Untitled Sermon (9)

BIBLE EXPLORATION The issue of a one-size-fits-all spiritual life has been around since the beginning of the Church.

In Romans, the Apostle Paul faced the problem head-on.

Read Romans 14:1–4.

Romans 14:1–4 KJV 1900

1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. 3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. 4 Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.

Paul’s walking into a debate that was already in full-swing in the early churches.

Jewish tradition dictated that any meat consecrated to a false god was inedible.

And yet, the first churches were filled with believers that had come out of pagan religions. They followed Jesus, but still liked their local butcher. Conflict popped up as individual believers tried to apply their personal relationship with God to everyone around them.

The squabbles in the church at Rome came when individuals believed that their relationship with God was the only way anyone could relate to the Father.

How have you allowed others’ ideas about spiritual living to affect your own spiritual life?

Now, it’s worth stopping here for a moment to point out that Paul doesn’t mean we can live however we want and no one can call us out on sin. In this passage, Paul’s dealing with those “extra fence” rules that Larry mentioned. When it comes to the parts of Christian living that God has set down immovable expectations, we must definitely hold each other accountable.

Romans 14:13–23 KJV 1900

13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way. 14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. 16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of: 17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. 18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. 19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. 20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. 21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. 22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. 23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

God designed you uniquely. Your relationship to Him will be unique. Live the way that He’s built you to live, and love Him in the way He guides you. In light of what we’ve covered in this session, how have you been encouraged?

And that’s okay. Remember—you’re free to relate to God how He designed you. Don’t set up rules around God’s rules, and don’t follow someone else’s extra rules as if they’re gospel. As you look at your spiritual walk this week, ask yourself what misconceptions you might have to correct. And then look at the options before you to relate to your heavenly Father. a thriving relationship with God. Ask them what they do to best relate to