
Talk about what you believe and you have disunity. Talk about who you believe and you have unity —E. Stanley Jones (1884–1973) (cited in Larson, p. 170)
Romans 14:1-12
Among those spiritual behaviors that people do for the Lord, giving thanks and glory to him in the process, all are acceptable to God—and therefore should be acceptable to each other.
1 Corinthians 10:31
Does this problem exist in the modern church?
Next Steps
1. Reflect on Personal Judgments
2. Engage in Open Conversations
3. Practice Unity in Diversity
4. Live Out Grace
Forgive Quickly: If you realize you have judged someone harshly, seek forgiveness—both from the person and from God—and make amends.
5. Focus on the Essentials of Faith
6. Pray for the Church
Bibliography
W., Jackson. Reading Romans with Eastern Eyes: Honor and Shame in Paul’s Message and Mission. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic: An Imprint of InterVarsity Press, 2019.
Boa, Kenneth, and William Kruidenier. Romans. Vol. 6 of Holman New Testament Commentary. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000.
Chip, Ingram. R12 Living on the Edge Study Guide: Dare to Experience True Spirituality . New York: Howard Books, 2009.
Bruce, F. F. Romans: An Introduction and Commentary. Vol. 6 of Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1985.
Questions for Further Discussion
What was causing disagreements among the Christians in Rome according to the sermon?
How did Paul advise the Christians to handle the disputes over food and sacred days?
What was the main point that Paul emphasized in Romans 14:17?
Why did some believers in Rome avoid eating meat according to the sermon?
How does the sermon explain the transition from the old covenant to the new covenant in terms of food regulations and sacred days?
In what way does Paul’s instruction to the Roman believers reflect the teachings in 1 Corinthians 10:31 about doing all things for the glory of God?
How does the sermon connect the unity of the body of Christ with the death and resurrection of Christ?
How can believers shift their focus from ‘what they believe’ to ‘who they believe in’ based on the sermon?
What are some practical steps suggested in the sermon to promote unity and understanding among believers with different practices?
How can believers demonstrate grace and forgiveness in their interactions with others based on the sermon?
Why is it important for believers to focus on the essentials of the Christian faith rather than disputable matters, according to the sermon?
How can believers advocate for unity in the church by focusing on shared beliefs in Jesus Christ, as suggested in the sermon?
What role does prayer play in promoting unity among believers, as highlighted in the sermon?
What was the main problem the Christians in Rome were facing according to the sermon?
How did Paul advise the believers in Rome to handle their disagreements over food and sacred days?
How does the sermon explain the significance of focusing on Jesus Christ for unity among believers?
What does the sermon teach about the transition from the old covenant to the new covenant in relation to food regulations and sacred days?
How can teenagers apply the principle of showing grace and understanding to those with different beliefs or practices, as emphasized in the sermon?
What can teenagers learn from the sermon about the importance of unity in the body of Christ despite differences in non-essential matters?
What steps can teenagers take to promote unity and understanding among their peers who may have differing beliefs or practices?
How can teenagers demonstrate a mindset of focusing on the essentials of their faith rather than getting distracted by disputable matters, based on the sermon?