romans 15:1-6. opposing views conservative vs. liberal law vs. grace this over-simplified dichotomy...
DESCRIPTION
The Strong vs. Weak Many today equate “strong” Christians as those who “know more” or “know better”. Not necessarily Strong Christians apply what they know to their personal walk, including how they relate to other Christians who love God but have opposing views. CONTEXT of strong vs. weak in Romans 14-15: – Strong faith = ‘non-defiled conscience’* – Weak faith = ‘defiled conscience’* – *Compare with 1 Cor. 8:7ffTRANSCRIPT
Romans 15:1-6
Opposing Views• “Conservative” vs. “Liberal”• Law vs. Grace• This over-simplified dichotomy manifests itself
over opposing views. Cf. Rom. 14• How Christians cope with one another on
opposing views. Rom. 15
The Strong vs. Weak• Many today equate “strong” Christians as those who
“know more” or “know better”. Not necessarily• Strong Christians apply what they know to their personal
walk, including how they relate to other Christians who love God but have opposing views.
• CONTEXT of strong vs. weak in Romans 14-15: – Strong faith = ‘non-defiled conscience’*– Weak faith = ‘defiled conscience’*– *Compare with 1 Cor. 8:7ff
Pleasing Your Neighbor• The strong’s obligation toward the weak: vs. 1-2– Bear with his weakness (scruples)… For his good– The purpose: edification. cp. Eph. 4:15-16
• Everyone’s (Strong or weak) endeavor: “Let each of us please his neighbor…”
Please… Not Leave• Please your neighbor; not leave your neighbor• Leaving: near sighted; not biblical solution– It does not help the weak brother become
mature in their faith.– It does not help the strong brother to emulate
Christ. V. 3
The God of Perseverance/Encouragement
• The Scriptures instructs us… v. 4– To bear – with perseverance – with our opposing
brethren.– To encourage our opposing brethren for edification.
• Ultimately, God is glorified because we’re living like His Son. (v. 3)
Finding Our One Voice• Endeavor to keep the unity… Eph. 4:1-3, 15-16• Look out for the interest of others. Phil. 2:3ffRomans 15:5-6 “Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6 that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”