DISARM – Part 7 – Grace in Gray Areas – Part 2

Passage:
Therefore, let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. (Romans 14:13-15).
  • there were three principles Paul talked about for how we are to view eachother with grace as it comes to Christian liberties.
They went like this:
  • first we talked about grace welcomes –
  • Second Paul said that grace assumes the best –
  • Finally, Paul said that grace remembers who the judge is –
Love Removes Stumbling Blocks (13-15)
Therefore, let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.
  • a stumbling block is this – Anything I do, in my freedom, that becomes a trap for someone else’s weakness — something that could cause them to fall back into sin or violate their conscience.
I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died.
  • Paul says here “everything clean. If it doesn’t go against scripture – or violate a Scriptural principle it’s clean. it’s ok to do. it’s ok to watch – it’s ok to take part in” But – if someone believes to be unclean – or believes it to be wrong – or it violates their conscience – then for THEM – not for you – but for THEM –  it’s wrong.
Love Pursues Peace and Builds Up (16-19)
So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
  • He says when we elevate our preferences – we miss the point –
    The Kingdom – that you and I belong to is about what the Spirit produces which Paul identifies as:
    • Righteousness – living rightly with God and one another
    • Peace – which is unity – wholeness – reconciliation –
    • Joy – which is the settled gladness we have access to in Jesus – regardless of the circumstances that are happening in our life

      which means that –
      • anytime – we prioritize our preferences – our gray area issues – above pursuing righteousness, peace, and joy – we are stepping out of alignment with the Kingdom that we profess to be a part of.

      He ends this section with a command – he says – So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding

  • Love Protects Consciences (20-23)
Value people over personal liberty – he says
Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.
Second – he says – enjoy your liberties appropriately
The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves.
Finally – We Live by Faith – not Pressure
But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.”
so that is how we deal with christian liberty issues – in love –
  • Love removes stumbling blocks
  • Love pursues peace and builds up
  • Love protects the conscience

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