Family Matters

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This message is part of a series of sermons on Romans. This message covers chapter 16:1-20 and emphasizes the importance of viewing church as a family.

Written Excerpts:

From 1989 until 1997 there was a TV sitcom series called “Family Matters.” I don’t know if I’ve ever seen even one entire episode, so I can’t really comment about the show. I couldn’t tell you whether it promoted traditional family values and morals or if it didn’t.

All I can say is, when I made my choice for a sermon title today I remembered that there used to be a TV show called “Family Matters”. Let me assure you, there will be no attempt in my message to draw any parallels between the TV show and our Scripture passage under consideration today.

To start off this morning, I am going to say the title of today’s sermon twice using two different styles of voice inflection and I’d like to have a volunteer to interpret the meaning according to the way I say it.

Family…. Matters     vs        family matters

In the first usage, the phrase emphasizes the fact that family is important; it has value; etc.

The second usage refers more to the idea that there are issues or concerns unique to the family that may or may not need to be addressed.

Both of these examples actually relate to the verses that we want to look at this morning.

There are two main thoughts expressed in verses 1-20 of Romans 16. They are: “Greet the saints,” and “Avoid the Unruly.”

Throughout the years of Paul’s ministry he has built relationships with scores of people. Even though he had never visited Rome before, there were obviously people there that he had known from previous places and occasions. He sends words of greeting to all of those because they are very much like family to him.

Paul’s tender greetings to these beloved members of the faith family reveal to us that family…. Matters!

On the other hand, Paul needs to address a family matter that is completely opposite in nature. He provides instruction on how to deal with “family members” who are unruly.

So, let us take a few moments today to get an overview of

B. Paul’s personal instructions for the Roman Christians. (16:1-20)

i.   Greet all the saints. (1-16)

The bulk of the section we are looking at today are used for Paul’s words of greetings that he wants to convey to various people who are connected with the church at Rome.

Some of the greetings are simple and basic: “Greet     (name)     .” (See vv. 14-15)

In some of the greetings Paul added additional comments. I want to point out some observations that came to me as I read them.

            a. I noticed that there seemed to be specific factors that promoted the bond of affection between them such as:

·        Some shared common labors (vv. 2c, 3, 6, 9a, 12)

·        Some risked their lives for him (v. 4)

·        Some were his spiritual offspring (v. 5b)

·        Some shared common persecution (v. 7)

            b. I noticed that he gave specific instructions for some of the friends.

·        Receive into fellowship (v. 2a)

·        Assist with personal and ministry affairs (v. 2b)

·        Show genuine affection (v. 16)

“greet one another with a holy kiss” – same instruction given to Thessalonians and to the Corinthians.

(Wuest's Word Studies) Regarding the holy kiss, Denney [Expositors’ Greek Testament] says, "The custom of combining greeting and kiss was oriental, and especially Jewish, and in this way became Christian . . . . By 'holy' the kiss is distinguished from an ordinary greeting of natural affection or friendship. It belongs to God and the new society of His children. It is specifically Christian." [A.T.] Robertson [Word Pictures in the NT] says, "The near-east mode of salutation as hand-shaking in the western . . . Men kissed men and women kissed women."

It appears that Paul is saying nothing more than this, “As you greet one another, you are to do so with the understanding that this is more than a common secular tradition, but you are sharing the love of Christ. And, make sure you keep your greetings sacred.” (i.e. nothing sensual about it)

After reviewing these greetings to the various people and the highlights of their special characteristics, I would restate the fact that Paul is showing us the importance of family and our relationships with each other.

ii.   Avoid the unruly. (17-20)

But, as with every family, there are some problems or potential problems that need to be addressed.

There were either some people already in the church who were known for causing divisions and offenses or there was a possibility for them to arise as had happened in other places.

So, as I implied earlier, taking care of this potential threat to their unity and fellowship was a family matter that needed their attention.

            a. There are various types of unruly people.

“divisions and offenses” – two different words that seem to highlight different kinds of problems.

One source (Theo. Dict. of  NT) implies that the “divisions” referred to disunity and party strife, while “offenses” is the word for “scandal” or “stumbling block”.

“Divisions” refer more to what they do within the church, and “offenses” sort of refer more to what they cause outsiders to think about the church.

These Christians were to “mark” them (i.e. watch out for them) and “avoid” them.

People who stir up strife and cause division are just as bad, if not worse, for the health of the church than the threat of sin and compromising with evil.

We have a number of people in our congregation who have left other churches to attend Wayside. For most, if not all of those who have come since I have been here, you remember that I specifically spoke with you about whether you were coming with unresolved conflict with the place you left.

            b. Unruly people are self-serving and convincing.

These people serve their “own belly” (i.e. satisfaction of fleshly desires, or more generically, a reference to a self-serving attitude).

These people also generally use smooth and convincing talk to persuade others and lead them astray. (Wuest)

Even though Paul knows that the Roman believers have been faithful and obedient (v. 19), he still wants them to be prepared to deal with trouble if it arises.

            c. God will overrule the entire situation.

Paul closes his comments by reminding them that God is still in control and He will completely and finally destroy Satan.

It is not a debatable matter. It is as certain as God Himself.

Conclusion:

It is fitting that we should be talking about family matters on a Sunday that we celebrate communion.

Communion is one of the physical symbols that reminds us not only of our spiritual bond with Christ, but it also reminds us of our bond with each other in the body of Christ.

