Presented, April 9, 2006 pm
CHRISTIAN LIBERTIES – 2
Romans 14:1-6
Last Sunday, we began a study (click here to go to that study) of this controversial and abused chapter of the Bible. It is misused by many to justify maintaining fellowship with those who are teaching and/or practicing false doctrine. While we are continuing our examination of the text of the book of Romans, we examined this chapter as a whole noting that it deals ONLY with matters of liberty – that is, matters about which God is indifferent in His word. That is NOT to say that such matters are not important – for we MUST make a determination as to whether or not we can participate in an activity such as eating meats (or certain meats) and observe (or not observe) certain days and we MUST follow our convictions. We noted the following points last week:
Tonight, we want to continue our study of this text examining the first 6 verses of Romans 14. We want to identify who are the weak and who are the strong and how we are to treat each other.
The text begins with the call to “receive one who is weak in the faith.” In this statement, Paul is calling upon one who is “strong” (we will define) to receive (to accept to oneself, to take into one’s company) (W.E. Vine) him who is “weak” in the faith. Remember again that Paul is dealing with a congregation of both Jews and Gentiles who evidently were at odds with one another. Possibly they despised each other and looked down on each other for the very elements mentioned in this text (eating meats and observing days).
Let us notice some of the words used in this text and context.
I. The Faith
a. The first thing that needs to be identified in this text is, what “the faith” has reference to. Does it refer to God’s word or our personal faith?
b.
The word of God – Jude 3 speaks of, “the faith once
for all delivered…” It is referring to God’s revealed will.
Galatians 1:23 uses the term to describe the preaching of the gospel.
God’s word is NOT something we can play with. We cannot pick and chose which
commands to obey and reject – Galatians 1:6-9.
In our text, Paul is obviously NOT speaking of matters that God has clearly
established.
c.
Our
personal faith – our convictions in all matters, both specified AND those areas
of judgment. Here is one who firmly believes in God and is striving to please
him in all things. Where God has specified there is NO doubt in his mind. BUT
in other areas, he has formulated convictions, based upon his understanding of
God’s word – even though they are specified.
The examples of our text illustrate this – eating meats or not eating meats,
observing certain days or not observing those days. His conviction is based
upon what he believes God desires him to do.
d. Romans 1:17 – “from faith to faith” – God’s word (faith – objective) produces faith (subjective) in our lives.
e. In this verse (and text), Paul is dealing with only those matters of “the faith” which God has NOT specified one way or the other. He is NOT addressing everything about “the faith” as the context indicates.
f. NOTE: It needs to be understood that these matters ARE IMPORTANT to those who hold to them. Paul is NOT saying that one should set aside his convictions either way. The point here deals with HOW they were to treat each other.
II. Who Are the Weak?
a.
NOT weak as we think of the word. This simply
describes one whose conscience will NOT allow them to participate in a
particular activity.
They do not eat meats (14:2), they do not observe days (14:5-6)
b.
They are expected to follow their conscience (13:2,
14, 23).
NOTE: The word “weak” in vs. 1 is a present tense verb meaning the way they
believe at this time. It is something that possibly in the future could change.
c.
They are NOT to judge (pass judgment) those they
disagree with in these matters (14:3)
To pass judgment in this way is an ungodly attitude that will lead to multitudes
of problems with one another.
d. He is in good standing with God – 14:4, 6, 18
III. Who Are the Strong?
a.
NOT spiritually superior to “the weak.” Rather, in
these matters, they are able to participate in an activity (or not participate –
as in observing days) such as eating meats.
They eat meats (14:2), observe days (14:5-6)
b. They are convinced in their minds that such is acceptable (cf. 1 Corinthians 8:4-12). They do NOT violate their conscience
c.
They are NOT to despise – think less of, “the weak”
(14:3)
Despising “the weak” is an ungodly attitude that will lead to multitudes of
problems with one another.
d. He is in good standing with God – 14:4, 6, 18, 22
IV. Consider 1 Corinthians 8
a. Deals with meats offered to idols. Some can eat while others cannot. (8:4-7)
b. Respect your brethren and do NOT do anything that will cause them to stumble (8:9-11)
c. What are you willing to give up for your brother? (8:12-13)
V. Our Relationship with God
a.
Romans 14:4 - We stand or fall as we stand before Him
–
Jude 24, “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling…”
Paul’s point is that ultimately each one will stand before God and answer to
Him. The analogy is to a servant and his master. He says, “Don’t meddle in the
affairs of another master”
Furthermore, God is able to make him stand – HE can accept the one on
either side of this issue. NOW if God can accept him, WHY CAN’T YOU?
We dare NOT reject one who God accepts!
b. Let each one be fully convinced in his own mind. Romans 14:5. A part of our standing before God will be determined by how we act based upon our convictions (e.g. Our conscience). This is NOT to say that we can believe whatever we want to believe. But where God is silent or vague, He expects us to follow our personal convictions.
c.
Whatever
we do, it MUST be to the Lord – “do all in the name of the Lord.”
Romans 14:6, Colossians 3:17.
You better make sure your attitude is what it ought to be in all that you
do!
d. Giving God thanks in whatever you do, Romans 4:6, 1 Timothy 4:4-5
This is a study of the first part of this chapter. More will come later. The challenge of applying this chapter is found in determining what is actually a matter of liberty and what is not. While the point of Romans 14 is dealing with matters of liberty, there are attitudes that we need to consider in ALL matters concerning the way we treat one another. Do you take thought of your brother in what you do?
(Based on a lesson by Joe Price)