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Notes on Romans 14:1-23
Influence By: Joseph Norris
Drop a pebble in the water, And it's ripples reach out far;
And the sunbeams dancing on them May reflect them a star.
Give a smile to someone passing, Thereby making his morning glad;
It may greet you in the evening, When your own heart may be sad.
Do a deed of simple kindness; Though its end you may not see,
It may reach, like widening ripples, Down a long eternity
Introduction: John Wesley was asked why he preached
so often on, "Ye must be born again." He answered, "Because ye must be
born again." Have YOU been born again? Without it, you have no hope of
escaping the
terrors of hell or enjoying the glories of heaven. The Lord Jesus
said, "Ye must be born again," (John 3:7).
Romans chapter 14 has a Great theme.
Every baby crawls before it walks. The Baby starts by getting its
nourishment from milk before it can bit the tough food.
Some Christian organizations turn younger
Christians off, they leave church because of the way the church
or pastor acted toward them. Even heard of one church that said
they didn’t want any children in their church because they would tear it
up after all the work they had done on the building.
The whole idea of church is to teach soul about
Christ, so the Gospel can be carried on. You cut down the
chances for the Lord to be able to deal with the younger Christian.
If they are not in the fellowship of other
believers the world will kept them from being a witness.
On an average one person can
give you at least ten names and address. Each one of those can give
ten other names and address. Real quickly his is a thousand
souls. Each name represents a family.
See what a big responsibility a strong Christian has.
Spurgeon would not have
possibly been saved on a snowy winter night in a Methodist church if the
preacher had never been saved.
With God all things are
possible. Mat 19:26; Mark 9:23; Mark 10:27;
Luke 1:37; Luke 18:27.
Lets just thank for a moment or two. All of the Great Church Leaders
and speakers had to hear the Gospel from someone before they were saved.
Romans
10:9-15; Acts 8:30-35. R.A. Torrey, Finley, D.L. Moody, Billy Sunday,
Billy Graham, C.H. Spurgeon, John Gill, and ECT. Think of all of The translations
to English and commentaries
that might not have been done if one person had not remembered Romans
10:9-15. Most churches never tell a person
much less make sure they are making a confession of faith or know how to
be saved. In other words they never tell the one that come forward how
to be saved.
The Greatest harm in Christendom is to
put down or criticize a Christian’s work that you have not personally read.
The old saying is don’t say anything unless you have walked in their shoes.
There are men that will not go to church
because they have long hair or their body is pierced.
The church condemns them. If you cannot get the gospel to them,
they will never get saved. Our founding fathers
of the USA wore wigs and powered them. Some states and the countries
the judges and Lawyers still do. Paul’s
point, if it offends a brother don’t do it.
You have to keep them where
they can hear and be encouraged to study God’s word. Paul stressed that
God could take care of those problem. It is between the person and the
Lord. The preacher preaches, teachers teaches,
and study all in love. If you run them away you could lose you chance
for the Spirit of Christ to use your talents
to deal with them. It has to be the Holy Spirit not you on your
own. You are God’s tool.
Before radio and television
and the printing press, the word of God in written form was hard to come
by. Then there was the printing press, which has allowed for the Spirit
leading some Spirit filled leaders to publish many English translations,
commentaries, Lexicon, bible dictionaries, and many other Christian works
which has lead to
the salvation of many a soul by spreading God’s word. My greatest
fear is that some churches are teaching that
only one translation is God’s word, when in the real world it is
only a translation equal to a commentary, study bible
or a preacher's sermon. Don’t let someone take the joy God intended
you to experience by telling you not to read this or that. There was a
period that the Roman church and the Church of England band the bible possesion
saying the common man could not understand it. Even priest did not have
the bible to preach from. Remember if someone is able to get a negative
review on television that person could be so powerful they could harm your
freedom to
worship. They would like to dictate to you your religion. You and
only you are responsibly for the way you believe.
Christ died and rose to be Lord and Master of all who believe. God
is putting the sin offering at your door.
Christ will not save your soul until you accept him as your saviour.
Just simply say and mean it from the heart.
"Lord I cannot save myself. If I am going
to change and go to Heaven you have to come into my life's heart and
soul and save me. It is up to
you Lord, I am too sinful to have any part in my salvation.
