A Guide to Christian Liberty (Rom. 14:1-7)

Introduction

· We have learning about love. Here in ch. 14, love specifically in matters of Christian liberty.

· As with marriage, so in a local church. Tastes are different, personalities are different, perhaps more surprising, sometimes even our convictions are different.

· Church is wonderfully diverse. Many backgrounds, traditions, ethnicities, and generational differences. But this diversity must never lead to disunity.

· Read 14:1-9

· As a child grows, they are given increasing levels of freedom and responsibility. Christian liberty is a gift. How do we handle our Christian liberty?

· TWO POINTS:

Getting to Know the Gray

· Strict commands (love the Lord your God, love neighbor, spiritual disciplines, spiritual gifts, fruit of the spirit, worship, etc.)

· Strict prohibitions (most of 10 commandments)

· There is a section in between

· Color code – black, white, gray.

· Two Examples in Rome – dietary laws (2, 21. Cf. 1 Cor. 8), observance of holy days (5; see Lev. 23).

· Modern Examples of “gray areas” in our modern world (read list by Carey Hardy article, “Liberty vs. Legalism, p. 3).

· If we are not careful, these gray areas can become a real threat to the unity of the church. That is the point of ch. 14. People in the church were feeling unwelcome, judged, and despised.

· A cut must be quickly cleaned and sealed to prevent germs or infection from entering the body. So also areas of disunity.

Pursue Peace in the Gray Areas

· Two categories: a “Weak” conscience (or faith) – overly sensitive. A “Strong” conscience (or faith) – characterized by confidence and grace.

· We could add a third category: “Seared” conscience (1 Tim 4:2) – i.e. things that should bother you no longer do. You may perceive yourself as having a. This was the case in 1 Cor. 5, where incest was being tolerate, and the church was “arrogant” rather than mourning over their sin.

· Whereas legalism (strict adherence to the law) may have been a danger a few generations ago, most of us in 21st century America are far more likely to be guilty of antinomianism.

· Broadly speaking (always dangerous), the older generation will tend to struggle with legalism. The younger generation will tend to throw off the shackles of the older generation and delight in freedom.

· Do not judge

· Do all things to the glory of God

Conclusion

· 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.

· Some helpful concluding questions from 1 Corinthians 10: In matters of conscience, Paul gives a series of litmus tests…

1. Will it be helpful? (v. 23)

2. Will it be edifying? (v. 23)

3. Will is seek the good of others? (v. 24)

4. Can I do it with a clear conscience? (v. 25-26)

5. Will it hurt my witness? (v. 27)

6. Will it offend my brother? (v. 28-30, 32-33)

7. Will it glorify God? (v. 31)