Romans 14:1-12

It is no surprise that differences of opinion exist in the church, and that some create problems. How do you handle such differences if you have accepted the challenges of Romans 12 to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice acceptable to God? You handle these differences in a way that always honors the Lord.

Romans 14 shows us practical ways to handle differences properly. They show us that every Christian can promote harmony within the church.

• Accept one another
  • Four reasons we should accept one another
    • God has accepted us
      • We have no right to set up requirements of fellowship. Jesus did it.
      • Peter was criticized, but he showed the evidence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of converts
      • Augustine
        • In Essentials – unity
        • In Non-essentials – liberty
        • In all – charity
    • God sustains us
      • Whether we are weak or strong, we need the Lord.
      • He promises to cause us to stand
    • Jesus is in control
      • There are differences that are non-essential (ie holy days)
        • Differences distinguish between tradition and Scripture
      • Our first responsibility is to the Lord
    • Jesus is our judge
      • Each of us will stand accountable before our judge

Two outstanding Christians in the Victorian Era in England were Charles Spurgeon and Joseph Parker. Early in their ministry, they fellowshipped together and exchanged pulpits. Then they disagreed, and the reports even made it into the papers. Spurgeon accused Parker of being unspiritual because he attended the theatre. Interestingly, Spurgeon smoked cigars, a practice many condemned. Who was wrong? Possibly both of them. When it comes to the questionable areas of Christian life, can’t dedicated believers disagree without being disagreeable? I have learned that God blesses people I disagree with. When Jesus Christ is Lord, we allow Him to deal with His servants as He wishes.

Therefore, every Christian can promote harmony within the body, the church. When we are tempted to criticize, we need to say, “Will my words help or hinder Christ’s work?”

In our actions, we need to analyze, “How will my action, or my failure to act, affect other believers and non-believers?”

Our commitment to present our bodies as living sacrifices acceptable to God demands that we act in response to those questions in a way that uplifts God’s name.