Thanks you Lord for saving my
soul for all eternity."
If you are saved start praying for a friend
or family member to be saved, then start telling them about Jesus.
ou have the power of the Holy Spirit indwelling you therefore
you have the power of God on your side.
John 5:6 NLT And
Jesus Christ was revealed as God’s Son by his baptism in water and by shedding
his blood on the cross
—not by water only, but by water and blood. And the Spirit also gives us
the testimony that this is true.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers,
Inc.) 1996.
For this study I am using The
New Living Translation.
It seems the KJV takes more explaining.
The KJV has so many added words. Words in italic in the KJV are
added words or the are not in the oldest manuscripts. I like
the KJV. There are numbers that workout in the KJV that don’t in the others.
Enjoy.
Romans 14:1-23
The Living Translation
Roman 14:1 Accept Christians
who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think
is right or wrong.
Notes:
1. Give a warm welcome to any brother in the lord. The bible talks about
fellow believers are
call brethren because all believers are children of God.
John 1:11 NLT
Even in his own land and among his own people, he was not accepted.
12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become
children of God.
13 They are reborn! This is not a physical birth resulting from human passion
or plan
—this rebirth comes from God.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers,
Inc.) 1996.
2. All that believe in the substitutional Sacrifice of Christ for their
salvation are called brothers
and sisters in the Lord.
3. In a family the babies do a lot of crawling before they are strong enough
to walk. The babies are
weak.
4. Other family members don’t criticize them, they just help them become
strong enough to walk.
5. Regardless of their strength we are not to discourage them.
Romans 14:2-3 2 For instance,
one person believes it is all right to eat anything. But another believer
who has a sensitive conscience
will eat only vegetables.
3 Those who think it is all right to eat anything must not look down on
those who won’t. And those who won’t eat
certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted
them.
Notes:
1. Paul use meat that had been offered or they were not taking any chances
to idols.
Some would be offended and the strong believer should refrain from eating
in front of the weaker.
At the same time neither side should criticize the other for eating meat
or not.
2. A strong believer is one that understood the liberties of the Salvation
God gave them.
Paul is not talking about known sins.
3. The family of God ( the local church )(
the
invisible church, the saved that have crossed over
before, "died". It also includes the ones that will be saved in the church
age in the future. )
The visible church includes some that are professing Christian and the
truly saved believers.
All of theses should get along we will be in heaven together if they have
accepted Christ as
saviour.
4. Christ died for the strong church going Christian and the weak ones
that may not be going to
church. It is each believer’s duty to help the weak in a loving way.
There are pastors that will not visit souls that have been at their church
and are not coming
any more. They don’t even know why they are not coming. These souls and
their bodies may
be Sick. I have this friend I once worked with his mother was attending
a church one Sunday
at the first of the month she was sick. Well the pastor’s wife came by
not to check on whether
she was sick or not. This pastor’s wife just wanted her tithes. The sick
lady wrote her a check.
The pastor’s wife took the check never said thank you, much less Prayed
for her to get well.
Well the pastor doesn’t have a church that church is not there.
Gal 6:7 NLT
Don’t be misled. Remember that you can’t ignore God and get away with it.
You will always reap what you sow!
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers,
Inc.) 1996.
5. The Strong and weak are saved and kept the same way.
John 14:6 NLT
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come
to the Father except through me.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL:
Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.) 1996.
6. Christ took care of their salvation in the cross also.
Romans 14:4 Who are you
to condemn God’s servants? They are responsible to the Lord, so let him
tell them whether they are
right or wrong. The Lord’s power will help them do as they should.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers,
Inc.) 1996.
Notes:
1. Who servants are the believers? They are God’s.
Servants under Jewish Law had many rights much like our jobs of today in
the USA. In many
case they had the right of inheritance. They could not be mistreated.
In america most people think as servant as slave. When we think of a slave
a person taken
against their will and beaten and mistreated.
2. Can you pass judgment on another man's servants or today another person’s
employee or family
members?
3. We make judgment calls everyday of our life. This is not what Paul is
talking about. He is
talking about judgments that carry the pain of condemnation to the point
of punishment or
an argument to the intensity of the church splitting kind.
