Romans 14:2-4

 

Romans 14:2-4

For God is Able to Make Him Stand

 

Rom 14:2  For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.

Rom 14:3  Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.

Rom 14:4  Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.

 

1. The Great Division – vs. 2
1. There are those that feel free to exercise their Christian liberty in a particular area

                                                              i.      Paul often condemned those that wanted to put others in subjection to their own strict, personal rules

1.      Galatians 2:11-16 

2. There are those that are weaker in the faith and feel the need to practice special discipline in a particular area. Those disciplines can be called convictions or standards.

                                                              i.      Paul often showed deference to those that followed the Levitical laws and would often personally participate with them in their practices.

1.      Acts 21:21-26 

2. The Consequences of the Great Division – vs. 3
1. One brother may be convinced that certain foods are harmful, and another believes they are fine. The important thing is that we treat each other equally and with respect.

                                                              i.      The person with the lower (or less strict) standard should not despise the one with the higher (or stricter) standard.

1.      1 Corinthians 8:8-13 

                                                            ii.      The person with the higher (or stricter) standard should not judge the one with the lower (or less strict) standard.

1.      Colossians 2:16-18 

2. Whether you are the believer with the stricter standards or the believer with the less strict standards you are embraced by God.

                                                              i.      Romans 8:31-34 

3. The Resolution to the Great Division – vs. 4
1. The answer to this great problem in the church is to look every man on his own things and not worry about solving your brother’s problems. Paul gives us three things to remember to help us when this kind of conflict arises.

                                                              i.      You are not your brother’s judge

1.      James 4:11-12 

                                                            ii.      The success of your brother’s walk in Christ is not dependent on you

1.      1 Peter 1:5 

                                                          iii.      God is the one who leads and guides your brother

1.      Jude 1:24-25