Righteous Living:Navigating Christian Freedom

Romans 14:12-22

Intro: Freedom

“Back in 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was signed, John Adams wrote a letter to his wife Abigail. In it, he predicted that future generations would celebrate the day with parades, fireworks, and celebrations. And he was right — every 4th of July we do just that.

But in that same letter, Adams added a sober reminder. He wrote: ‘Posterity! You will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it. If you do not, I shall repent in Heaven that ever I took half the pains to preserve it.’

Adams understood something powerful — freedom isn’t free. It always comes at a cost, and it always carries responsibility. The Revolution gave America freedom, but it was entrusted to each generation to use that freedom wisely and honorably.

In the same way, the Bible tells us that we have been given freedom through Christ. But it’s not a freedom to live however we want — it’s a freedom that comes with responsibility. Paul says in Galatians 5:13, ‘For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.’

Bible Passage: Romans 14:12–22

Summary: In Romans 14:12–22, Paul emphasizes the tension between individual freedoms and communal responsibilities among believers. He teaches that while believers have the liberty to partake in various practices, they must always consider the impact of their choices on the faith of others in the community, thus promoting a spirit of mutual care and love.

Application: This passage invites Christians to reflect on how their actions influence the spiritual journeys of others. It encourages a culture of intentionality and love, where believers are motivated to act in ways that uplift their fellow Christians, recognizing that their freedom in Christ should be exercised in a manner that builds up rather than tears down.

Teaching: This sermon could teach believers about the delicate balance between personal freedom and the call to love one another. It posits that Christian liberty is not merely about what we can do, but about how our choices reflect Christ's love and concern for the community.

How this passage could point to Christ: This theme reveals Christ as the ultimate unifying force among believers, encouraging them to follow His example of selflessness. Jesus embodies the tension of liberty and love, providing the model for how to engage with one another in ways that reflect His character and sacrifice.

Big Idea: True Christian freedom finds its expression in love that builds each other up, prioritizing community and the spiritual health of others above personal liberties.

Matthew 12:36 “36 But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment.”

1. Personal Responsibility in Freedom

Romans 14:12-14

In our Freedom with have a personal responsibility; not to be moral, or the best… but obedient to God!

Vs 12 personal account

this isn’t an oh no why?

Romans 5:8–11 “8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

We have been redeemed, what we do with it will matter in our account.

Therefore

What will take place

Not an opinion of your fellow christian

but what you did with what was given to you

He will look into our account

Not out of guilt but out what He called us to.

Tend to yourself. Obedience and faith

1 Peter 3:15 “15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;”

There is a great strength amongst most Christians… we are good at being very concerned with other peoples knowledge and growth… quit! Relax.

1289“As many lives as a cat,” and I am sure that self-righteousness has many more lives than that. It is the hardest thing in the world to kill.—44.519

Charles Spurgeon

It makes us feel better where we are lacking

it gives us something to do outside of what we are to be doing

It is a result of a lack of faith.

We are to sanctify ourselves and if they ask we are able to defend what we believe and know.

Can we apply this to our marriages

Can we apply this to our parenting

Can we apply this to our friendships

Can we apply this to our desire to find our own righteousness- we want people to see how great we are!

Here is the truth people are not to see how great we are…. The way we live should point to one knowing how great Christ is… don’t get in the way. if we could be their savior then we are doomed.

Take ownership!

WW2 Personal Responsibility

A hard time in the History of the world.

But there were those who knew they had a personal responsibility to go and serve

How do we take ownership?

We aren’t to be spiritual policeman! Oh man we love to be this! be careful… i am here to say they are not to be in leadership and if they are there by time- return to man and women you once were full of grace and love and compassion!

No longer Judge (vs 3)

judge- to treat them as guilty

John 7:51 “51 “Our Law does not judge a man unless it first hears from him and knows what he is doing, does it?””

Is a fellow brother and sister in Christ guilty by their works- no

Romans 11:14–15 “14 if somehow I might move to jealousy my fellow countrymen and save some of them. 15 For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?”

One is guilty becuase of the sin in their heart- when they have repented God is maturing them.

God is still working!

Let us not give up or loose hope. let me also say those who you know you are disguising your righteousness this morning, repent! Look at what God has done, He wants to do the same in your life.

What a lie it is that God can’t do something.

You see when we judge we are saying they are guilty and God can’t do anything.

God will go to the deepest parts for us! The parts where it hurts, where it is uncomfortable. I know people think God is supposed to appease your life. He is calling you out if it. It will be painful; not because He is making it it but becuase of the fight of our flesh.