The believer can still contend for the Faith on scriptural grounds subject
that are beyond a doubt.
Romans 14:5-6 In
the same way, some think one day is more holy than another day, while others
think every day is alike.
Each person should have a personal conviction about this matter.
6 Those who have a special day for worshiping the Lord are trying to honor
him. Those who eat all kinds of food do so
to honor the Lord, since they give thanks to God before eating. And those
who won’t eat everything also want to
please the Lord and give thanks to God
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers,
Inc.) 1996.
Notes:
1. Some back there as well as today believe in special days. If God is
no respector of persons
then he doesn’t set aside special days since Christ death and resurrection
changed all of
these days. In the Old Testaments days the special days saved no one they
were just
schoolmaster. ( Acts 19:9; Gal 3:24-25. )
Verses relating to special days. Deut. 10:17; 2 Chr
19:7; Job 34:19; Acts 10:34;
Romans 2:11; Gal 2:6; Eph 6:9; Col 3:25; 1 Peter 1:17.
2. Paul is saying there is nothing wrong with having a special days or
day for the Lord. Also Paul
states that it is ok too not have special days.
3. Do any of these meats, drink, special days, or ceremonies saved any
one’s soul? NO.
Eph 2:8-9 NLT
8 God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can’t
take credit for this; it is a gift from God.
9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of
us can boast about it.
10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus,
so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers,
Inc.) 1996.
Salvation is by Grace Gods free Gift.
Romans 6:22 NLT
22 But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of
God.
Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life.
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free
gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers,
Inc.) 1996.
From the Word of God’s point of view the salvation of your soul is but
the free gift Christ
died for. If God does the saving the He does the keeping by sending His
seal.
2 Cor 1:22; Eph 1:13; Eph 4:30; 2 Tim 2:19.
Eph 4:30-32 NLT 30 And do not bring
sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live.
Remember, he is the one who has identified you as his own,
guaranteeing
that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander
as well as all types of malicious behavior.
32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,
just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers,
Inc.) 1996.
The Salvation of our soul doesn’t depend on church membership, baptism,
or doing anything.
If you are reading this and don’t know that you are saved God is extending
His hand
through Jesus Christ, just accept the Gift Christ died for so you might
have eternal life.
God and only God are you responsible too. Your salvation is between you
and your saviour.
Everyone that is saved should know if they are saved.
4. These decision about the meat, drink, special days, and the salvation
of your soul has to be
the believers own. It must be pleasing to God.
Heb 11:6 NLT 6 So, you see, it is impossible
to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him
must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely
seek him.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers,
Inc.) 1996.
The whole Hebrews chapter eleven tells of the faith of the bible great's.
5. If the believers have special day it is for worshiping the Lord. This
is a righteous act.
6. In Verse 5 everyday alike ( alike ) is
an added word even in the KJV.
7. The Jews in their upbringing grow eating meat prepare in a manner
they call Kosher.
There were certain meats that were said to be unclean. Remember they did
not have a
copy of the book of Acts.
Peter’s vision of a great sheet. Acts 10:9-22.
8. Paul states that if you gave thanks to God it would be ok.
9. The righteousness of one heart toward God is the Key. Both Strong and
Weak are trying to
please God. Heb 11:6. They have Salvation
by Grace, that is not in danger. It is their growth,
becoming a productive Christian. Remember the Holy Spirit can be quenched
or smothered.
1 Thess 5:19.
A productive Christian will appear filled with the Spirit. The Spirit of
God will be shinning
through their life.
Luke 1:67; Acts 2:2-4; Acts 4:8; Acts 4:8; Acts 9:17;
Acts 13:9; Acts 13:52;
Romans 8:4; Eph 3:19; Eph 5:18.
Romans 14:7-9 For we are
not our own masters when we live or when we die.
8 While we live, we live to please the Lord. And when we die, we go to
be with the Lord. So in life and in death,
we belong to the Lord.
9 Christ died and rose again for this very purpose, so that he might be
Lord of those who are alive and
of those who have died.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers,
Inc.) 1996.
Notes:
1. The believer is not their own boss.
If you are lost you belong to your father the Devil.
