Romans 14

The Issue of the gray area has long caused unnecessary divisions amongst believers. Clearly it was an issue that arose amongst the 1st century believers and it remains an issue until this day. The Bible gives us two types of believers in chapters 14 and into 15. Rom. 15:1 “We then that are strong” and Rom. 14:1 “Him that is weak in the faith”.

Many Christians have the false notion that the observation of rules shows a strong faith, but the reality is, that the opposite is true...

Colossians 2:18–23 KJV 1900

Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

Oh, how our flesh loves legalism, it loves rules, regulations, fastings, bodily discipline. Do you know why we love them? Because they make me feel spiritual, and they are a show of just how strong I really am.

I have met many that would beguile in my Christian life and do you know what I have learned from them. That I don’t want to be like that… It is like watching a baseball game. Balls and strikes…

Now, there is nothing wrong with exercising discipline in the Spirit of God, and to the Glory of God! But, when it is done in the flesh and for our own praise, then it becomes sin…

We believe whole heartily that believers should never be a stumbling block for other believers.

1 Corinthians 8:9–10 KJV 1900

But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;

Spirituality is not in giving up certain habits. It is a union with the Saviour that died to save you! He is the Head, we are the members of His body. Running a Race… A body functions through nourishment it doesn’t function through legislation…

My ankle hurts, how foolish would it be that I demand it stop hurting and expect change? Just don’t do that… No, it is the care, and nourishment that we heal and are made whole! Why do we treat spiritual things differently?

Galatians 3:3 KJV 1900

Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?

Most of our rules and regulations that we create are carnal. Why do we believe God is impressed by my carnal efforts. He isn’t, so stop trying to live a life that is pleasing, and let him be pleased by living in and through you.

I think so many times we think we have arrived because of outward achievements and we are actually decaying from the inside out.

The theme of the book of Colossians is this: All I ever need is Christ!

Man made systems and principles seem spiritual, but they are carnal, worldly rudiments that we must get beyond. When we think that these things control our flesh then:

Galatians 5:4–6 KJV 1900

Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.