Romans 14:22-23 & 15:1-3: Christian-to-Christian Forbearance (part 3)

 Part 3

Paul’s exhortations in Romans 14-15 do not concern doctrinal matters. These admonitions are for when believers disagree over ethical lifestyle issues. We have a different method of handling disagreements over doctrines (including women pastors and the salvation of children who die in infancy) than we do over how we exercise our liberty in Christ over ethical issues on which there are no biblical commands for Christians.

            I. A Christian must refrain from doing things that will result in self-condemnation, doubt, and guilt which lead to misery rather than joyful liberty. vs. 14:22

A. If you cannot do or partake of something without guilt, then do not do it. Others may be able to do this, but you cannot at this time. If your future understanding of the Bible changes your ethical convictions on this matter after careful study, then you may be able to do or partake in the future.

B. You must live the Christian life with the best of others in view to be Christ-like; to live for yourself only is unchristian and contradictory (2 Cor 5:15).

C. Seek to build up (edify) others spiritually in the body of Christ. Do not tear them down by tempting them to fall by intentionally violating their conscience.

·        A Christian must be able to do and use everything they do in faith. 14:23

D. What I believe to be sinful, or if I doubt it is correct and do it anyway, it is a sin for me, even though I may have misunderstood the Bible on this matter.

E. If I develop the conviction that something is sinful and thus is against God, and then I choose to do that thing, then I have done something I am convinced is against God. This is always sin, even though I may have completely misunderstood the Bible on this neutral matter.

F. Sin hinders my fellowship with God, even when I have mislabeled something as sin and have done it even though believers are free in Christ to do or use it.

G. Thus, I must not tempt those with convictions against something to copy me and do it while they believe it is wrong. Love and instruct them instead.

·        The stronger Christian is to show love to the weaker Christian on each ethical issue as they patiently address their ethical convictions. vs. 15:1

H. They are to please the weaker Christians.

I. They are to stop living to please only themselves.

J. The stronger believer is to be patient with the incapable one’s doubts.

1. Both stronger and weaker Christians, when it comes to gray ethical issues, are to seek to please each other for our mutual benefit and to edify each other. vs. 15:2

2. Questions to ask about ethical matters affecting body life in the church

K. Will this behavior or thing block the flow of the gospel?

L. Is this behavior or thing connected to a major doctrine?

M. Is this behavior or thing connected with something immoral?

N. Is this behavior or thing clearly declared to be wrong in the Bible?

O. Does this ethical area fit the stronger/weaker brother situation?

P. Which choice will allow me to best demonstrate love for another believer with whom I am in close contact that has different ethical convictions?

Q. Additional questions in determining God’s will about what to do or use (ethical issues).

1.      Is this lawful? (Not forbidden for Christians in the Word of God)

2.      Is it beneficial for me? (Do I gain something from this?)

3.      Is it enslaving? (Will this take control of me, a habit I cannot quit?)

4.      Is it consistent with Christ’s Lordship? (Will it bring shame to the Lord?)

5.      Is it helpful to others? (One another and weaker brother issues)

6.      Is it consistent with positive biblical examples? (Jesus, the Apostles of Christ)

7.      Is it something that will bring glory to God?

R. Christian liberty and freedom as they relate to weak and strong Christians in the body of Christ should be informed by Jesus’ example. vs. 15:3

1. Jesus the Messiah did not live on earth to please Himself.

2. Jesus bore the attacks of those angry with God the Father (John 15:24).

3. Psalm 69:9 predicted that the Messiah would suffer under these insults from men.

4. All Christians are to follow Jesus’ example of self-denial and humility (Psa 89:50-51).

5. In light of the Messiah’s example of accepting abuse and not claiming His rights in order to redeem us, how can we demand our Christian liberty if it damages others?

6. Where self-denial and humility are present, one will also find unity and harmony over gray ethical issues and the use of Christian liberty.

[Modified from Richard P. Belcher, Sr. class notes]