradict itself.
While some look for supposed contradictions, they can easily be answered.
1 Corinthians 14:33
D. Such must not violate the character of God – i.e. He hates sin, He is light and in Him is NO darkness (1 John 1:5, James 1:17)
E. Must not promote fellowship with sin and error. We will see this later in this lesson.
II. The Abuse of Romans 14
A. We have heard the old adage, “In matters of faith, unity; in matter of judgment, liberty; in all things, charity.” It certainly applies to Romans 14. But unfortunately, many have not been content to remember this and contend that it be used
B. It purpose – unity in areas of liberty, NOT matters of faith
C.
Unfortunately,
many have not been content to apply Romans 14 this way and as a result have
applied it to the toleration of matters of faith such as – instrumental music,
the work of the church, homosexuality, divorce & remarriage, fellowship with
false teachers, etc.
This has occurred BOTH ways as some have overlooked doctrinal error,
while others practicing doctrinal error (that is they know others disagree with
them) demand that they be recognized, usually because of their sincerity.
D. As we study Romans 14, we must see how it was applied when written. We MUST not take that out of context.
III. The Text of Romans 14
A.
14:1-13 – The
problem defined –
disputes over doubtful things (1). Receive him who is weak
Eating & not eating, observing days & not observing days (2-6)
All give thanks to God
It’s NOT just about you! (7-9) We don’t just live for ourselves but for others,
and especially the Lord.
We shall all stand before God and answer for ourselves (10-12)
Let us resolve to NOT put a stumbling block in our brother’s way.
B.
14:13-23 – Pursue
avenues of peace with one another
NOTHING is unclean (14) – obviously, a certain category of things not unclean.
NOT speaking of false doctrine OR matters of morality, etc. We will see why in
just a moment.
Consider your brother in your conduct (15) If you act in such a way as to
grieve him, you are NOT walking in love. He asks, “Are you willing to destroy
your brother to get your way?”
Consider – WE ARE BRETHREN! (16-18). It is a spiritual bond.
Pursue peace and edification (19)
Consider the conscience (20-23)
C. 15:1-7 – An appeal for unity
D. The Context – things that are clean (14), good (16), acceptable (18), pure (20), no condemnation (22). NOTE: If these CANNOT be said of ANY doctrine or action – it does NOT fit in Romans 14.
E.
The Immediate
contexts – Romans 13:11-14 – NOT speaking of moral sins;
Romans 16:17-19 – NOT dealing with doctrinal sins.
F.
Other contexts
that define sinful actions. Colossians 3:5-11
Galatians 5:19-21 – the works of the flesh
Ephesians 5:11-14 – Do not tolerate sin
2 Corinthians 6;14 – Do not be unequally yoked with…
2 John 9-11 – Have no fellowship with the false teacher
How can such be condemned and yet “justified” under Romans 14? It is OBVIOUS
our text has limitations.
G. Romans 14 deals with matters about which God is indifferent.
H. To put doctrinal & moral matters in this context is to violate the context, put God in fellowship with sin, allow sin in the church and to allow open-ended fellowship with sin. Avoid such things!
MORE - Click here (Based on a lesson by Joe Price)