As we celebrate the Lord’s supper and remember His sacrifice, let us also reflect on the importance of keeping strong bonds of love with our brothers and sisters in the faith.

 To view the next sermon in this series, click here.

Sold Out for Jesus

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This sermon is part of a series of messages on Romans and it is based on Romans 15:14-33 in which the Apostle Paul details his ministry in the past and his plans for continuing ministry in the future.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

Today we are looking at the second half of chapter 15 in Romans. We have now entered into the closing section of the letter in which the Apostle shares some final thoughts and greetings.

As I read through the verses that I wanted to cover today, I was contemplating what I could use for a title that would summarize the teaching in these verses. As you can see by what is printed in the bulletin, I came up with the title, “Sold Out for Jesus.”

In the remainder of chapter 15 Paul speaks about his ministry and I am sure that after reading these verses, we have to conclude that Paul was a person who was totally “sold out for Jesus!”

Let’s take a look at verses 14-33 to review some of Paul’s closing comments in which he recounts part of his ministry efforts in the kingdom of God.

If you are following the outline I’ve created, we will be covering “A” under “VII” near the bottom of the page.

A.   Paul's personal ministry for Christ. (15:14-33)

Paul reviews or summarizes his ministry to the Gentiles and his desire to include them in his life of service that has already produced much fruit. He also wants them to join with him in ministry as he continues to serve Christ.

 i.   He has faithfully preached to Gentiles. (14-20)

Even though he has never yet visited Rome, he commends them for the qualities they already possess, and he alludes to his ongoing role in their spiritual development by virtue of his letter in which he has written rather bluntly and boldly (see vv. 14-15).

There are three descriptions that Paul gives of his ministry to the Gentiles.

a.   His ministry was initiated by God’s grace.

vv. 15-16   Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God, ¹⁶  that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

Paul’s perspective regarding his ministry was that God had chosen him and honored him to be the missionary to the Gentiles.

He had been especially selected to be a servant and representative of Jesus Christ by the grace of God.

“minister” – word that carried the idea of priestly ministry.

b.   His ministry was accompanied by God’s power.

vv. 17-19a - ¹⁷  Therefore I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God. ¹⁸  For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient-- ¹⁹  in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God,

If you read the historical record of Paul’s journeys for Jesus, you will understand that everywhere Paul went he manifested the dynamic power of the Holy Spirit in miracles and signs that attested to his message.

“signs and wonders” – this same description is used to describe the miracles performed by the “man of sin” in 1 Thess.

Miracles do not prove the messenger is of the truth, but they do cause people to take notice so that the truth has an opportunity to convince the hearers.

c.   His ministry was fulfilled with God’s vision.

vv. 19b-20  …so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. ²⁰  And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man's foundation,

Paul’s focus in ministry was to go as far as he could… i.e. God’s vision was a worldwide vision.

He preached as much as he could (fully preached). i.e. God’s vision includes comprehensive knowledge of salvation. 

He pioneered new territory (not anywhere Christ was already named). i.e. God’s vision encompasses those who’ve never heard.

ii.   He will continue to preach as God leads. (21-33)

The quote from Isaiah 52:15 in v. 21 appears like it could be related to the comments before the verse as well as those verses following.

The Isaiah passage seems to support Paul’s ministry preference of going to those places where no other Christian missionary / preacher had gone. It also provides the foundation for his desire to come to Rome for the same reason.

As in the past, he wants to continue going into areas where no other minister of the gospel has gone.

This in no way is a criticism against those who do expand and build on the work that others have started. It is merely an explanation of Paul’s specific work and calling throughout his life’s ministry.

Paul was a pioneer missionary in many respects and it was something that inspired him and created a great deal of enthusiasm within him.

In these verses (14-33) Paul explains three ideas or thoughts regarding his future ministry.

a.   He feels compelled to go on to new territory.

Paul describes his intentions to go to Spain. (see verse 24 and 28)

There is no evidence in Scripture that Paul ever succeeded in going to Spain. Sources I studied indicated that some Bible scholars definitely believe that he didn’t go to Spain, while others believe he may have enjoyed a period of freedom between his first and second imprisonments that would have allowed ample time for a visit there.

The point however, is the fact that even as he is approaching the later years of his ministry he is still on fire for the Lord and is so “sold out for Jesus” that he continues to desire and anticipate “invading” new areas with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

b.   He plans to go back to home base.

Before Paul attempts any journey to Spain, he intends to go back to Jerusalem to minister to the believers there.

There are two points that Paul stresses regarding his visit back to Jerusalem.

First, his ministry to the believers (primarily Jewish Christians) will include delivering the collections he has been receiving from the Gentiles throughout Asia.

He explains that it is only right for the Gentiles to materially assist the poor Jewish believers back in the area around Jerusalem, since the benefits of the gospel has come from them in the first place.

Some writers (e.g. JFB Commentary) indicate that it was a common Jewish practice for the Jews that were scattered around the empire to send financial support back to Jerusalem for “temple tax” and other purposes.

Now the Gentiles can copy this practice for more practical Christian reasons.

Paul seems to be teaching a principle here that everyone who has been blessed needs to return the blessings. (Or pass them on to others.) e.g. God told Abraham, “I will bless thee….” And “You shall be a blessing.” Gen. 12

Every one of us has been the beneficiaries of someone else making the sacrifices and expended the effort needed in order to bring the gospel to us, so we ought to be willing to do the same.

