Today's lesson comes from Romans 14: 1-19. When people get saved, they bring with them a backlog of experiences and training. Because of past sins, they may over-compensate to keep removed from old habits. They may have notions regarding the Christian life which are not Biblical and will take time to be corrected. Mature Christians must show patience with those who are "weak" in the faith.
There are clear-cut doctrinal and moral issues which we should never budge on. There are also areas on which the Bible is silent. Believers may have strong opinions in these areas, but a person's opinions should never become a source of contention or division.
In the lesson today, we are brought face to face with some of the difficult problems that me the early Christians. The church in Rome consisted of converted Jews and Gentiles who were brought up under different influences and patterns of life. Thus, they naturally differed on many questions of right and wrong. There are many similar problems today, but none of them are more difficult than these ancient ones. Paul gives the principles through which the solutions can be found. The same principles can help us to resolve our problems. The result will be peace in the body of believers, authentic Christian living, and effective outreach to the lost.
The first section is "is It Right or Wrong?" vv. 1-6 The first problem Paul addressed was the issue of food. What could a Christian eat? Some of the Jewish members were afraid of eating meat that had been offered to idols because it would become unclean. Others had the liberty to eat the meat because idols were not real, and thus the food was fine to eat. Paul instructed the Gentile converts, "Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations." Paul did not want there to be debate over questionable points. There were two dangers in the dispute. Those that felt at liberty to eat the meat might "despise" those who were needlessly scrupulous--to look down upon them as ignorant or unenlightened. The other side could be tempted to "judge" or condemn those who ate--consider them as violating God's laws, taking undue liberties. Paul stated, "There is nothing unclean of itself." The food did not affect the spirit or the the character for good or evil. If the food had been offered to idols, it could still sustain the body. However, he cautioned the people not to go against their conscience. If it went against your conscience to eat the food, then you should not eat the meat.
Another issue in the church at Rome was the question of observing certain days as sacred. The Jewish nation had observed certain festivals such as Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles, new moons, jubilee, etc. Some did not believe the festivals were obligatory because they had found fulfillment in Christ. Should the Jewish festivals be observed as part of the Christian faith? Paul's answer was, "Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind." Paul was saying let every man act according to his own convictions, and allow latitude for others to do the same. What a wonderful response on the non essentials of our faith!
The second section is "Christ Is Our Judge." vv. 7-13 As a Christian, we should always aim to do the will of God. He is our judge. While we will form opinions about people and events, we should not impute wrong motives to others. Here are the issues Paul was dealing with:
1. The Christian Jews judging the Gentile Christians because the latter did not think they were bound by the rites and ceremonies of the Mosaic Law.
2. The Gentile Christians judging the Christian Jews because the latter does not believe that the gospel has set him free from the rites and ceremonies of the law.
Paul tells both groups that each one is responsible to God, not to his neighbor. However, that does not mean we are to condone wrong in others. We are to remember that each one of us will give an account of himself to God. We are to avoid putting a stumbling block in the way of others. We should be promoting each other's spiritual interest, and not be a means of hindering the cause of Christ. We advance the purity of the church when we lift each other up. That is the meaning of this second section.
The third section is "Follow After Peace." vv. 17-19 Paul tells us "the kingdom of God is not meat and drink."It does not consist of outward and indifferent matters. Righteousness, peace, and joy are the hallmarks of true Christianity. The purpose of the gospel is to give a person a holy heart, not merely to follow a list of external rules. Someone who is filled with the Holy Spirit will manifest these qualities. We are to lay aside contentions over trifles, and live in harmony. The law of love will put the highest things first and seek to do good for others. When we follow peace, we will manifest the fruits of the Spirit.
The Golden Text is: "Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved." (1 Corinthians 10:33) "Our conduct must often be limited, not only by what we think, but by what those around us think, to be right. Else we may lead them to do what their conscience condemns, and thus inflict upon them serious injury." (J. Agar Beet)
My summary points:
1. Avoid the appearance of evil.
2. We should try to lift our brothers and sisters up and not tear them down.
3. We are to follow peace and uplift others..
Next week's lesson "Paul's Plans." (Romans 15:13-26)
Don't forget to read the Sunday School Beacon for inspiration and encouragement.
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