READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l Romans 14 deals with practical issues which address how Christians should respond when disagreements with each other arise. The Jewish Christians in Rome were evicted from the city and when they returned in A.D. 54, they found that the Gentile Christians had taken over the leadership of the church. These Jewish Christians observed that what they felt were pagan practices had become part of the church. Paul had in the earlier part of Romans already dealt with the theological differences between Jewish and Gentile Christians. Here, Paul addresses the disagreements that threatened the unity of the church. The way of peace and love teaches us to:
Accept those with differing opinions (Romans 14:1-9)
Paul refers to those who are weak in faith. He does not mean those with a shaky theological foundation but those who lack assurance that faith permits the practices in question. This ‘weak’ person has no conviction that the practices or views are acceptable to God. Jewish Christians ate kosher food and celebrated Jewish feasts. Hence, diet and days were in dispute. But Paul assets that these are non-essential matters. He urged Jewish and Gentile Christians to accept one another. “Accept” is not just cognitive agreement but welcoming with love, as the Lord welcomes us in John 14:3. Why should we respect each other’s differing opinions? Because God has already accepted us (vs 3); each believer acts according to their own conscience (hence, doing it unto the Lord) (vs 5-8); and most importantly, we all have the same Lord (we are on the same side!) (vs 9).
Let God judge, do not judge (Romans 14:10-12)
We do not suspend our critical thinking, for we cannot stand by and condone something that is clearly wrong. However, we should not condemn others and treat them with contempt. Do not dismiss each other just because we do not share the same views. Each of us will face God one day and give an account of our lives (2 Cor. 5:10). God is ultimately the judge of us all.
Build up, don’t stumble others (Romans 14:13-23)
Don’t let the freedom to express ourselves destroy the faith of someone. In stumbling this person, we destroy the work of Christ (1 Cor. 8-10). Surrender our rights in love. This is very difficult to practice, especially to those whom we do not agree with. But as Christians, we are counter-cultural in not insisting on our rights. Let us pursue peace and mutual edification. Peace (eirene in Greek or shalom in Hebrew) is not the absence of conflict but the wholeness of God’s blessings. “Edification” is used in an architectural sense to build a structure in which God dwells. Let such blessings come upon our built-up relationships as we honour Him by surrendering our rights.
Focus on what’s essential for the Kingdom
Do not quarrel over opinions or disputable matters. There are areas where it is not necessary for all Christians to agree on. Albert Mohler, a Baptist theologian describes three orders of beliefs:
- 1st Order – these are essential and fundamental truths such as the Holy Trinity, saving work of Christ, Christ’s incarnation and resurrection, justification by faith through grace. Such matters as laid out in the Apostles’ Creed are therefore not opinions but are Scriptural truths.
- 2nd Order – disagreement that leads to significant boundaries, for example, between denominations. Examples include the mode of baptism, ordination of women, access to Holy Communion.
- 3rd Order – even if there is disagreement, we can remain in close fellowship in the same church. Examples include dressing, songs, vaccination and theological differences (predestination, rapture). When we disagree, practice the art of listening, learning and loving each other.
“In essentials, unity, in non-essentials, liberty, in all things, charity“
(Rupertus Meldenius)
Let us pursue peace and love, focusing on the essential, bringing honour to God.
(Sermon notes by Angela Goh)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- What are some matters of opinion that Christians disagree about?
- What does “weak faith” mean in verse 1?
- Do you know of such persons with “weak faith”? Why does Paul say we have to accept and welcome them?
- Why is it that we do not judge others but let God judge?
- What is important for the kingdom of God (verse 17)?
- Have you ever been in a situation when something you have done in good faith could potentially cause another to stumble?
- Is there a need for you to surrender the right to exercise your freedom so that you don’t stumble another fellow Christian?
- What are some practical things you can do to pursue the way of peace with a fellow Christian who does not hold the same view as you?
- Pray for each other to be peacemakers and focus on what’s important for His kingdom.