In addition to the delivery of financial support, Paul explains that he also anticipates some opposition while he is back in Jerusalem.

Opposition is something that Paul was used to, and he took it in stride. Anyone who is “on fire for the Lord” and “sold out for Jesus” might as well get used to the fact that your enthusiasm for Jesus will not be appreciated by some people!

c.   He expects their partnership in his service.

The potential for partnership in his ministry will take two forms:

One, they will be able to provide valuable assistance if and when he gets to go to Spain. (vv. 24, 32) The implication here is that their assistance will be in the form of physical/material support and aid. When he comes, he will come “fired up” (see v. 29), but he will also appreciate and need their help.

Two, their prayer support will be extremely vital for him as he faces the opposition in Jerusalem, as he provides the offerings to the believers, and as he anticipates his subsequent visit to Rome.

In all of the letters that Paul has written in the NT, you will find a strong emphasis on prayer – his prayers for the believers and his solicitation of their prayers for him.

Prayer is presented in scripture as a means of communicating with God and expressing our praise and thanks to Him, BUT the Bible also expresses the necessity of doing spiritual warfare through prayer.

Here again Paul is urging the Roman Christians to engage the enemy by their prayers for him.

Conclusion:

When we read about Paul’s work for the Lord it is apparent that he was enthused, dedicated and sold out.  

Paul was not the type of person that looked at life with the attitude: “I’ll give Jesus this much time, and then I’ll be able to get back to doing what I like.” Or, “How much can I live for my own pleasures and desires and still have time for God’s work so I won’t feel too guilty?”

No, his life was consumed with living each day in order to tell the message of the gospel to as many people as possible, and to build them up in their faith as true followers of Jesus.

He obviously had time to rest, and I’m sure he lived a normal human life, but his passion and his goal in life was to live every day for Jesus.

But, what is “normal” for us I  believe is entirely different than what “normal” was for him.

His life I am sure was much less about himself and more about Christ, while for many Christians in America, it is the other way around; more about self and a little about Christ.

In one of his letters he wrote, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1 (KJV)

I want the Lord to help me to be more committed and more on fire for the Lord than ever! I want to be sold out for Jesus so much that, like Paul, I will be able to have an influence and an impact on other people for Jesus. Amen?

 

To view the next sermon in this series, click here.

To Be Like Jesus

(To download an mp3 file of this sermon, click on the title above. To listen now online, click on the play button of the audio player shown here.)

This is a sermon on Romans 15:1-13 that is part of a series of messages on the book of Romans. Paul urges his readers to understand the attitudes of Jesus and copy them.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

We are getting close to the end of our series of messages on the book of Romans. Today we will finish up the main body of his letter, then the remainder of our messages (maybe 2 more) will focus on Paul’s closing remarks.

We have been talking about looking out for the welfare and the good of others in the body of Christ who may be at a different level of spiritual development than what we are.

The title I have chosen for today’s message, “To Be Like Jesus” you might recognize as the title of a chorus from many years ago. I have used it because of the references in today’s text that speak of the attitudes Jesus displayed in His life.

It seems to me that every true Christian should be concerned about living in a way that is patterned after the life of Christ.

ills. – “When the wife of missionary Adoniram Judson told him that a newspaper article likened him to some of the apostles, Judson replied, ‘I do not want to be like Paul… or any mere man. I want to be like Christ… I want to follow Him only, copy His teachings, drink in His Spirit, and place my feet in His footprints… Oh, to be more like Christ!’” (www.sermonillustrations.com)

If you have picked up one of the outlines I have made, you will notice that we are starting today’s message at lower case (iii) which is part of the main point “F” at the top of the page.

We’ve already talked about i & ii, which covered chapter 14. Today we are looking at the first 13 verses of chapter 15.

iii.   Those who are mature live in community with others. (15:1-13)

What does it mean to live in community?

Well, we understand that “no man is an island to himself.” The NT does not portray a Christian faith that is to be lived in isolation. (It can be lived in isolation, if that is the unavoidable circumstances a person find himself in, but…)

Christians are meant to live in the context of fellowship and mutual edification as they grow in their understanding of salvation and in the practical application of it in their daily lives.

It is so much easier for believers to conceive of all kinds of wild, heretical ideas when we “go it alone.” We need the fellowship and the accountability of other believers to help us stay in the right path.

It seems that Paul is wrapping up his admonitions about the weak and strong believers, by explaining how they should live in community with one another.

a.   Community living includes living like Jesus. (1-6)

As I already stated a few minutes ago, it seems like everyone would be able to agree that all Christians should model their lives after Jesus Christ.

But, what does that involve? Well Paul gives us a few guidelines in verses 1-6.

1.   Demonstrate patience like Jesus. (1)

“bear” – carry a burden.

Wuest's Word Studies – When an informed believer foregoes an action which he knows is right, but which a weaker Christian thinks to be wrong, and does it for the sake of not offending that weaker Christian, he curtails his own freedom of action, denies himself something that is legitimately his, and this is a burden to him.

Not pleasing self can prove to be a “burden to bear” for some people, and bearing burdens requires patience or endurance.

So, if we want to be like Jesus, Paul implies that we need to be willing to bear the burden of voluntarily denying some of our own desires in order to improve the success of weaker Christians.