John 8:43-44 NLT
43 Why can’t you understand what I am saying? It is because you are unable
to do so!
44 For you are the children of your father the Devil, and you love to do
the evil things he does.
He was a murderer from the beginning and has always hated the truth. There
is no truth in
him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar
and the father of lies.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers,
Inc.) 1996.
2. If you are a believer you belong to your Father God through Christ Jesus
God’s only begotten son.
John 3:16 NLT
16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone
who believes in him will not perish
but have eternal life.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers,
Inc.) 1996.
John 10:26-30 NLT But
you don’t believe me because you are not part of my flock.
27 My sheep recognize my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch
them away from me,
29 for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone
else.
So no one can take them from me.
30 The Father and I are one.”
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers,
Inc.) 1996.
3. Since Christ died and arose Christ earned the right to be both Lord
And Master over
the Dead and The Living.
4. If we belong to God He has given us eternal life.
1 John 5:10-15
5. Verse 8 the Living Christian and the Christians that their bodies died.
Death means separation of the soul and spirit from some thing or some one.
This case it is the body died but the soul and spirit lives on.
6. This Lord and Mastership was Christ purpose. Don't waste the time in
your life
that you could be enjoying your salvation that God has given the ones that
accept
God's free gift.
Romans 14:10 So why do you condemn
another Christian? Why do you look down on another Christian? Remember,
each of us will stand personally before the judgment seat of God.
Notes:
1. Again the believers are all born into the family of God. 1
Cor 15:1-11
John 3:3-8 NLT Jesus
replied, “I assure you, unless you are born again,
you can never see the Kingdom of God.”
4 “What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back
into his mother’s womb
and be born again?”
5 Jesus replied, “The truth is, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without
being born of water
and the Spirit.
6 Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives new life
from heaven.
7 So don’t be surprised at my statement that you
must be born again.
8 Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where
it is going,
so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.”
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers,
Inc.) 1996.
2. Why do you judge your brother? The judgment Paul is talking about is
of the intensity
which would condemn one to a form punishment as a result of the judgment.
Some people use these verses as a reason not to sue someone. It is wrong
if the person is going to harm another. God will always get vengeance.
This is all done
in Christian love. It is better to respect their wishes rather than lose
them from the fellowship.
3. Mat 7:1-2 NLT “Stop judging others,
and you will not be judged. 2 For others will treat you as you treat them.
Whatever measure you use in judging others, it will be used to measure
how you are judged.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers,
Inc.) 1996.
4. We as Christians should never look down on anyone. Except br the Grace
of God here go I.
We have been in times pass or could be in the future in the same position.
Mat 7:3; Luke 6:41
5. Each believer is saved by the same Christ.
John 14:6 NLT
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can
come to the Father except through me.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers,
Inc.) 1996
6. All believers are saved by the Grace of God. Each believer will stand
before the judgment
seat of God ( Christ ). 1 Cor 3:13-16; 1 Cor
4:5.
The judgment seat of Christ is where rewards are handed out for righteous
works.
All souls at this judgment are saved by the blood of Christ, it is not
to settle on the salvation
of their souls.
The Great White Throne judgment is where souls are in bad shape. If you
are judged here
your next destination, which is for eternity, is the Lake of fire ( hell
).
There is not any second opportunity. You can pay a preacher or priest all
of the money
in this world, it just will not work to save them from hell once they die
or the rapture comes.
You need Jesus on your side. Romans 8:34.
Remember you have heard the Gospel if you
are reading this set of notes. 1 Cor 15:1-11.
If the knee has not bowed to Christ by now that is the reason you will
be here, every
knee will bow. Rev 20:11-15.
Remember the key is your name in The Lamb's Book of Life?
7. We as Christians are to judge ourselves.
1 Cor 11:31-32
A true Christian is a soul that that is trusting Christ Jesus for the salvation
of their soul.
They have committed their soul to Him for safe keeping.
2 Tim 1:12 NLT
And that is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of
it, for I know the one in whom I trust,
and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him
until the day of his return.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers,
Inc.) 1996.
