Bobservations' Column
Titled - "First Amendment?"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz
We are back in Romans today, and in spite of the title “First Amendment,” the message is not about the US Constitution or the Bill of Rights, but about the freedom we enjoy in Christ Jesus! If we were to “reverse think” the premises for the Bill of Rights, we might well find its basis right here in Romans 12, 13, and 14. Romans 12:1-2 may even supply a like-phrase to “American Exceptionalism!”
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Christ’s freedom is available to all!
Before departing Romans during the Resurrection season, these chapters underscore our actions and attitudes toward principalities and powers, toward the Church, and today concerning those that do not believe as we believe. Today in particular, we must acknowledge that all Christian denominations do not agree on a large number of issues, including God’s Doctrines of Faith, and man-made dogmas of faith.
The example of Eve while being tempted by the serpent comes to mind. Eve said in Genesis 3:3, "But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, ‘Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.’" Now, we know that Eve misquoted God by saying they should not touch the fruit of that one tree. God said nothing about touching the fruit, only that she and Adam should not eat the fruit of that tree.
(Laughingly) What if Adam had invented a ball game, and that one fruit was the only suitable object? Other fruits were oblong like bananas, or bell shaped like a pear? What about a nice ripe squishy tomato? Or the tiny cherries on that tree. None of those fruit would work well for say, baseball.
Eve’s practice of adding to God’s Word would deprive us of the delightful freedom to throw out the first pitch and play ball! But there’s more; changing God’s Word would violate another command of God in Revelation 22: 18 - 19, which bring long-term consequences to those who add to God’s Word or remove anything from it.
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz
We are back in Romans today, and in spite of the title “First Amendment,” the message is not about the US Constitution or the Bill of Rights, but about the freedom we enjoy in Christ Jesus! If we were to “reverse think” the premises for the Bill of Rights, we might well find its basis right here in Romans 12, 13, and 14. Romans 12:1-2 may even supply a like-phrase to “American Exceptionalism!”
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Christ’s freedom is available to all!
Before departing Romans during the Resurrection season, these chapters underscore our actions and attitudes toward principalities and powers, toward the Church, and today concerning those that do not believe as we believe. Today in particular, we must acknowledge that all Christian denominations do not agree on a large number of issues, including God’s Doctrines of Faith, and man-made dogmas of faith.
The example of Eve while being tempted by the serpent comes to mind. Eve said in Genesis 3:3, "But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, ‘Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.’" Now, we know that Eve misquoted God by saying they should not touch the fruit of that one tree. God said nothing about touching the fruit, only that she and Adam should not eat the fruit of that tree.
(Laughingly) What if Adam had invented a ball game, and that one fruit was the only suitable object? Other fruits were oblong like bananas, or bell shaped like a pear? What about a nice ripe squishy tomato? Or the tiny cherries on that tree. None of those fruit would work well for say, baseball.
Eve’s practice of adding to God’s Word would deprive us of the delightful freedom to throw out the first pitch and play ball! But there’s more; changing God’s Word would violate another command of God in Revelation 22: 18 - 19, which bring long-term consequences to those who add to God’s Word or remove anything from it.
The best thing to do it to leave God’s Word as He is: perfect, complete, and sufficient in Himself: Live like Jesus lives, doing no harm to anyone.
Bobservations' Column: Audio Version
Sunday Morning Message:
Romans 14:1-23 - "First Amendment?"
Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:
Romans 14 is a profound chapter in the New Testament that addresses the themes of Christian liberty, the importance of love and unity within the body of Christ, and the necessity of living out one's faith with a clear conscience. In this chapter, the Apostle Paul speaks to the Roman Christians about the need to accept one another despite differences in convictions, particularly concerning dietary laws and the observance of special days. This passage is as relevant today as it was in the first century, offering timeless principles for maintaining harmony and mutual respect within the Christian community.