2.   Minister to needs like Jesus. (2)

“please…for good…to edification” – Notice here that Paul did not just give a blanket statement that we should all try to please our neighbor. No, he qualifies the command by saying, “leading to edification.”

All our attempts to please and accommodate the weaker brother or sister should be with the purpose of promoting their “good” and to “edify” or build them up in the faith, not to perpetuate their immaturity or their weaknesses in faith.

The point is that there are plenty of things we can do for one another to build each other up, and we should take every opportunity to do so.

3.   Sacrifice self like Jesus. (3-5)

“even Christ did not please Himself” (v. 3)

“be like-minded…according to Christ Jesus” (v.5)

The life of Christ is a story of self-sacrifice and suffering for the benefit of others. If the Son of God can give up what He gave up and if He can endure what He endured, then by all means, Christians should be able to maintain that same attitude in their interactions with each other.

When we read about the experiences of Christ and the purposes of God in the Scriptures, they inspire patience, comfort and hope in us.

The same God who authored those scriptures is the One who enables us to be like Jesus.

4.   Glorify God like Jesus. (6)

“that you may…glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Here in v. 6 and again in vv. 7, 9, the emphasis is on giving or bringing glory to God.

The wording in these verses is in the form of a prayer that this would be accomplished in their lives. Paul is praying for all of them to display the same kind of attitudes as Jesus, so God will receive the glory.

b.  Community living includes breaking down barriers. (7-13)

I have described verses 7-13 as pertaining to the breaking down of barriers because of the repeated references to Jews and Gentiles in these verses.

There are hardly any barriers that were more pronounced than the one between Jew and Gentile. The “walls” erected in the OT to protect the “Word committed to the fathers” from being mixed with paganism, are now eliminated for the salvation of the Gentiles.

There are at least two main reasons for breaking down barriers.

1.   Removing barriers glorifies God. (7)

“Christ received us… to the glory of God;” “that the Gentiles might glorify God” 

There is no greater barrier between persons than the gulf that separated humanity from God. If Christ was willing to span the gulf that existed between us and God to save us for the glory of God, then surely Christians that have different beliefs and different levels of maturity can overcome the barriers that separate them.

When we do this, the implication is that it will bring glory to God, just like it did when Jesus received us.

Here is another reference to the fact that bringing glory to God is not only the primary goal of Jesus Christ, but it is to be our primary objective as well.

2.   Removing barriers unites Jews and Gentiles. (8-13)

Paul uses the example of Jesus again to emphasize that He provided blessings to both Jews and Gentiles.

He blessed the Jews by confirming the truth of God in the promises made to the patriarchs and ancestors. (v. 8)

He blessed the Gentiles by fulfilling the promises so that the salvation promised would be passed on to the Gentiles as well, and they too would glorify God for His mercy.

By giving these quotes from the OT, Paul is showing that God intended all along to include the Gentiles in redemption.

References to Jews and Gentiles represent the distinctions between the weak and the strong. The Jewish Christians were generally weak, because of trying to live the gospel in the “garment” of the law. The Gentiles on the other hand, were considered the “strong” ones because they lived out their faith in freedom; not ever having been bound by the law, which they did not know.

This principle of removing the barriers between Jew and Gentile is emphasized in Ephesians 2:14-16 (NKJV). ¹⁴  For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, ¹⁵  having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, ¹⁶  and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.

Conclusion:

The burden on Paul’s heart is for the Jewish and Gentile Christians in Rome to both live together and support one another with mutual respect and concern and with mutual desires to build each other up in Christ.

Whether one is weak or strong; Jew or Gentile; or defined by any other distinction, all those who have been saved by the blood of Jesus Christ should be helping one another to grow in faith and in their understanding of the Christian life as taught in Scripture.

I didn’t plan on singing a closing song for today, but I would like to read the words of the chorus that I mentioned at the beginning of the sermon.

 To Be Like Jesus   (# 565)

To be like Jesus, to be like Jesus!

My desire – to be like Him!

All thro’ life’s journey from earth to glory,

My desire – to be like Him!

To be like Jesus, to be like Jesus!

How I long to be like Him!

So meek and lowly, so pure and holy;

How I long to be like Him!

The bottom line is this: If we want to be like Jesus, we will always be concerned about the welfare of others; not just about ourselves.

“On a wall near the main entrance to the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, is a portrait with the following inscription,

‘James Butler Bonham – no picture of him exists. This portrait is of his nephew, Maj. James Bonham, deceased, who greatly resembled his uncle. It is place here by the family that people may know the appearance of the man who dies for freedom.’

“No literal portrait of Jesus exists either. But the likeness of the One who died for our freedom can be seen in the lives of true followers.”(www.sermonillustrations.com)

To view the next sermon in this series, click here.

My Brother's Keeper - Part 2

(To download an mp3 file of this sermon, click on the title above. To listen now online, click on the play button of the audio player shown here.)

This is a sermon based on Romans 14:14-23 and it is part of a series of messages that Pastor Les has been doing on the Epistle of Paul to the Romans.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

Today we are moving to the second half of chapter 14, but we are keeping the same title that we used last week, since the subject of this section is a continuation of the previous portion we studied last week.

We have been doing this series of messages over the book of Romans and we are currently discussing the various ways that the Christians in Rome were admonished to practice or live out their faith.

Paul is essentially telling the Romans that the salvation they have received through faith in Jesus Christ should show up in how they live.

