Relationship to Weaker Brethren

Read:

What should our relationship be to the WEAK?

Welcoming

Not despising, judging or offending them

I want to point out here at the beginning of our study tonight what the “weak brother” is not referring to.

The WEAK BROTHER - is not teaching or practicing false doctrine or core doctrines that the Bible says one must believe in order to be saved.

Core Beliefs

Belief in a personal, transcendent God - Who cares for his human creatures, has revealed Himself to them, and will respond to their cry for mercy. ()

The incarnation - – Not that he appeared in a human body, but that he actually became one of us.

ii. The incarnation - – Not that he appeared in a human body, but that he actually became one of us.

iii. The deity of Jesus – ,

The deity of Jesus – ,

iv. Atoning death of Christ – Jesus died for our sins (The Gospel according to Paul)

Atoning death of Christ – Jesus died for our sins (The Gospel according to Paul)

VIII> It is important to be both divine and human because = “sin against an infinite God demands an infinite sacrifice” Adam could not atone for Eve’s sin. It wouldn’t be enough for Jesus to be a holy human, he had to be infinite God.

IX> There had to be a full identification between God and man to be mediator. He represent divine to Human and Human to Divine to provide reconciliation. He atones for our sins as a divine human.

X> He could not die if he had come just as God – but it took more than just being able to die, he had to atone and mediate as well.

The Bible Gives scriptures for separating over these

“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” (, KJV 1900)

, “For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.” (, KJV 1900)

Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” (, KJV 1900)

“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” (, KJV 1900)

11 is probably not talking about just saying “God bless you” to strangers nor is it prohibiting Christian hospitality to strangers in your home. It most likely speaks of inviting them to speak or to teach in your home or church (or home-church) under the guise of a “fellow-Christian.” This prohibition assumes you know that they hold the wrong view of Christ. If you know they hold a wrong view of Category 1 doctrines, you do not acknowledge them as a fellow Christian. You do not call such a person a “brother” or “sister” and you do not say, “God bless you” to them. If you do, you become a partaker of their evil deeds and invite God’s judgment.

probably not talking about just saying “God bless you” to strangers nor is it prohibiting Christian hospitality to strangers in your home. It most likely speaks of inviting them to speak or to teach in your home or church (or home-church) under the guise of a “fellow-Christian.” This prohibition assumes you know that they hold the wrong view of Christ. If you know they hold a wrong view of Category 1 doctrines, you do not acknowledge them as a fellow Christian. You do not call such a person a “brother” or “sister” and you do not say, “God bless you” to them. If you do, you become a partaker of their evil deeds and invite God’s judgment.

The Weak Brother is not teaching principles or beliefs based on Scripture and held to be true by Christianity.

Some disagree over things like this good and Godly men an example is

Calvinism/Arminianism

Beliefs on the nature and extent of sanctification in this life

Eschatology

Distinctive or behavioral standards and modes of dress etc.

The WEAK BROTHER is not living in known willful sin - not a hypocrite.

The WEAK BROTHER is not weak because of preferences

The WEAK - is referring to those who do not see eye-to-eye but we have no biblical basis for separation.

RECEIVE in LOVE

The brother who is weak in faith means his faith is not strong enough to enable him to perceive the full liberty he has in Christ.

Often troubled by questions of doctrine but plagued by doubt as to whether it is right for him to eat some foods ()

Paul later points out that the “weak” in the faith person is actually mistaken in his understanding

The Stronger are told even if you don’t agree with the Weaker’s conclusions you still accept them. fellowship with them - don’t judge or despise them.

“Doubtful disputations - not passing judgement on/ not arguing with them over what they think is right or wrong.

Who is the WEAK CHRISTIAN?

Cannot be a legalist - a legalist believes they earn their righteousness by their works, or abstentions from certain foods or observances of special days. Paul says in Galatians that people like this are “Fallen From Grace”

Respect each other in Christ

Paul illustrates the differences of the strong and weak - one believes he can eat all things. (By the way Paul would say the believer has this type of freedom ) the weak says I can only eat herbs.

No reason is given for this self-limitation

It could be zeal

It could be misunderstanding of food laws in the OT -so simply to avoid breaking the commandment simply avoid all meat.

Notice the responsibility is not on just one person.

The command to the STRONG -

DO not despise = disdain, disregard, make light of

The command to the weak

Do not judge = criticize, find fault with, condemn

Release each other form our judgement - This is an interesting verse. Notice Paul’s logic

Who are you to judge another man’s servant?

REMEMBER - the coming judgement

Observance of days - This probably does not refer day of the week to worship Sabbath vs. Sunday

More likely holidays or special days. Think of the controversy of Christmas

Paul ends this with, “Let every man be fully persuaded (convinced) in his own mind.”

Either way it should be done in honor of the LORD. “regardeth it unto the Lord”

Don’t judge your brother , -

God will judge us

Restrict YOUR liberty is it offends others.

By offend I don’t mean upset - I mean cause them to sin or fall.

The weak brother although wrong in belief must keep conscience clear

- Don’t do anything that will damage your testimony.

Follow Kingdom Principles

The Kingdom is more important than food

Stress that which unifies and edifies

RECONGNIZE the importnace of a clear conscience

Do nothing that will destroy the work of God in people -

Be considerate of the weak among God’s people

Do not try to push liberty among God’s people ROmans 14:22

When in doubt, don’t

Caution - “He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, Even they both are abomination to the Lord.” (, KJV 1900)

REPLICATE the example of Christ

Paul openly aligns himself to the strong.

A. Christ has become a servant to unify Jew and Gentile (8-13)

1. The Person on whom we must focus - “The God of hope” a. He is a covenant keeping God (8) b. He is a merciful God, not willing that any perish (9-12

a. He is a covenant keeping God (8)

b. He is a merciful God, not willing that any perish (9-12)

1) Gentiles gladdened by Christ (9b-11)

2) Gentiles governed by Christ (12)

2. The Perspective God wants us to have (13a) – “that ye may abound in hope”

3. The Promise God wants us to claim (13b) – “fill you with all joy and peace”

4. The Pathway God wants us to take (13c) – “in believing” 5. The Power God wants us to share (13d) – “through the power of the Holy Ghost.”

5. The Power God wants us to share (13d) – “through the power of the Holy Ghost.”