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Presented June 4, 2006 pm

WHEN WE STAND BEFORE THE LORD

Romans 14:6-12

                Tonight, we continue our study of the book of Romans.  We are in the midst of a controversial chapter among brethren that is misapplied by many.  It is a chapter that deals with Christian liberties (matters about which God is indifferent).  While this fact is admitted by most brethren, the debate has stemmed over what is considered a matter of liberty, as well as how we deal with those we disagree with doctrinally – and these things have divided brethren.

                In the first 6 verses of this chapter, Paul has described the way we ought to treat each other, especially when there is disagreement in these matters (of liberty).  The terms “weak”  and “strong” are not used as we might think, but rather they describe whether or not one’s conscience will allow them to participate in a particular activity or not.  Paul basically tells each one to mind his own business in these things.

In the portion of this text that we are going to examine tonight, Paul develops this point even further noting three reasons why we ought to mind our own business.

I.                     No one lives to himself (7)

a.        In this we are reminded again of the saying, “It’s not all about you!” 

b.       As Christians we must weigh how our actions affect others, especially our brethren.  The point Paul has been trying to get these brethren to see is how their actions and attitudes affect others. 
(It is interesting to note that here he does NOT say that one who believes in eating meats and observing days should stop doing so.  Rather he is here dealing with your attitude toward those you disagree with.)

c.        We must ALSO weigh how our actions affect our relationship with Christ, which is what the next two verses deal with.

II.                   Living For the Lord (8-9)

a.        Notice vs. 6 for a moment – 4 TIMES, the expression “to the Lord” is mentioned.  In vs. 8, “to the Lord” is mentioned twice more and the idea indicated a 3^rd time.  All that we do must be “to the Lord”

b.       What does it mean to live for the Lord? (7-8)
It means that we belong to Him!  1 Corinthians 6:19-20 states this noting, “you are not your own.”
2 Corinthians 5:14-15, a passage that is dealing with the judgment (see 5:9-11) notes that since Christ died for us we no longer live for ourselves, but for Him.
Paul had already dealt with this in Romans 6 where he reminds these brethren (ALL OF THEM – Jew & Gentile alike) they had been baptized into Christ, putting to death the man of sin and raised to walk in newness of life.  The last part of that chapter dealt with the fact that we are still under a master – but we have changed (15-23).  NOW, all that we do is for Him.  Titus 2:14 calls us, “his own special people.”
Paul demonstrated this attitude in Galatians 2:20
It means that we think about Him in whatever we do.  We seek to put Him first (Col. 3:17).  We ask, “How will my conduct affect my relationship with Him?”  “How will my conduct affect others perceptions of Him?” (cf. Matthew 5:14-16)
Christians would not dare do something that they think would bring dishonor to their Lord.
It also means that we will serve Him with conviction. 
One of the points Paul has been trying to make is to tell them to stand by their convictions, EVEN in these matters of liberty. 
I want to make a statement here that I am hesitant to make for two reasons – 1) if someone were looking to find fault, it can be easily twisted to imply that I am saying doctrinal matters are not important (and I am NOT saying that) and 2) some could take it out of the context of Romans 14 dealing with liberties and run with it reasoning that they do NOT need to study God’s word intently to find the truth on any given subject.  But nevertheless, I feel this point needs to be made, because it is what Paul wants us to understand. 
And that statement is this: YOU NEED TO FOLLOW YOU OWN CONVICTIONS!
When you stand before God you will answer to Him for that.  Understand that I am not saying that if you believe error that will be fine, you know better.  But ultimately, you must HONESTLY study God’s word and accept it for yourself.  Don’t let others bully you into submission to their pre-conceived ideas and traditions not found in God’s word, especially when they are not your convictions.  Don’t let them badger you with their personal interpretations of a passage or idea. 
If what others show is the absolute, undeniable truth, then you should have no problem accepting it as such – and we OUGHT to be willing to sit down and study ANYTHING together!  But in the end, you HAVE TO follow your convictions on that subject.  Paul had already stated in our text, (vs. 4-5), “let each one be fully convinced in his own mind.”  Later in vs. 22-23 he will make the point again dealing with the conscience. 

c.        Christ serves as an example of living for the Lord (Jehovah God) – 1 Peter 4:1-2 – He lived for the will of God (John 8:28, 6:38, etc.).  Even as He was about to die, he submitted – Matthew 26:39, etc.  Philippians 2:8 reminds us of His humility in serving the Father even to the point of death.

d.       Vs. 9 – Christ died for ALL, both the dead and the living.  In other words, whether we live for Him or die for Him, His death and life covers us.  
He became the author of eternal salvation to ALL who obey Him – Hebrews 5:9.
Revelation 14:13 speaks of dying in the Lord.
If anyone understood this it was Paul.  In Phil 1:20-24, Paul is in a dilemma – but regardless of the choice he would live “to the Lord”

III.                 Standing before the Lord (10-12)

a.        Paul begins vs. 10 with a rebuke, “Why do you judge your brother” (in these matters)?  This is a caution to be careful before you start passing judgment on your brethren.
He reminds them to the fact that one day they too will be judged.  And we are told a few things about that judgment.   For example: Matthew 7:1-2 – the measure you use will be measured back to you.
James 2:13 says that judgment is without mercy to him who has shown no mercy.
Matthew 6:14-15 – as we forgive, so will we be forgiven

b.       We shall all stand before God in judgment.
God’s judgment is a fact –
Acts 17:31 says that God has appointed a day in which He will judge the world
Hebrews 9:27 – after death there is the judgment
John 5:28 – says that is a day when ALL will be judged.

c.        We will all submit (vs. 11).
This is a quote from Isaiah 45:23. 
On that day, these matters of liberty will be inconsequential.  We will ALL bow before the Lord.
Philippians 2:10-11 also repeats this fact.  Man may deny the Lord now, but in that day, such will NOT be the case.

d.       On that day, We shall all answer for our own lives (12)
2 Corinthians 5:10-11 states basically the same thing.
Matthew 12:36 warns that we will answer for every idle word we speak

e.        Putting this in context: Before you are too harsh on your brethren in these matters of personal liberties, realize that God is going to judge you as well.  So you better treat your brethren the way you want God to treat you!

Thus we can see WHY we should be careful as we consider the conduct of our brethren in matters the Lord is indifferent about.  Paul will continue (in our next lesson) noting HOW we are to treat each other.