We have covered several topics so far. Let’s briefly review some of the things we have learned.

1. Christians should be totally consecrated to the Lord in every area of life. (12:1-2)

2. Christians should be actively engaged and involved with the church – the body of Christ. (12:3-8)

3. Christians should be demonstrating genuine love to both believers and non-believers. (12:9-21)

4. Christians should have respect for those in authority. (13:1-7)

5. Christians should practice public morality by living in love and avoiding contemporary evils. (13:8-14)

6. Christians should show evidences of spiritual maturity by the ways that they interact with other believers who differ from themselves. (14:1-15:13)

Last week we focused on vv. 1-13 of the 14^th chapter. Today we are going to move on to the remainder of the chapter.

Last week we talked about accepting other believers who may not see things exactly as we do on issues that we might describe as “non-essentials.”

Today we are going to talk about showing consideration for other believers by purposely avoiding actions and conduct that would foster their spiritual shipwreck.

When I prepared the outline for this study, I described this entire section (14:1-15:13) as having to do with personal maturity.

One reason I chose the theme of personal maturity as the description for this section is because the kind of consideration and concern for others described here is what you would expect to find in a person that is grown up and mature.

You wouldn’t expect an immature child to have any particular desire to accept others who have totally different opinions and practices, even if it is in areas that we call “non-essentials” (i.e. things that don’t have major importance).

You wouldn’t expect a child to be very concerned about the needs and concerns of another person, at least not for the long term.

You wouldn’t expect an immature child to be very willing to deny himself something he enjoys just because he knows that it is harmful to another person.

So, Paul is truly describing the behavior of a mature Christian who does exhibit those qualities.

(F.) ii.  Those who are mature show consideration for others. (14:14-23)

Today we are going to take a look at Paul’s admonition for believers to show consideration for others.

a.   [Showing] Consideration involves personal restraint. (14-16; 20-21)

14:14-16 (NKJV) ¹⁴  I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 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;

14:20-21 (NKJV) ²⁰  Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense. ²¹  It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak.

The Apostle starts out by declaring with confidence and certainty that nothing is “unclean” (i.e. common; in contrast with the “holy”).

In this context he is specifically talking about food, but the principle can be applied to other areas as well.

Remember the vision that Peter had in the book of Acts prior to his calling to go preach to Cornelius and some Gentiles?

In contrast to this statement of principle, Paul acknowledges that when a person considers something as unclean (i.e. common or unholy), then it is unclean to him/her.

Therefore, in spite of the fact that nothing is common or unholy, there are some who can be “grieved” (i.e. sorrow) by what they see others doing, and may “speak evil” (lit. blaspheme) about the “good” that the others are doing.

So…… What shall we do?

“Do not destroy” – in v. 15, 20; Paul uses two different words that forbid the tearing down or destruction of another believer through our careless behavior.

v. 20 – Even though the item itself may be pure, if a person of weaker conscience partakes it can be “evil” because it destroys his conscience.

v. 21 sums it all up by saying that we ought to voluntarily refrain from eating, drinking or doing anything that causes a fellow-believer to sin or weakens him against sin.

(Wuest's Word Studies) “…the selfish man who so uses his Christian liberty as to lead a weak brother to tamper with his conscience is … [taking] part in that ruin."

Just a few days ago we received a complementary copy of a Christian magazine in the mail. It was published earlier this summer and it just happened to have a couple of articles regarding the issue of alcohol consumption by Christians.

One of the articles was written by someone who had purposely chosen to drink alcohol socially as a “demonstration of her liberty in Christ.” However she later made the decision to become a “tee-totaler” because she had become sensitized to the plight of individuals who are addicted to alcohol and other chemical substances, and she felt compelled to voluntarily restrain her own preferences in order to avoid the harmful influence she may exert over neighbors and friends.

This author had become so concerned about her neighbors and new acquaintances struggling with addiction, it took the pleasure and joy out of her new-found freedom with regards to drinking.

This same principle might be applied to a number of different areas of practical living (e.g. concern for those struggling with lust and addiction or attraction to pornography).

b.   [Showing] Consideration involves positive encouragement. (17-19)

14:17-19 (NKJV) ¹⁷  for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. ¹⁸  For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. ¹⁹  Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.

In these verses it seems like Paul is emphasizing the fact that if food and drink and other such matters are non-essentials, then the stronger believer should not allow those non-essentials to overshadow the more important principles of the Kingdom of God, i.e. righteousness and peace and joy.

When the stronger Christians willingly restrain their own preferences in order to protect the conscience of the weak, then they exemplify these same principles that carry so much more importance.

Having said that, Paul seems to be also promoting the fact that even weaker Christians need to learn that the kingdom of God is not made up of what we eat, and drink, but it is the display of righteousness, peace and joy in the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

Therefore, it is the responsibility of mature Christians to live in such a manner as to pursue the things that promote peace [i.e. the absence of conflict and turmoil] and will build up (i.e. edify) our brothers and sisters in the faith, rather than pursuing the things that can destroy them.

c.   [Showing] Consideration involves personal faith. (22-23)

14:22-23 (NKJV) 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.

Coming to the end of this paragraph, the Apostle emphasizes the importance of personal faith and conviction.

When we exercise our faith and live according to our faith, we are to do so “before God.” He is not talking about just having our own opinion about things, but having a conviction that this action, choice or principle is within the will of God; having a vibrant, living faith that is personal with God. (i.e. not based on what someone else says or does.)

