Taking Liberties

The Weak, the Strong & Compassion

The Weak & the Strong Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. 2 For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. Romans 14:1-2

The Weak & the Strong 22 Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. 23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin. Romans 14:22-23

The Weak & the Strong 11 and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. 12 In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. 13 And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.”

The Weak & the Strong 14 But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.”15 And a voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.” 16 This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again. Acts 10:11-16

Compassion for the weak 2 For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. 3 Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. Romans 14:2-3

Compassion for the weak 13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way. Romans 14:13

Compassion for the weak 15 Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; Romans 14:15-16

Christian Liberties

Where liberties can be taken 1. Liberties can only be taken were there are no doctrinal conflicts with God’s word.

Where liberties cannot be taken 1. We do not have the liberty to change God’s pattern for worship, salvation, the home, the marriage bond, etc. 2. Such changes contradict the word of God and are thus sinful.

Lessons for Us Today

Be aware of your conscience But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin. Romans 14:23

Be aware of your conscience There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. Proverbs 14:12

The ultimate judgment belongs to God. But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Romans 14:10

Conclusion 1. We must not do things that may cause someone to stumble Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way. Romans 14:13

Conclusion 1. We must not do things that may cause someone to stumble. 2. Most stumbling blocks can be easily avoided, we must consider the conscience of others without forgetting who is the ultimate judge.