From 14:1-15:7 is about Christian liberty. Paul calls things like food and days “disputable matters”. There is no moral right or wrong intrinsically by themselves. (No every issue falls into this category. Paul argues forcefully on matters related to our faith and conduct.) However, there are rules to guide us. First, accept people with different opinion with you (Ro 14:1). Second, we live to the Lord (Ro 14:7). Third, we in love so that we won’t cause other people to stumble (Ro 14:13, 15). Finally, we should not act in doubt (Ro 14:23).
If we can practice this in our church, we will have righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Mike
What is "disputable matters?" In Ro 14:1-4, these matters label someone as weak faith, and the others look down to them because they condemn/judge them. In 14:6, the "weak faith" brothers do so because they do that for the Lord. They try to avoid sin against God. The "strong faith" brothers do so also for the Lord, but they have knowledge about the matter and know that they will not sin even they do the disputable matter. However, Paul requires the "strong faith" brothers to make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification (Ro 14:19). It is because the most important thing to God is not the disputable matter, but the righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. When I have quarrel with Mike I know we need to restore peace between us. However, sometimes I cannot put down my face. In Ro 15:3 Paul gives us the motivation, "Even Christ did not please himself..." It is not about me!
Audrey
If we can practice this in our church, we will have righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Mike
What is "disputable matters?" In Ro 14:1-4, these matters label someone as weak faith, and the others look down to them because they condemn/judge them. In 14:6, the "weak faith" brothers do so because they do that for the Lord. They try to avoid sin against God. The "strong faith" brothers do so also for the Lord, but they have knowledge about the matter and know that they will not sin even they do the disputable matter. However, Paul requires the "strong faith" brothers to make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification (Ro 14:19). It is because the most important thing to God is not the disputable matter, but the righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. When I have quarrel with Mike I know we need to restore peace between us. However, sometimes I cannot put down my face. In Ro 15:3 Paul gives us the motivation, "Even Christ did not please himself..." It is not about me!
Audrey
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