8. Summary of Judgments.
A1. Believer's sin judge in the cross of Christ. John
12:31
A2. Believer's self-judgment 1 Cor 11:31
A3. Judgment of believer's personal works for rewards. 2
Cor 5:10
A4. Judgment of individual Gentiles at the return of Christ to the earth
Mat
25:32
A5. Judgment of Israel at the return of Christ to the earth. Eze
20:37
A6. Judgment of angels after a the thousand years. Jude
1:6
A7. Judgment of the wicked dead at the end of the present earth.
Romans 14:11-12 For the Scriptures
say,“ ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, "very knee will bow to me and
every tongue
will confess allegiance to God.’ ”
12 Yes, each of us will have to give a personal account to God.
Notes:
1. For it is written Isa 45:23 NLT. I
have sworn by my own name, and I will never go back on my word:
Every knee will bow to me, and every tongue will confess allegiance to
my name.”
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers,
Inc.) 1996.
2. Isa 45:24-25 NLT The people
will declare, “The Lord is the source of
all my righteousness and strength.”
And all who were angry with him will come to him and be ashamed.
25 In the Lord all the generations
of Israel will be justified, and in him they will boast.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers,
Inc.) 1996.
3. There is no means out if you have not received Christ as your Saviour.
You are an
individual and will personally have to give account, if you have not accepted
Christ as the
sacrifice for you sins then that is why you will be at the Great White
Throne Judgment.
The Great White Throne Judgment is the last stop for the one that are lost
because they never
accepted Christ as Saviour. If you are saved by Christ work then you will
be judge at the
Judgment seat of Christ for works or lack of work. You have already been
saved if you
are here.
4. If you are saved by accepting the fact Christ died to pay your sin debt
and arose again the
third day, and then now is seated at the right hand of God the Father.
Psalm 110:1; Acts 7:55-56; 1 Cor 15:24-25; 1 Peter
3:22; Rev 3:20
Acts 7:55-56 NLT But Stephen, full of the
Holy Spirit, gazed steadily upward into heaven and saw the glory of God,
and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand.
56 And he told them, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man
standing in the place of
honor at God’s right hand!”
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers,
Inc.) 1996.
For Christ to be your personal intercessor, you have to the believe in
the authority
of the name of the son of God. That means Christ came into the world to
save sinners,
you just have to as his forgiveness, repent and make him Lord and Master
in your heart.
AUTHOR'ITY, n. [L. auctoritas.]
1. Legal power, or a right to command or to act;
as the authority of a
prince over subjects, and of parents over children. Power; rule; sway.
2. The power derived from opinion, respect or esteem;
influence of
character or office; credit; as the authority of age or example, which
is submitted to or respected, in some measure, as a law, or rule of
action.
That which is claimed in justification or support of opinions and
measures.
3. Testimony; witness; or the person who testifies; as, the Gospels or
the
evangelists are our authorities for the miracles of Christ.
4. Weight of testimony; credibility; as a historian of no authority.
5. Weight of character; respectability; dignity; as a magistrate of great
authority in the city.
6. Warrant; order; permission.
By what authority doest thou these things. Mat
21. Acts 9.
7. Precedents, decisions of a court, official declarations, respectable
opinions and says, also the books that contain them,
are call authorities, as they influence the opinions of others;
and in law, the decisions of supreme courts have a binding force upon
inferior courts, and are called authorities.
8. Government; the persons or the body exercising power or command;
as the local authorities of the states.
In Connecticut, the justices of the peace are denominated the
civil authority.
Noah Webster's 1828 Dictionary of American English
Yes Christ died thereby purchasing the power. He also through His ancestry
has the
Legal right.
If you are saved you have personally meet Christ and His Spirit lives in
you.
How can all of this happen and you not know about the all-powerful God
living in
your heart.
Romans 14:13 So don’t condemn
each other anymore. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will
not put an obstacle in another
Christian’s path.
Notes:
1. Paul is not telling the believers not to contend for the faith Jude
1:3
2. Why argue about things that there is not a clear answer.
3. The theme here is to not cause your brother in the Lord to stumble.
The thought is as if you were walking and caught your toes under something
that caused
you to fall. This fall is of such intensity as to either be eternal ( everlasting
) damage or
have great difficulty getting back up.