The person who is not firmly convinced or convicted in his heart about what is right or permissible stands to be condemned if he partakes or performs simply out of a desire to “fit in.”

If there is the slightest doubt in his mind that this behavior is not God’s will, then it is a choice that is described as sinful.

Doubt is a sin that is frequently condemned in Scripture. Here, in this context, doubt is applied to the performance of some deed or the pursuing of some behavior about which the Christian is not firmly convinced would be approved by God.

Conclusion:

There are a number of practical ways that the principles of this chapter can be applied to our everyday lives.

Many controversies have been generated between believers who have different interpretations and opinions regarding things that could be classified as non-essentials.

Paul is urging us to be considerate of each other, and rather than argue and tear down one another, we should seek the general welfare and building up of one another.

It takes a certain level of personal maturity in order to practice that principle in everyday life.

Let us conclude our service this morning by singing a hymn that emphasizes our responsibility to live in harmony and in love with one another.

I Then Shall Live        # 604


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My Brother's Keeper

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This is a sermon based on Romans 14:1-13. It is one segment in a series of messages on the Apostle Paul's letter to the Romans.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

You’ll have to forgive me, but when I decided on the title for this message today, I immediately remembered a joke that I read years ago.

Anyway, there was this ape that escaped from the zoo and was gone for hours and hours while the authorities searched everywhere. Finally they found the ape in the local library with an open Bible and open copy of Darwin’s book, Origin of the Species. When they asked it what it was doing, it replied, “I’m trying to find out if I am my brother’s keeper or my keeper’s brother!”

Getting back to the point of our scripture, we are looking at a passage today that speaks about the Christian’s duty to be sensitive about his influence over other believers and tolerant toward the beliefs of others.

We are going to learn that part of “growing up” or becoming mature in the Christian faith involves having the ability to accept other believers at their stage of Christian growth without condemning them or without becoming discouraged and doubting my own faith.

Today’s message and the messages over the next two weeks will be dealing with different aspects of this theme regarding our interaction with and influence over other Christians.

F.   Christian conduct involves personal maturity. (14:1-15:13)

One of the things that many Christians seem to ignore about the Christian life is that the Bible repeatedly informs us that we are expected to “grow up” in our faith and in our relationship with Christ.

It is not expected that we just “pray the sinner’s prayer of confession and faith” then do nothing else.

Earlier this morning we dedicated a baby to the Lord. I am pretty sure that when her parents brought her home from the hospital, they didn’t just place her in her crib then walk away saying, “Well, we got that done, now we can get back to living our lives.”

No, it is a natural assumption that there will be a lot of work for the parents, and there will be a lot of learning and development for the baby. If there isn’t, then they immediately know that something is clearly amiss.

The same principle applies to newborn Christians. We all are expected to grow up and mature in our faith and understanding of salvation, as well as our understanding of Christian lifestyle matters.

i.   Those who are mature can accept others. (14:1-13)

a.   Acceptance means avoiding judgment. (1-3)

We are commanded to accept believers who may not be at the same level of growth or understanding as we are. But the command is qualified by the phrase, “Not to doubtful disputations.” (KJV)

(Arndt and Gingrich, Lexicon, p. 185, quoted in Reasoner) “Welcome [one another], but not for the purpose of getting into quarrels about opinions.”

The exercising of judgment can work both ways.

“despise…judge” – the person with the stronger conscience about non-essentials is ordered to not despise (i.e. treat with contempt; scorn) the weaker one, and one with weaker conscience regarding non-essentials is ordered to not judge (condemn) the stronger one.

b.   Acceptance allows for individual conscience. (5-6)

When we accept fellow Christians, it not only means that we refrain from condemning them, but it means that we allow each one the personal freedom to live as they believe God wants them to live.

By “personal freedom” I’m talking about freedom that is informed by the Word, not just by my own personal opinions.

Cf. Php 2:12 “… work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”

Does not mean figure out whatever you like or want regarding what salvation (i.e. pick and choose that things you want to believe and obey in the Bible.)

It does mean work out your salvation into your everyday life, keeping in mind that you must do it for yourself, I can’t do it for you.

The key words in these verses are:

“let each be fully persuaded [convinced]” AND “observes (or observes it not) to the Lord” In other words, every person needs to assume the responsibility to become convinced by the scriptures regarding the truth.

I’ve often told people during my years of ministry, “Don’t accept this just because I said it. Study it out and check it out for yourself. If you don’t, then the next person who comes along that has a different opinion/interpretation than I do, will be able to sway you to a completely different viewpoint.

AND, every person needs to do what they do because they are doing it for the Lord, not so they can please another person.

c.   Acceptance includes accountability to God. (4, 7-13)

Before we explain the purpose of this last point I want to highlight a phrase there in the second half of v. 4. “he will be made to stand [KJV, holden i.e. held up], for God is able to make him stand.”

Part of this truth regarding accountability to God includes the fact that each one of us is God’s “project.” i.e. I am not responsible to make sure someone stands, God is able to do that.

The final point we want to make from this portion of the chapter is this: When we learn to accept one another, we understand that each one of us is accountable to God.

Paul summarizes his point regarding this in verse 12. This statement captures what Paul has been trying to explain in the preceding verses.