The Bible states emphatically in Galatians 5:1 that believers are free in Christ: “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1). Before Jesus died on a cross, God’s people lived under a detailed system of laws that served as a moral compass to guide their lives. The Law, while powerless to grant salvation or produce true freedom, nevertheless pointed the way to Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:19–24). Through His sacrificial death, Jesus Christ fulfilled the Law, setting believers free from the law of sin and death. God’s laws are now written in our hearts through the Spirit of God, and we are free to follow and serve Christ in ways that please and glorify Him (Romans 8:2–8). In a nutshell, this is the definition of Christian freedom.
An important aspect of Christian freedom is our responsibility not to return to living under the Law.
The apostle Paul compared this to slavery: “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1). Continuing to live under the Law after salvation is merely a legalistic form of religion. We cannot earn righteousness through the Law; rather, the Law’s purpose was to define our sin and show our need of a Savior. Christian freedom involves living not under the burdensome obligations of the Law but under God’s grace: “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” (Romans 6:14).
In Christ, we are free from the Law’s oppressive system, we are free from the penalty of sin, and we are free from the power of sin.
Also, Christian freedom is not a license to sin.
In Christ, we are free from the Law’s oppressive system, we are free from the penalty of sin, and we are free from the power of sin.
Also, Christian freedom is not a license to sin.
We are free in Christ but not free to live however we want, indulging the flesh: “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13, NLT). Believers aren’t free to sin, but free to live holy lives in Christ.
Only Christians know true freedom: “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). But what does Christian freedom look like in a practical sense? What are we free to do and not do? What can we watch on TV? What can we eat and drink? What can we wear to the beach? What about smoking and drinking? Are there limits to Christian freedom?
In 1 Corinthians 10, the apostle Paul gives a practical illustration of Christian freedom: “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. Let no man seek his own, but every man another's well-being.” (1 Corinthians 10:23–24).
In writing to the church in Corinth, Paul mentions members who were attending meals in pagan temples, just as they had done before receiving Christ. They felt free to continue participating because they thought these festivals were merely a normal part of the social culture. They didn’t see their actions as pagan worship.
Paul laid out several warnings, reminding the Corinthians of Israel’s dangerous flirtation with idolatry in the Old Testament. Then he handled the practical concern of eating meat that had been sacrificed to idols.
“All things are lawful for me,” the Corinthians were saying. True, Paul says; Christians have a great deal of freedom in Christ. However, not everything is beneficial or constructive. Our freedom in Christ must be balanced by a desire to build up and benefit others. When deciding how to exercise our Christian freedom, we ought to seek the good of others before our own good.
In Judaism, restrictions were placed on purchasing meats in the market. Jews could only buy and eat kosher meats. Paul said believers were free in Christ to buy and eat any meat (1 Corinthians 10:25–26). However, if the issue of meat sacrificed to idols came up, believers were to follow a higher law. Love is what limits Christian freedom.
A little later in the chapter, Paul wrote about eating meat as a guest in someone’s home. Christians are free to eat whatever they are served without questions of conscience (1 Corinthians 10:27). But, if someone brings up that the meat has been offered to an idol, it is better not to eat it for the sake of the person who raised the issue of conscience (verse 28). While believers have freedom to eat the meat, they are compelled to consider what’s best for those who are observing their behavior.
Romans 14:1–13 raises a key determiner in understanding the limits of Christian freedom.
In the passage, Paul again brings up the issue of eating meat sacrificed to idols and also observing certain holy days. Some of the believers felt freedom in Christ in these areas while others did not. Their differing perspectives were causing quarrels and disunity. Paul emphasized that unity and love in the body of Christ are more important than anyone’s personal convictions or Christian liberty: “Let us not therefore judge one another anymore: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.” (Romans 14:13).
Essentially, Paul’s message to the New Testament believers and to us today is this: even if we believe we are right and have Christian freedom in an area, if our actions will cause another brother or sister to stumble in his or her faith, we are to refrain out of love.
Only Christians know true freedom: “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). But what does Christian freedom look like in a practical sense? What are we free to do and not do? What can we watch on TV? What can we eat and drink? What can we wear to the beach? What about smoking and drinking? Are there limits to Christian freedom?