You may even require help reversing the effects from the stumble, one may
not recover from
the fall.
1 Cor 3:15 NLT But if the work is burned
up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builders themselves will be
saved,
but like someone escaping through a wall of flames.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers,
Inc.) 1996.
4. How we as brother and sisters in Christ treat other Strong or weak in
God's family can be a
blessing or a curse.
Gal 6:7 NLT
Don’t be misled. Remember that you can’t ignore God and get away with it.
You will always reap what you sow!
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers,
Inc.) 1996.
5. I have a friend, a fellow Christian, young Christian
who has since this story has become
a pastor in a field that is wide open. A church that is experiencing urban
change. There is a
mission field in our neighbor hoods. The church he was a member of was
changing from a
mission church to a Local independent self-supporting church. At this point
the new church
had to officially had to vote on the pastor. He convinced most of his family
plus his wife's family
to vote against this pastor staying. Things went God's way the young preacher
lost. This
young man lost more in the long term. His family has gone from regular
attendance to not
coming at all because they voted against what they felt was right. No one
has held a grudge;
the church voted that was the end. This means his children and Grand children,
which live
one hundred fifty miles from his church, are not in church. The chances
of their salvation goes
down each day older they become. The Lord used the pastor he voted against
to get him started
in bible seminary. As a result he now has this church the Lord has given
him charge over.
6. Even if you know it is right don't do it in front of that brother if
he thinks it is wrong.
Roman 14:14 I know and am perfectly
sure on the authority of the Lord Jesus that no food, in and of itself,
is wrong to eat.
But if someone believes it is wrong, then for that person it is wrong.
Notes:
1. Paul was convinced by the Authority of the Lord Christ Jesus that it
was ok to eat meat offered
to idols and to drink wine.
2. If a brother doesn't feel comfortable eating this meat then it is unclean
to him. The eating and
drinking wine and not keeping special day to him will be sin. Paul never
said the weak
Christian sinned to God just to the believer it was sin.
3. Some churches would ask one to leave that got happy in the Lord.
Other churches would get on to the children for clapping their hands. These
people are going to
be surprise in the here after.
4. We are not to condemn a brother if they do these things or if they don't.
5. In the believer's hereafter there will be a lot of soul that will
be sore at first if we could have
sore muscles in Heaven. There will be lots of shouting, lots of hand raising
showing you are
receiving a blessing, lots of hand clapping, and lots of dancing.
King David dance naked in the streets in praise of God.
We are not talking about bar room dancing. 2
Sam 6:14,20-23
Ecc 3:1-8 There is
Time
for every thing.
6. We are to act as if we are already in Heaven. Enjoy your salvation don't
let someone take that joy
away from you.
Romans 14:15 And if another
Christian is distressed by what you eat, you are not acting in love if
you eat it.
Don’t let your eating ruin someone for whom Christ died.
Notes:
1. Don't let a brother get into difficulty or even sin by something you
do. Demonstrate a little
Christian love by refraining from performing it.
2. Something as simple as what you are eating or drinking could ruin someone
Christ died for.
How could a weak Christian be ruined when they are saved for eternality?
B1. You could cause them to never go to church again. Heb
10:25.
B2. Get disgusted never study the word again.
B3. All of this happens and they never witness- Spread the Gospel.
B4. Their Children never hear the word of God; their childrenend their
lives by going to Hell.
This is repeated to their Grandchildren on, on , and on.
B5. They have trouble reading the KJV, but the preacher is discouraging
them from any
other translations. The leaders are telling weaker Christians not to read
certain materials
when in reality the one telling everyone not to read has not read and study
it themselves.
2 Tim 2:15
The bible before the Geneva bible was kept under so to speak lock and key.
Church leaders didn't want the masses having their interpretation of the
bible apart from
the Church which wanted to control the church members. No doubt many souls
were
lose to Satan. Martin Luther after reading and studying the bible and nailed
a letter to
the church door.
This happen when God's people read His word prayerfully.
3. Most people think the Word is too hard to study.
Acts 8:30 NLT
Philip ran over and heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah; so he
asked,
“Do you understand what you are reading?”
