THE BOOK OF ROMANS CHAPTER 14 - RELATIONSHIPS WITH OUR BRETHREN IN THE LORD

**OUR DEEPEST APOLOGIES FOR THE THE AUDIO AND VIDEO TROUBLE DURING THIS VIDEO. WE HAD A SHORT IN THE USB CABLE TO OUR AUDIO SOUND CARD.**

Mike teaches today. 03-13-2021.

THE BOOK OF ROMANS CHAPTER 14
RELATIONSHIPS WITH OUR BRETHREN IN THE LORD

VERSES: 1st Corinthians 8:913, 10:23; Colossians 2:6-3:4; Isaiah 45:23; Revelation 2:23

STUDY NOTES: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/qtqxhikqc2op0wj/AADJiZCHA7ghncz1vHPHMgEYa?dl=0

AUDIO:

Subscribe to Receive Updates from For His Glory TX: http://eepurl.com/o7-J9

VERSES 1-4 “Him that is weak in the faith (to be weak or unsettled in the faith Romans 4:19, or in their opinion) receive ye, but not to doubtful (contentious criticizing) disputations (searching out and pronouncing judgment on their opinions/beliefs). For one believeth that he may eat all things: -- another, who is weak (unsettled in the faith), eateth (only) herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.”

Paul expounded ‘faith’ at the first of his Epistle to the Romans, and hope in the middle chapters, and now the Law of Love in unity of the brethren is further advanced in this chapter. Non-essential matters being disputed that cause divisions are addressed. Christians have different religious beliefs, or ‘scruples’ (the definition being a feeling of doubt or hesitation with regard to the morality or propriety of a course of action) often because of cultural upbringing. That’s really what is being addressed here by Paul. As a reminder, during the time period that the Jews had been expelled from Rome, the believers in Rome were all Gentile until Nero invited the Jews back. By the Holy Spirit, Paul was addressing a conflict amongst the brethren and shows them how to be one in the Lord, dwelling together in love. Paul instructs Christians not to receive other Christians into fellowship based on the provision that they give up their ‘scruples.’ It was then and still is tragic that Churches and groups split over ‘scruples.’ As to what is considered non- essential disputable matters or scruples is further defined for us.

STRONG AND WEAK CHRISTIANS are referred to in these scriptures. The ‘strong’, Christian is one who is intelligently informed and convicted in certain principles of the Gospel; one whose conscience therefore does not condemn him for his actions (but strong in faith here does not mean mature in love). Whereas a weak Christian is depicted by certain actions determined by ‘scruples’ acquired and carried over by their background; the result of those strong in the faith and those weak in the faith is the possibility of separating confliction.

Who then does Paul most encourage to adjust? It is the strong Christian who is to adjust his thinking for the sake of the weaker brother. (For example, a Christian who allows himself to eat pork shouldn’t do so in front of one who does not. Or a believer who allows himself to drink should not do so in front of a believer who would be caused to stumble because of his example.)

We are spirit, soul, and body. We all have ‘consciences’ that are a part of our spirit’s makeup. When we are born-again, our conscience along with our spirits is enlivened/animated and made much more acute to right and wrong by the divine nature then imparted to us. Our conscience is then to be further instructed in the Word of God and will point us more clearly towards the light of God’s maturing Truth. Truth is like a light appearing far away on a dark night. We are drawn and directed by it; our conscience points us towards it, but it is dark and difficult to head towards it on an exact direct line, as there are obstacles that obscure the way. But as we draw closer to the light, we then see more clearly and avoid the obstacles and can take a more direct line towards it. ‘Scruples’ are the unseen obstacles that partially obscure our conscience and hinder the path to maturity. Scruples affect our consciences and are generally a part of what we have been taught as a part of our cultural upbringing or previous religious understanding. Therefore, our consciences cannot always be completely relied upon as pointing in the most direct way towards the light of Truth, although generally it does. Our renewed mind and conscience (having been illuminated by the spirit/Spirit) needs to be adjusted here and there by instruction in the Word that we might draw closer to the beacon of Truth and become fully elucidated; that is, to become a mature Christian. A maturing Christian is much freer than a scrupulous Christian.....

DOWNLOAD COMPLETE STUDY NOTES:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/qtqxhikqc2op0wj/AADJiZCHA7ghncz1vHPHMgEYa?dl=0