In 1 Corinthians 10, the apostle Paul gives a practical illustration of Christian freedom: “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. Let no man seek his own, but every man another's well-being.” (1 Corinthians 10:23–24).
In writing to the church in Corinth, Paul mentions members who were attending meals in pagan temples, just as they had done before receiving Christ. They felt free to continue participating because they thought these festivals were merely a normal part of the social culture. They didn’t see their actions as pagan worship.
Paul laid out several warnings, reminding the Corinthians of Israel’s dangerous flirtation with idolatry in the Old Testament. Then he handled the practical concern of eating meat that had been sacrificed to idols.
“All things are lawful for me,” the Corinthians were saying. True, Paul says; Christians have a great deal of freedom in Christ. However, not everything is beneficial or constructive. Our freedom in Christ must be balanced by a desire to build up and benefit others. When deciding how to exercise our Christian freedom, we ought to seek the good of others before our own good.
In Judaism, restrictions were placed on purchasing meats in the market. Jews could only buy and eat kosher meats. Paul said believers were free in Christ to buy and eat any meat (1 Corinthians 10:25–26). However, if the issue of meat sacrificed to idols came up, believers were to follow a higher law. Love is what limits Christian freedom.
A little later in the chapter, Paul wrote about eating meat as a guest in someone’s home. Christians are free to eat whatever they are served without questions of conscience (1 Corinthians 10:27). But, if someone brings up that the meat has been offered to an idol, it is better not to eat it for the sake of the person who raised the issue of conscience (verse 28). While believers have freedom to eat the meat, they are compelled to consider what’s best for those who are observing their behavior.
Romans 14:1–13 raises a key determiner in understanding the limits of Christian freedom.
In the passage, Paul again brings up the issue of eating meat sacrificed to idols and also observing certain holy days. Some of the believers felt freedom in Christ in these areas while others did not. Their differing perspectives were causing quarrels and disunity. Paul emphasized that unity and love in the body of Christ are more important than anyone’s personal convictions or Christian liberty: “Let us not therefore judge one another anymore: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.” (Romans 14:13).
Essentially, Paul’s message to the New Testament believers and to us today is this: even if we believe we are right and have Christian freedom in an area, if our actions will cause another brother or sister to stumble in his or her faith, we are to refrain out of love.
Sunday Morning Audio Message:
Receive (14:1) - The Greek word revers to personal and willing acceptance of another.
Key Words and Definitions with Reference:
Receive (14:1) - The Greek word revers to personal and willing acceptance of another.
Weak in the Faith (14:1) - This characterizes those believers who are unable to let go of the religious ceremonies and rituals of their past.
Doubtful Disputations (14:1) - The mature believer should not sit in judgment on the sincere but underdeveloped thoughts that govern the weak believer's conduct.
Doubtful Disputations (14:1) - The mature believer should not sit in judgment on the sincere but underdeveloped thoughts that govern the weak believer's conduct.
One Believes (14:2) - This refers to the strong believer, whose mature faith allows him to exercise his freedom in Christ by eating the inexpensive meat sold at the pagan meat markets - inexpensive because a worshiper had first offered it as a sacrifice to a pagan deity.
Eateth Herbs (14:2) - The strict diet that weak Jewish and Gentile believers ate to avoid eating meat that was unclean or may have been sacrificed to idols.
Despise...Judge (14:3) - Indicating a contempt for someone as worthless, who deserves only disdain and abhorrence. "Judge" is equally strong and means "to condemn." Paul uses them synonymously: The strong hold the weak in contempt as legalistic and self-righteous; the weak judge the strong to be irresponsible at best and perhaps depraved.
To His Own Master He Stands or Falls (14:4) - How Christ evaluates each believer is what matters, and His judgment does not take into account religious tradition or personal preference (cf. 8:33, 34; 1 Corinthians 4:3-5).