31 The man replied, “How can I, when there is no one to instruct me?”
And he begged Philip to come up into the carriage and sit with him.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers,
Inc.) 1996.
We are to check things out in the Word for ourselves. 2
Tim 2:15.
Also the believers are told to stick together. There is strength in numbers.
Heb 10:25; Mat 18:20
Romans 14:16 Then you will not
be condemned for doing something you know is all right.
Notes:
1. A man's reputation is beyond price if it is a good one. One wrong act
will ruin the work of a life
time. It is just like a self-righteous man's past righteousness will not
make up for one sin.
It takes repentance.
Eze 33:13 NLT
When I tell righteous people that they will live, but then they sin,
expecting their past righteousness to save them,
then none of their good deeds will be remembered.
I will destroy them for their sins.
14 And suppose I tell some wicked people that they will surely die,
but then they turn from their sins and do what is just and right.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers,
Inc.) 1996.
2. It is similar to self-righteousness all it takes is to condemn your
soul to Hell is an one
occasion to sin.
Adam's sin and sin nature is passed to each one of the human race. Romans
5:12.
3. Adam and Eve were innocence. This means the knew neither Good or Evil.
These
had knowledge of neither one. They didn't need to know God was taking care
of everything.
Genesis 2:9; Gen 2:17;
Gen 3:3-6.
4. Don't give a brother any reason that will cause him to speak bad of
something Good.
This puts a person in a appalling position. In time he will think how silly
he looked, this could
have an affect on his Christian fellowship. Every Christian ( a believer
) has a place for
improvement. The believer can always get closer to God.
Romans 14:17-18 For the Kingdom
of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of
goodness and peace and joy in
the Holy Spirit.
18 If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God. And other
people will approve of you, too.
Notes:
1. The Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, joy in the Holy Spirit,
it is not food and drink.
1 Cor 11:21-22 NLT
21 For I am told that some of you hurry to eat your own meal without sharing
with others.
As a result, some go hungry while others get drunk.
22 What? Is this really true? Don’t you have your own homes for eating
and drinking?
Or do you really want to disgrace the church of God and shame the poor?
What am I supposed to say about these things? Do you want me to praise
you?
Well, I certainly do not!
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers,
Inc.) 1996.
The subject of drinking Wine. Many Groups have written many a book and
preached a sermon trying to demonstrate that the wine in the bible was
Grape
juice. Wine is Grape juice fermented. The mention of a new wine in a new
sheep
skin so it can expand. Here Paul is telling them not to get drunk. It has
the power
to make one drunk. A Christian is not to lose control of their body. Your
body is
for God's use. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit that lives in
the
believer. 1 Cor 3:16.
2. Do you Believe God is all powerful or is He limited? God is only
limited by the believer letting
or not letting himself be used of The Spirit of Christ ( Holy Spirit ).
3. With a believe that trust in God all thing are possible Because with
God all thing are possible.
But with man things are limited. Mark 9:33, Mark
14:36; Mark 19:26; Luke 18:27
4. If God is all knowing, all powerful, and everywhere at once, Paul believes
God can handle these
problems. If you believe Christ is who He said He is then let Christ settle
you problems
Romans 14:19 So then, let us
aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.
Notes:
1. A Christian is to work for peace while also trying to educate each other.
Prayer is the way to
sort things out. At all times we need to turn things over to the Lord.
Romans 14:20 Don’t tear apart
the work of God over what you eat. Remember, there is nothing wrong with
these things in themselves.
But it is wrong to eat anything if it makes another person stumble.
Notes:
1. Paul is not talking about destroying ones salvation, by Christ work
at the cross.
Paul states this in his writing.
1 Tim 1:15 NLT This
is a true saying, and everyone should believe it: Christ Jesus came into
the world to save
sinners—and I was the worst of them all.
16 But that is why God had mercy on me, so that Christ Jesus
could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst
sinners. Then others will
realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.
17 Glory and honor to God forever and ever. He is the eternal King, the
unseen one who never dies;
he alone is God. Amen.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers,
Inc.) 1996.
2. If Christian are of one mind and one accord, Great things happen
Acts
2:1
Mat 18:19-20 NLT
“I also tell you this:
If two of you agree down here on earth concerning anything you ask,
my Father in heaven will do it for you.