That means two things:

1. I don’t have to answer to other people for whatever I feel God wants me to believe or to do. I have to answer to God.

2. Since I am accountable to God, I have a personal obligation to search out God’s Word and His will for my life. It won’t pass as an excuse when we stand before Him, to say, “I’m sorry God, but so-and-so told me that this behavior was okay, or that doctrine was the proper understanding of your Word.” I could be wrong, but I wonder if God is going to ask us if we even bothered to study on it for ourselves.

The final point from Paul in this section is provided in verse 13, which acts like a transitional statement leading into the next point, and he is essentially saying this:

“Since all this is true, let us all purpose in our hearts that we will not become a stumbling block (obstacle) or the cause of anyone falling from faith.”

He is not urging us to be worried all the time about another Christian’s disapproval of our belief/conduct, yet we should be sensitive if our belief/conduct causes another Christian to sin or abandon their faith.

If we notice that has happened, it may not mean that we must change (although it could), but it definitely means we should at least take the time to show concern and compassion to the brother/ sister and explain to them from this passage of scripture that God wants them to be firmly convinced in their own minds about His will and then live it out only for Him, not for me.

Conclusion:

In conclusion today, I want to quote to you some summary comments made by Dr. Vic Reasoner in his commentary on Romans.

(Dr. Vic Reasoner) Spirituality is not measured by the number of scruples [i.e. ethical rules]. The kingdom of God is not defined by external regulations. Yet the church must be united in essentials. [Back] in 12:16 Paul commanded the congregation at Rome to “be of the same mind.” Here he allows for diversity over nonessentials. Paul is not, however, promoting situational ethics in which every person [makes up his own principles of right and wrong].

We are to be fully persuaded or convinced in our mind. It is sin for us to precede over the top of doubt (v 23).We are not to judge a brother over nonessentials. Whatever we believe on nonessentials is between us and God (v 22). But we are not to cause our brother to stumble. There is a difference, however, between evoking our brother’s disapproval and causing our brother to fall into sin. We must learn to discern between that which is crucial and that which is cultural. The weaker must not judge everyone else by his standard. The stronger is not to treat his weaker brother with contempt. [John] Wesley wrote, “The longer I live, the larger allowances I make for human infirmities. I exact more from myself and less from others.”

Bishop John Potter advised Wesley, “If you desire to be extensively useful, do not spend your time and strength in contending for or against such things … of a disputable nature; but in testifying against open notorious vice, and in promoting, real, essential holiness.”

I think these comments by Dr. Reasoner pretty well summarize what we have been discussing in these verses today.

I trust that God will give us wisdom to know what He desires from each of us personally in regards to daily living out our Christian values, and the charity to accept others who disagree with us.

 

 

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Channels of Love and Holiness

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This is a sermon based on Romans 13:8-14 and it is part of a series of messages on the book of Romans. This sermon speaks about the Christian believer's responsibility to live out their faith in a way that emphasizes love and purity.

Written text:
 

Introduction:

We are continuing our study of the letter that the Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome.

Since we resumed our series of messages at the beginning of this month, we have been looking at chapters 12 and 13.

We noticed how that Paul has taken a definite turn in his writing to speak more directly about the practical application of faith and living out doctrinal beliefs.

He provided the theological foundation for the faith in the first 11 chapters, but now he wants believers to apply their theology to everyday behavior and conduct.

Last week and the previous week we looked at the first part of chapter 13 concerning Paul’s admonition to submit and respect those in authority over us.

Today we are going to discuss the second part of the chapter.

If you are following one of the outlines that have been made available, we are ready to cover…

E.  Christian conduct involves public morality. (13:8-14)

At first glance, it might seem that verses 8-10 have little to do with verses 11-14.

In fact, when I preached through Romans in my previous church, I chose to view verses 8-10 as “Part 2” to the theme of love that Paul talks about in verses 9-21of chapter 12.

However, after further consideration, I have chosen to look at these two paragraphs as being more closely related than I previously thought.

I think the common theme between the two paragraphs is the theme of public morality.

The topic of morality has to do with choices and behaviors that are either right or wrong; good or evil. These verses highlight the aspect of “doing what is good” (i.e. love) and “avoiding what is evil” (i.e. works of darkness).

      i.  Morality is based on genuine love. (8-10)

The first of these paragraphs emphasizes the good or the right kind of life we should strive to live. And, there is no better theme that we can think of to capture the overall concept of moral living than the theme of love.

            a.  Love is the fulfillment of the law. (8)

This point is explicitly stated in the second half of verse 8, but let’s talk a little first about the first part of the verse.

“Owe no man anything, but to love one another.” – This verse is often quoted as a proof text against borrowing money. Others quote it as a text against Christians getting behind in their financial obligations.

However, I am convinced that the phrase is meant to be understood within the context of the preceding verses.

If we do that, then we will have to understand Paul to be literally saying, “Stop owing (getting behind in your payments to) any member of the governing authority in regards to taxes, customs, fear (reverence, respect) and honor.”

If we understand the word “all” in verse 7 to be referring to all people in general, not merely governing authorities, then verse 8 would extend to all people as well. But, he is still specifically talking about taxes, customs, fear and honor.

So Paul is essentially saying:

Don’t owe any man any of these things I have just mentioned, but only owe them love.

Even if you remain “paid up” in regards to all these other things, you still owe each other the debt of love.

Let everyone of us keep on owing love and paying out our debt of love to each other.

