Disputable Matters: Part 3
Part of Romans
June 7, 2020

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Romans 14:13-19 (New Living Translation)
13 So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.

14 I know and am convinced on the authority of the Lord Jesus that no food, in and of itself, is wrong to eat. But if someone believes it is wrong, then for that person it is wrong. 15 And if another believer is distressed by what you eat, you are not acting in love if you eat it. Don’t let your eating ruin someone for whom Christ died. 16 Then you will not be criticized for doing something you believe is good. 17 For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. 19 So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.

I. Good and bad judgment (v. 13)
• Refusing to judge one another implies

.
• Strong faith takes the time to and others.
• Strong faith not to cause others to stumble or fall.

II. Perceptions and reality (vv. 14-15)
• Food and drink are

disputable matters.
• Strong faith recognizes is reality for people.
• Our first responsibility as Christians is to the most person in the room.
• Weak discipleship knows is true.
• Strong discipleship knows to speak and act on truth.

III. Love over liberty (vv. 16-19)
• Choosing personal

over love is weak faith.
• It is impossible to without sacrifice and responsibility.
• Peace and joy are only experienced in the of relationship.
• Strong faith seeks the of God and others.

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Getting to Know Me
Share about a time that you completely biffed it, you tripped over something or otherwise were ungraceful trying a new thing.

Exploring the Word

  1. As you listened to the message, what points stood out?

  2. Read Romans 14:12-13. Why should Christians never compare themselves to other believers? According to verse 13, what is the proper way to respond to another Christian when they have a differing viewpoint with a disputable matter?

  3. How can a strong believer cause a weaker one to stumble or fall? How can weak Christians cause strong Christians to stumble or fall? Although Christians are to not judge one another with disputable matters, when should we correct other believers? What does this look like?

  4. Read Romans 14:14-16. Even though disputable matters do not have a correct answer, when does the decision that is made become wrong? How do people’s perceptions influence them and how does this apply to disputable matters?

  5. Read Romans 2:12. The Greek word for ruin, destroy, is often applied to eternal damnation. How can strong Christians destroy weak believer’s faith when they do not consider and honor differing viewpoints from their own? Discuss what it does and does not look like to “act in love” when handling disputable matters.

  6. Read Romans 14:17-19. How do Christians know when they are living lives guided by the Holy Spirit? What are examples of ways believers can work at keeping peace with one another, especially when they do not agree?