Romans 14:1

 

Romans 14:1

Embrace those that are Weak in the Faith with Love

 Rom 14:1  Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.

1. There are Those that are Weak in the Faith
1. Everyone has the same Holy Spirit

                                                              i.      1 John 2:20 

2. Not everyone is mature in the following areas – there is levels of maturity in the faith

                                                              i.      Trained talent

1.      Ephesians 4:11-12 

                                                            ii.      Temperament

                                                          iii.      Discipline

1.      1 Corinthians 9:24-27 

                                                          iv.      Experience in the Body of Christ

1.      Galatians 3:1-3 

                                                            v.      Teaching we have received

1.      1 Corinthians 3:1-3 

2. We are to Embrace the Struggling
1. The instruction here is not to simply tolerate, but to embrace, with our hearts, those that might not be as mature as us

                                                              i.      Matthew 18:1-6 

3. Learn the Difference Between Dialogue and Debate
1. Dialogue is only for believers. When dealing with those that are teaching heresy a stronger stance is necessary.

                                                              i.      2 John 1:9-11 

2. Debate

                                                              i.      Seeks victory at any cost

                                                            ii.      Starts with the assumption you are completely right

                                                          iii.      Seeks to humiliate the opponent

                                                          iv.      Is not interested in truth

                                                            v.      Has no desire to learn

3. Dialogue

                                                              i.      Seeks the betterment of all involved

                                                            ii.      Seeks to elevate others

                                                          iii.      Starts with the assumption there maybe something you need to learn

                                                          iv.      Seeks to grow in the truth

4. All dialogue should have this as its end goal

                                                              i.      Ephesians 4:15-16