Recap:
Do what you do for the Lord (Rom. 14:6 + 8)
seeking to please God (Rom. 14:18)
remember you will give an account (Rom. 14:10-12)
therefore accept one another (Rom. 14:1; 15:7)
without despising or judging (Rom. 14:3,13)

The Situation in Rome:
The “weak” = Jews or Gentiles pricked by their conscience and desiring to please God and not lose their salvation.
The “strong” = Jews (like Paul) and Gentiles living out their liberties in Christ.

The “Strong” are right!
-1 Timothy 4:4-5
-Acts 10:15
-Mark 7:15-23

Both groups are letting their conscience become the other’s judge.

The Conscience:
a. Our Conscience is rendering a verdict on our and others’ actions based on our beliefs and traditions.
b. We must train our conscience with the Truth of God’s Word/
c. Do not violate your conscience or it becomes hardened.
d. Do not cause your brother or sister to violate their conscience and so to sin.

Decision-making in the Grey-areas of Life:
What do we do when the Bible does not clearly render a verdict regarding a decision or action?

Questions:
-Will it be helpful? (1 Cor.6:12; 1 Cor.10:23)
-Will it hinder my spiritual growth? (Hebrews 12:1)
-Will it bring me into bondage? (1 Cor.6:12)
-Will it encourage others and build them up? (1 Cor.14:26; 2 Cor. 12:19)
-Will it honor God? (1 Cor. 10:31; Romans 14:6-8)

Two Areas Christians should take a stand:
1. Salvation
If Salvation is at stake we must be firm in our convictions!
Example: Cross & Crown’s 5 Fundamentals
2. Sin
We must ruthlessly deal with sin!
In ourselves - Colossians 4:5-9
In others who call themselves Christians - 1 Cor. 5

HONOR GOD & LOVE YOUR CHRISTIAN BROTHERS AND SISTERS!