Esteems One Day (14:5) - Though it was no longer required by God, the weak Jewish believer felt compelled to observe the Sabbath and other special days associated with Judaism (cf. Galatians 4:9, 10; Colossians 2:16, 17). On the other hand, the weak Gentile wanted to separate himself from the special days of festivities associated with his former paganism because of its immorality and idolatry.
Esteems Every Day Alike (14:5) - The mature believers were unaffected by those concerns.
Let Each Be Fully Persuaded (14:5) -Each Christian must follow the dictates of his own conscience in matters not specifically commanded or prohibited in Scripture. Since conscience is a God-given mechanism to warn, and responds to the highest standard of moral law in the mind (2:14, 15), it is not sensible to train yourself to ignore it. Rather, respond to its compunctions, and as you mature, by learning more, your mind will not alert it to those things which are not essential.
To The Lord (14:6) - Whether weak or strong, the motive behind a believer's decisions about issues of conscience must be to please the Lord.
Lives to Himself...Dies to Himself (14:7) - The focus of Christian living is never oneself. Everything we do should be to please the Lord (cf. 1 Corinthians 6:20; 10:31).
Lord of Both the Dead and the Living (14:9) - Christ died not only to free us from sin, but to enslave us to Himself (6:22); to establish Himself as Lord over the saints in His presence and those still on earth (cf. Philippians 2:11; 1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 17:14; 19:16).
Your Brother (14:10) -A fellow believer in Christ.
The Judgment Seat of Christ (14:10) - The preferred rendering is "the judgment seat of God." Every believer will give an account of himself, and the Lord will judge the decisions he made including those concerning issues of conscience. That verdict is the only one that matters.
It Is Written (14:11) - Paul quoting Isaiah 45:23; 49:18.
Judge This Rather (14:13) - The same Greek word translated "judge" is here translated "resolve." In verses 3, 10, 13a the meaning is negative: "to condemn." Inverse 13b, the meaning is positive: "to determine to make a careful decision." The point of Paul's play on words is that instead of passing judgment on their brothers, they should use their best judgment to help fellow believers.
Stumbling Block (14:13) - Anything a believer does - even though Scripture may permit it - that causes another to fall into sin (1 Corinthians 8:9).
Unclean (14:14) - The Greek word originally meant "common" but came to mean "impure" or "evil."
Grieved (14:15) -The Greek word refers to causing pain or distress. A weak believer may be hurt when he sees a brother do something he believes is sinful.
Love (14:15) - Love will ensure that the strong Christian is sensitive and understanding of his brother's weaknesses (1 Corinthians 8:8-13).
Destroy (14:15) - Refers to complete devastation. In the NT, it is often used to indicate eternal damnation. In context, however, it refers to a serious devastation of one's spiritual growth.
Your Good (14:16) - The rightful exercise of one's Christian liberty.
Spoken of as Evil (14:16) - To blaspheme. When unbelievers see a Christian abusing his freedom in Christ and harming a weaker brother, they will conclude that Christianity is filled with unloving people, which reflects badly on God's reputation.
Eating and Drinking (14:17) - These are non-essentials and external observances.
Righteousness (14:17) - Holy, obedient living.
Peace (14:17) -The loving tranquility, produced by the Spirit, that should characterize believers' relationships with God and each other (Galatians 5:22).
Joy in the Holy Ghost (14:17) - Another part of the Spirit's fruit, this describes an abiding attitude of praise and thanksgiving regardless of circumstances, which flows from one's confidence in God's sovereignty (Galatians 5:22; 1 Thessalonians 1:6).
Approved by Men (14:18) - After a careful examination. Christians are under the microscope of a skeptical world that is assessing how they live with and treat one another.
All Things...Pure (14:20) - Discretionary liberties which God has given to believers and are good in themselves.
Who East With Offense (14:20) - Using God-given liberties carelessly and selfishly and offending weaker brethren.
Whatever is Not of Faith (14:24) - The thoughts and actions that the conscience condemns.
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