This will be our last day in the book of Romans! We will be in Chapters 14 and 15 today.
Lets Dig In!
Romans 14:1-5, 10, 12-13, 17-19
Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don't argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. For instance, one person believes its alright to eat anything. But another believer with a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables.
Those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don't. And those who don't eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them. Who are you to comdemn someone else's servants? Their own master will judge whether they stand or fall. And with the Lord's help, they will stand and receive his approval.
In the same way, some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable.
So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgement seat of God.
Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. So lets stop condemning eachother. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.
For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build eachother up.
There are all different kinds of beliefs and religions in this world. These verses are saying that we shouldn't judge other Believer's beliefs. As long as they have accepted Christ as their Savior and live for Him they are going to Heaven.
It doesn't matter if they worship on Saturday or Sunday...God loves us all the same and accepts them. And we need to accept all the Believers whose beliefs may be different than ours.
For our goal is to build other's up and show them love. And to live a life of peace, goodness and joy!
Romans 14:20-23
Don't tear apart the work of God over what you eat. Remember all foods are acceptable, but it is wrong to eat something if it makes another person stumble.
It is better to not eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble. You may believe there's nothing wrong with what you are doing, but keep it between yourself and God. Blessed are those who don't feel guilty for doing something they have decided is right
But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat somehting, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning.
These verses are saying you need to follow your heart. Do what you feel is right accoring to God. And obey His laws the best you can for you! Don't worry yourself about "how well" other believers are doing in obeying God's laws.
Romans 15:2,5-7, 13
We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.
May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giveing praise and glory to God,the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
God accepts us all as His children. We need to follow His example and accept others as well. And we need to give God the glory, Always!
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