Following faith

(Rom. 14:13-23)

Introduction: Last Sunday’s sermon title was ‘Adiaphora’ based on Rom. 14:1-12. Because we received eternal life freely, we should not criticize or disdain other brothers and sisters because of minor issues such as eating meet or observing certain days. The minor issues in our spiritual life are called adiaphora issues. Those who regard one day special do so to the Lord, and those who eat meet eat to the Lord. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord because Jesus died for us. At the same time, we should remember that on the Judgment Day God will judge all our deeds good or bad, even hidden things. Today’s passage is Rom. 14:13-23. Paul is teaching us not to criticize other brothers and to control ourselves for other brothers following faith. Everything that does not come from faith is sin.

1) Love in Christ (13-16): Criticizing other brothers and sisters on small things is not very good while we have received eternal life freely. If the issue is related to important things such as the gospel and the doctrine of salvation, then we should evaluate the situation and take appropriate actions. Another thing we should remember is that Jesus died not only for me but also for other brothers and sisters. Therefore, we should be considerate for others. We can enjoy the freedom in Christ, but use the freedom to serve others. If we love Christ, we should also love other brothers and sisters.

2) Peace and help (17-20): In God’s kingdom food is not the most important thing. We need the same understanding in the church. The righteousness due to the blood of Christ, peace with God in the love of Christ, and joy through our salvation are all important things in heaven. The more we understand the love of God, the more we love other people. Thus, spiritually matured Christians have peace with God and with people, also help other people in need. It is beautiful to sacrifice ourselves for other people in Christ.

 
3) Faith and knowledge (21-23): It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that may cause someone to stumble. It means we abstain and control ourselves for other believers. If we think we should enjoy the freedom in the gospel, we need to think about other believers who may be offended by our freedom. That is self-control in Christ as a matured Christian. At the same time those who are lacking the knowledge about eating meat should gain the necessary knowledge about godly Christian life. We need faith not only when we are saved but also in our everyday life. Christian life is by faith from the first to the last (Rom. 1:17) and the faith come from the word of God (Rom. 10:17). Thank you and God bless you.