We see then why we are to remove this thought that we have some responsibility to operate that someone is guilty!

Someone of us tomorrow will forget this is here today.

You and I need the power of the spirit- some of us say I don’t know what I need to pray. A good one is lord keep me from my own self righteousness and looking down on my fellow brother and sister.

Would you join me in adding this to your prayer life…

When we stop judging there is room for determination!

Determine(13)- conclude(unwavering living)

Not to place a stumbling block

There is a shift that takes place- from judging as a form of righteousness to a life of humility and not flaunting our freedom. Enjoy our freedom! Great way to enjoy it is to love others.

Know and Convinced

Through Jesus

Nothing is unclean

Acts 11:9 “9 But a voice from heaven answered a second time, ‘What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy.’”

Notice Paul is putting into practice was i being detailed.

In his personal ownership He has determined something

He immediately doesn’t shift into calling others to do the same rather admits there are those in their mind that have determined that something is unclean. (weak in faith)

It would be wise to put into practice this truth.

Our ownership leads us to know and be convinced and when others come to a differing conclusion; then we are to prioritize peace and harmony over being seen as right.

2. Prioritize Peace and Harmony

Romans 14:15-18

When we navigate our freedom through Christ, we are to be aware of one another (walk in love)

Hurt- to cause some one to be distressed

Not walking in love- There is a cost not alot are willing to give up for each other… we may give it for God so people could say Amen! But what about eachother. I am sure there are to many things we are holding onto.

Ephesians 5:2 “2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.”

What can it be…

Our ministry

Ou way of doing things

Our desire

Our passion

Our hills we like to die on… and take out those around us

“Little children, keep yourselves from idols,” was the injunction of the loving apostle John, and he wrote thus in love, because he knew that, if God sees us making idols of anything, he will either break our idols or break us. Fifteen Years Later!, Volume 53, Sermon #3025 - Job 1:21

Charles Spurgeon

What hill are you willing to die on and see that others perish around you.

If it is Christ that offends then we are ok, but if it is something here on this world that is temporary then why should we hold on for eternity.

Now we can mistake this for seeker friendly… but it is not that rather these are those who have already come to know Jesus.

Destroy vs 15

Loose over petty things

Not just knowledge but compassion

This is the good mixture for the church.

Spoken of as evil- This will find its way beyond the walls of the church (vs 16)

Titus 2:5 “5 to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.”

There is purpose behind the discipline obedience (vs 17)

The Kingdom of God-

Righteousness- The work of Christ

Peace- with God and man

Joy with God and man

The Tony Evans Bible Commentary XV. Love and Liberty (14:1–23)

Give me beans and bread with a happy family rather than a T-bone steak with my wife refusing to speak to me

Holy Spirit- our helper; fruits of the spirit

This is the outcome for all! Both weak and strong

The acceptance on the day of the account (VS 18)

Serve God- you see we are the un profitable servant

1 Peter 2:12 “12 Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.”

What happens when we are treated like one

The purpose in the obedience is to produce the fruit

… obedience is taught throughout the entire Bible… true obedience is one of the toughest requirements of the Christian life. Apart from obedience, there can be no salvation, for salvation without obedience is a self-contradictory impossibility.8

A. W. Tozer

The joy of our freedom is that we can submit it to the evidence to the fruit of the spirit that produces peace and harmony. The world will hear and has heard! Relationships!

Knowing this we find our third truth that we must continue in our pursuits.

3. Pursuing Peaceful Unity

Romans 14:19-22

The joy of our freedom is we don’t stop we pursue

Pursue Good

Flee to pursue

2 Timothy 2:22 “22 Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”

God graciously gives us what is ahead.

that brings peace- shalom; wellfare, prosperity

I have seen far to much turmoil in the church; the will of the father can’t produce turmoil; but the lusts of our youth can.

(vs 19) and build ups- increases one potential

(vs 20) Tear down- be mindful to be in the will of God not the will of…

Jude 19–24 “19 These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on some, who are doubting; 23 save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh. 24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy,”

Freedom can give offense; when we act offensively

(vs 21) Stumble - to feel rejection

(vs 22) own conviction before God

Faith- don’t condemn trust

do not doubt

Whatever is not from faith is sin!

Application: To navigating our christian freedom

Own Up

Minister to your own heart

I take freedom as a wonderful responsibility to honor God with.

We are no longer bound by sin.

Get down

Can we die to ourselves

What we prioritize effects us all

Move forward

Faith forward in our freedom

There is great work ahead

With this freedom we celebrate; we are to look forward to sharing the truth with others. when we are moved we will move