(Now, it does appear that Paul is expanding his view of whom we owe love to by including the commands of God in v. 9, especially the command “love your neighbor as yourself.”)

Then, in the second half of the verse, he proclaims that love is the fulfillment of the law.       

Moving on to verses 9-10, we discover that…

            b.  Love is defined by the law. (9-10)

I’m quite sure I made this observation when we back in chapter 12, but many people like to be pretty vague about what genuine love really involves.

There are those who have approached Christian Ethics with only one principle to live by, “Just do the loving thing in every situation.”

However, many of those same people are opposed to any specific definition or description of love. Love, for them, is strictly defined by the situation. i.e. there may be times when adultery is the “loving thing to do,” or there may be times when lying is the “loving thing to do.”

But Paul says that love is explained, defined by the law.

If we really love one another, then we will fulfill all of these commands he has quoted from Moses.

This makes it clear that “love” is much more than just warm, fuzzy emotions that we may or may not feel toward another person.

It is spelled out in objective and measurable terms.

[1993] “…in 15 years of asking high school students throughout America whether, in an emergency situation, they would save their dog or a stranger first, most students have answered that they would not save the stranger. "I love my dog, I don't love the stranger," they always say. The feeling of love has supplanted God or religious principle as the moral guide for [many] young people. What is right has been redefined in terms of what an individual feels.”  (http://www.sermonillustrations.com/a-z/m/morality.htm)

The Apostles James and John have plenty of things to say about love and what it means as well. It is a study well worth the effort to look up all that the NT has to say about loving one another.

“love does no harm” – This is not the same as the golden rule that Jesus gave, but it is what some have come to refer to as the “silver rule,” i.e. do no harm.

The golden rule, on the other hand, urges us to actively or positively do the good that we would want others to do for us.

Not only is morality based on genuine love (vv. 8-10), but…

      ii.  Morality is illustrated by light vs. darkness. (11-14)

There are various places in Scripture where light and darkness are used as synonyms for righteousness or unrighteousness; morality or immorality.

So Paul urges Christian believers to be people who live in the light rather than the darkness.

            a.  Awareness of current conditions is necessary. (11-12a)

“Awaken” – it is incumbent on every believer to be alert and awake in regards to the conditions of the world and society in which we live.

“time” – a word that speaks more of a season than calendar date(s).

Alertness and awareness are necessary because time is running out and the seasons are changing. Now is the season of grace and the season for repentance and seeking God, but when that is ended, it will be the season of judgment.

“far spent… at hand” – further description of the “time to awaken”. The season of darkness is ended and the dawn has arrived. A vivid picture of day-break. (Robertson, Word Pictures)

            b.  Response to conditions is required. (12b-14)

Since the present season of darkness is coming to an end, and our day of final salvation is nearer, therefore we must carry out some specific actions.

“cast off” (v. 12b) – the form of this verb is a mild command; exhorting the performance of some action or duty. (Hortatory subjunctive; Danta & Mantey Greek Grammar)

We are urged to cast off the works of darkness which would include anything and everything that is contrary to the light of God’s holiness and righteousness, but some specific examples are provided in the following verse, which we will mention in just a moment.

“put on” (12b, 14) – it is not enough to simply refrain from ungodly and immoral activities, which we obviously must do, but we must also positively seek to “put on” certain qualities and behaviors as if we are putting on new clothes.

We are exhorted to specifically put on the “armor” or “weapons” of “light.” This is probably a reference to a parallel passage in Ephesians 6.

In v.14 we are exhorted to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ.” This implies an ordering of our lives according to His principles and example. Galatians 3:27 reads, “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ, have put on Christ.”

(Reasoner) This implies a deliverance from the dominion and nature of sin, a participation in the divine nature, conformity to the divine image, the consecration of our heart and life to God.

“walk” (13) – The walk or “going around in daily life” is to be done “honestly,” i.e. honorably, seemly or decently.

How is that defined? Not this… (KJV) “not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.”

He is essentially telling them that the kind of life we are to be living must not involve carousing or partying; drunkenness; sexual immorality; unbridled desires; quarrelling and jealousy.

He uses these negative terms to describe the kind of walk we should not engage in, but it could also be thought of as a partial list that helps define the “works of darkness” mentioned in v.12.

In contrast to these things that we are NOT to practice, we are to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ, as we described a moment ago.

We are finally exhorted to “make no provision for the flesh… for lust”

i.e. Do not make plans or forethoughts for the satisfaction of passions and desires of the flesh.

Conclusion

Once again we have been reminded that Paul firmly believes that a person who has been justified and sanctified by the blood of Jesus should live a lifestyle that stands in stark contrast to the lifestyles of the dark world around us.

We are urged to live a moral life which can be summed up as loving God enough to follow His standards of righteousness and loving our fellowman as expressed in the Ten Commandments and especially the command to “love your neighbor as yourself.”

There is a sense in which both of these paragraphs is talking about love. The first speaks about love for our fellow man. The second speaks about love for God that is so committed and faithful to Him that is draws us away from the former behaviors that can be characterized as the works of darkness.

How are you doing in respect to this admonition to publicly live as Scripture teaches?

May the Lord help each and every one of us to purpose in our hearts that we will more closely demonstrate the love of God and the works of light in our daily lives.

Our closing song today is a chorus that is not in our hymn books, but the lyrics are on the inserts in your bulletin.

Love Through Me


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