READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l The apostle Paul teaches us how to walk right with God and one another. The church then was divided over issues like diet and days. This caused heated arguments and church members viewed each other with contempt. Likewise modern day churches are fractured over non-essential matters. How do we heal the divisions in our church? We can do so by being a healing rather than a hurting community that attacks one another.
H.E.A.L.
Honour God: We first identify our essential faith convictions. As Methodists who have studied and prayed about an issue, it is easier to offer kindness to those who hold differing views. John Wesley noted: we do not have the authority to force others to walk according to our customs. We must judge for ourselves, and are each accountable to God. Paul was persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it is unclean. (Rom 14:14) In honouring God, there is harmony between our hearts, actions and God’s Word. Knowing what is essential and non-essential, guides our obedience to God. We must unite and affirm the first order of doctrines of the Christian faith such as the Trinity, the divinity and humanity of Christ, and justification by faith. Here, differing views would be heresy. The second order of doctrines can cause rifts among Christians too, even though such issues may not result in heresy. These tend to be denominational matters that hinder close fellowship. There are also divisions over third order, non-essential issues like dress code, diet and days.
Extend Friendship: Paul instructs us to welcome and not quarrel with those who are weak in faith. We are to open our hearts and warmly accept those whom we think are weak in the application of faith. We respect their opinions and there is no disdain. John Wesley advised that although we do not think alike, we can become one in heart and encourage one another in love and good deeds. Jesus commands us to love one another. (Jn 13: 34-35) Let us therefore extend friendship to others, even when we disagree.
Abstain from fixing: Paul tells us to pursue what makes for peace and mutual up building. We avoid judging and allow others a safe space to discover God’s guidance. We can trust the Holy Spirit to lead them in His time. Let’s resist the terrible preoccupation with wanting to fix others, offer unsolicited advice and make them follow our convictions. God will do the straightening. It is not up to us to do it. (Rom 14: 4) We can pray for others. When we walk in love, we do not insist on our non-essential opinions and actions, where they cause others to stumble. (Rom 14: 13-21) Our quarrels destroy unity and weaken our support system. Our testimony in this world can be torn apart by ourselves.
Love Practically: We can repair the ruptures in our relationships and keep short accounts with each other. Our knowledge needs to be demonstrated to others with love, so as not to hurt those who are weak in faith. In that way, we build up one another in church; for love is patient and kind, always persevering and protecting.
Peacemaking is not passive. True peace exists when there is justice, restoration and forgiveness. Let us therefore stop the hurting and start the healing.
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Have you ever been stumbled by other Christians because of certain faith convictions they held? Please elaborate.
- What are some different opinions you have heard or observed among Christians?
- What are the issues mentioned in Romans 14 between the strong and weak in faith?
- Based on Romans 14, who would Paul consider as ‘weak in faith’?
- Consider this quote: “In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity.”
- Which doctrines would you consider essential, and which would you consider as non-essential (that Christians may disagree with and yet remain in close fellowship)?
- What would help you determine which doctrines are essential, and which are non-essentials?
- What did the preacher suggest when there is a disagreement in your Christian community so as to pursue love and peace?
- What are practical ways that you can take to walk in love with another Christian who does not share your faith conviction?
- Is there someone in your Christian community to whom you sense God is prompting you to reach out with love and peace? What practical means can you take to reach out to the person? Share with the group how they may pray for you as well.
