LOVING LIBERTY MORE THAN NEIGHBOR?
Read: Romans 14:13-23
Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. 14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. 16 So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. 20 Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. 21 It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. 22 The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. 23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.
Questions for Reflection
This past Sunday Carson helped us understand the importance of “Theological Triage” to assist us in giving appropriate weight to the various convictions we hold. In these passages, Paul teaches us that if someone has professed Jesus as Lord and God has accepted them, then they are of more value than any secondary or tertiary convictions I may hold. Are there areas where you could voluntarily restrict your liberty for the sake of another’s conscience? Take a moment and ask God to bless a brother or sister whom you know holds a differing view than you.
