Wonderful but Messy

Romans 14:1-12

Welcome and Receive (Romans 14:1-3) The context behind this passage is that new Christians were coming into the church from Judaism and were unsure concerning what ceremonies they should continue to observe, what diet should they continue to have, and what days of celebration should they continue to take part in. The Gentiles who came to Christ, didn’t worry about these things. They may have had some pagan issues, but no engrained traditions. So three small issues are seen here in this passage: 1. Some felt they could eat everything. 2. Some were abstaining from food, and then thirdly, 3. The observation of special days (most scholars believe this is referring to Jewish holidays, not the weekly Sabbath.) So Paul puts these people into two categories: Chapter 14 (the weak) and in Chapter 15 (the strong). This is not necessarily derogatory, just a reference to those who have not yet embraced full freedom in Christ.

Here is way this passage is so important! During the course of Church history, lesser things have divided churches! It’s important to be unified for the gospel of Jesus Christ while standing on our personal convictions that personally exult Christ in its own way! The problem is addressed, we shouldn’t look down upon other’s personal convictions, but welcome and receive them. We have many different faiths at Oak Hill who have become Baptist because that’s their conviction now, but maybe not initially! We don’t look down upon other denominations, we just have our convictions. Now, I fully believe we should evangelize the lost, and combat false teaching, and cult groups, but I don’t believe this passage is referring to that at all. This is referring to born again believers, the Church, who had differences.

Work to Reassure (Romans 14:4) We are to build each other up! 1 Thess. 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” Work to reassure other believers that we serve an audience of one, God! He is the one that matters. We have a mission, the Great Commission, and don’t have time to be bogged down in trivial affairs. The churches that become concerned about the small things have lost their focus on the Great Commission, evangelism and disciple making!

Wholeheartedly Respond (Romans 14:5) Listen to the end of verse 5, “each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.” You would think that Paul would come out and say, “don’t sweat the small stuff, let it go guys!” Instead his command to the church at Rome was to find your conviction! When I first thought about this, I thought, Paul you’re throwing fuel on the fire! This is what I believe Paul is saying. These matters do not matter on the big scale of salvation, but it is important to have convictions that help you in your relationship with Christ! Stand on that! Passiveness may be peaceful, but conviction when operated in love is strong in Christ! A fearful world needs a strong Church! Make a decision! The road of life is paved with flat squirrels who couldn’t make a decision. Here are some helpful criteria when establishing convictions on small issues.