2. INTRODUCTION (1:1-17)
JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH (1:18-11:36)
SIN - THE "NEED" FOR SALVATION
The Need Of The Gentiles (1:18-2:16)
The Need Of The Jews (2:17-3:8)
The Universal Need For Salvation (3:9-20)
JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH - THE "PROVISION" MADE FOR SALVATION
God's Righteousness Through Faith (3:21-31)
Abraham As An Example (4:1-25)
FREEDOM - THE "RESULT" OF SALVATION
Freedom From Wrath (5:1-21)
Freedom From Sin (6:1-23)
Freedom From The Law (7:1-25)
Freedom From Death (8:1-39)
JEW AND GENTILE - THE "SCOPE" OF SALVATION
God Chooses To Save Believers (9:1-33)
Israel Chose To Trust In Their Own Righteousness (10:1-21)
Both Jew And Gentile Can Have Salvation Through Faith (11:1-36)
THE TRANSFORMED LIFE (12:1-15:13)
IN RELATION TO OVERALL CONDUCT (12:1-21)
IN RELATION TO CIVIL AUTHORITY (13:1-7)
IN RELATION TO FELLOW MAN (13:8-14)
IN RELATION TO WEAK BRETHREN (14:1-23)

3. “Disputable Matters”
How to Handle Disagreements Over Disputable Matters

4. Definition of “Disputable matter”
refers to a practice/activity that the Bible does not forbid, but that some Christians are nevertheless uncomfortable with
Paul uses the term “weak” (v.1) to describe Christians who abstain from these disputed activities  
Paul does not use this term in a derogatory sense. He does not mean these people have “weak” faith in Christ.   ‐
Instead, Paul uses “weak” because these believers lack the understanding/maturity to realize their freedom in Christ

5. What Examples Does Paul Give of “Disputable Matters”?
Some refrain from meat and eat only vegetables (v.2)
Some honor certain days above others (v.5)
Some refrain from drinking wine (v.21) ‐

6. Modern examples of “disputable matters”?

22. Cultural Relativism Biblical Relativism Biblical Absolutism
Cultural Absolutism
Situational Ethics
Traditionalist
Cultural Relativism
Antinomian
 Theologically, antinomianism is the belief that there are no moral laws God expects Christians to obey. 
Mutual Respect

23. How to Handle Disagreements Over Disputable Matters
Accept One Another (v.1)
“Welcome” the one you disagree with; don’t let this hinder fellowship
And don’t welcome each other just “to quarrel over opinions” (v.1)
Walk in love v15
15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love.

24. How to Handle Disagreements Over Disputable Matters
Do Not Judge/Despise One Another  / Don’t Stumble
The strong (who understand their freedom in Christ), are called not to despise (v.3, 10)
This is a reference to looking down upon a person in a condescending way
The weak (who abstain from certain practices), are called not to pass judgment (v.3, 10)
This refers to how believers condemn another person on their own authority (as opposed to the Bible’s) ‐
The reason Paul opposes this is because we do not have the authority to do this: “Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls”
Don’t be a stumbling block (Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God.)

25. When it Comes to Disputable Matters, Focus on Your Own Behavior Rather than Others
Whether you participate or abstain from a behavior, do it “in honor of the Lord” (v.6) (22b)
Whichever way you choose, remember “we will all stand before the judgment seat of God” (v.10)
Whether you participate or abstain from a behavior, be convinced in your mind it is godly (v.5)  
In other words, if you are doubtful about a behavior, don’t do it! (v23)