20 For where two or three gather together because they are mine, I am there
among them.”
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers,
Inc.) 1996.
The Devil knows this.
3. Something as simple as a piece of meat or drink could make a brother
stumble.
If it happens it is like dominoes others start to fall also. You will affect
his family and friends.
Acts 16:31-32 NLT
They replied, “Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with
your entire household.”
32 Then they shared the word of the Lord with him and all who lived in
his household.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers,
Inc.) 1996.
4. Everything in the Church belongs to the Lord. What one possess is given
from the Lord.
Romans 14:21 Don’t eat meat
or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another Christian to
stumble.
Notes:
1. In Paul's teachings and writings the use of things they understood and
could relate the most.
The doing of the teaching this way made the Gospel so simple.
2. Not only does he refer to meat and wine ( Grape juice as we know it
today is pasteurized )
but to anything that would offend a brother and make him sin.
It was not until Dr Welch pasteurized The Fruit of the vine did we have
nonalcoholic,
Grape juice that will not make you drunk.
3. Paul being inspired of God tells the reader the issue is not whether
doing it or not is good or
bad. It is bad if it hurts the growth of a brother.
Romans 14:22 You may have the
faith to believe that there is nothing wrong with what you are doing,
but keep it between yourself and God.
Blessed are those who do not condemn themselves by doing something they
know is all right.
Notes:
1. There is nothing wrong about being bold in the Faith. Paul is trying
to get his readers to see that
it must be done in Christian love.
2. Church buildings are built by believers stepping out on Faith.
3. There is many thing wrong when a believer starts for ego sake saying
he has more faith than the
weaker Christian.
4. God has His way of taking care of that problem too. James
2:18.
Romans 14:23 But if people have
doubts about whether they should eat something, they shouldn’t eat it.
They would be condemned for not acting in faith before God. If you do anything
you believe is not right, you are sinning.
Notes:
1. Paul has repeatedly made reference to the souls altitude.
Some of this is from their background.
2. Nothing happens overnight, look how long in Egypt it took to shape the
nation of Israel. Plus
Forty years in the wilderness.
3. In the believer's mind, if he believes it is a sin to him it is!
He will not have peace until the Lord
convinces that it is all right.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers,
Inc.) 1996.
The
faith mention is not about losing one salvation from God. The finish product
of Christ work at the cross.
John 1:12; John 3:16; John 3:18
Committed against that day.
Romans 4:21; Romans 8:38-39; Heb 6:9; 2 Tim 1:12.
Suffering For The Salvation Of Another.
by TGIF-Today God Is First, Copyright 2002, Os Hillman; 3/10/2002
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute
you and falsely
say all kinds of evil against you because
of Me. Matthew 5:11
Recently, a friend told a true story about one
of his closest friends who experienced great suffering for the soul
of his persecutor. This man worked on a cargo ship. His boss was
the captain. This friend was a committed
Christian who shared his faith with others and was a good worker.
One day the friend led the seas captain's
girlfriend to Christ. The sea captain already hated and ridiculed
the Christian worker because of his faith in Christ.
When his girlfriend came to Christ, she stopped sleeping with the
captain. The captain blamed the Christian man
for the change in his girlfriend. One day he entered the restaurant
where the Christian man was having lunch. He walked over to his table and
began hurling obscenities and began beating him. The Christian man simply
tried to defend himself but did not fight back. The captain kept beating
him until eventually the man lay on the floor bleeding.
Two men entered that restaurant and saw what
was taking place. They jumped the sea captain and took him outside and
began beating him. The sea captain was beaten so badly that he needed immediate
medical attention. The Christian worker saw the condition of the sea captain,
came to his aid, and began helping him. The sea captain was so moved that
this man could do this after he had literally beaten him bloody that he
began to weep, not understanding what could move a man to have such love
in the face of being beaten. The sea captain accepted
Jesus at that moment.
The Bible tells us that while we were yet sinners
Christ came and paid our penalty so that we might live eternally. Many
in the marketplace have never known the love of Christ. You might be the
only one they ever meet who can introduce them to this love. Ask God to
show you how to love the unlovable in your workplace today.
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