Working for Peace
Christian strength is measured not by the liberty we can handle, but by submission to the Master of our conscience.
Two Pitfalls in the Household of Faith (Romans 14:1-3)
Romans 14:1-3
1 Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. 2 For instance, one person believes it’s all right to eat anything. But another believer with a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables. 3 Those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don’t. And those who don’t eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them.
Defining "Strong" vs. "Weak"
The "Weak" - A conscience easily wounded or constrained by non-essential issues, yet seeking to honor God through strict boundaries.
The "Strong" - A conscience grounded in Gospel freedom that recognizes non-essential issues do not affect our status with God.
Romans 12:1-2
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Stay in your seat. (Romans 14:4-12)
Who are we to condemn? (14:4)
The judgment seat belongs to the Master.
Romans 14:10
10 So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.
Strength is measured through humble sacrifice, not boundless freedom. (14:13–15:4)
Romans 14:13
So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.
Remember that Jesus sets the example for the way we live with each other.
Romans 15:1-4
1 We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. 2 We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. 3 For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, “The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me.” 4 Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.
As we submit to the Master of our conscience, we can work for relational peace that leads to community. (Romans 15:5-7)
Two Pitfalls in the Household of Faith (Romans 14:1-3)
Romans 14:1-3
1 Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. 2 For instance, one person believes it’s all right to eat anything. But another believer with a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables. 3 Those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don’t. And those who don’t eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them.
Defining "Strong" vs. "Weak"
The "Weak" - A conscience easily wounded or constrained by non-essential issues, yet seeking to honor God through strict boundaries.
The "Strong" - A conscience grounded in Gospel freedom that recognizes non-essential issues do not affect our status with God.
Romans 12:1-2
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Stay in your seat. (Romans 14:4-12)
Who are we to condemn? (14:4)
The judgment seat belongs to the Master.
Romans 14:10
10 So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.
Strength is measured through humble sacrifice, not boundless freedom. (14:13–15:4)
Romans 14:13
So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.
Remember that Jesus sets the example for the way we live with each other.
Romans 15:1-4
1 We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. 2 We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. 3 For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, “The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me.” 4 Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.
As we submit to the Master of our conscience, we can work for relational peace that leads to community. (Romans 15:5-7)
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