Unity is our responsibility.

• We tap into the resources of truth and virtue that we have in Christ to

and

Reveal Answer

that unity.
• Today, Paul wants to continue describing the principles of unity by calling us to walk in both

Reveal Answer

and

Reveal Answer

.

Romans 14:13-21

13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.
• “Therefore” >> because we will all stand before God to give an account for what we have done with our lives as

.
• “let us not pass judgment on one another” >> a “one another;” don’t judge or

Reveal Answer

• What is a stumbling block or hindrance?

// Hinderance >>

Reveal Answer

or road block caused by a selfish use of liberty or alternatively by our tendency to set up a list of do’s and don’ts for someone else to abide by.
// Stumbling block >> Where we get our word “

Reveal Answer

.” Literally, the movable part of a trap on which the bait was laid, and when touched caused the trap to close on its prey.

14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. 16 So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

• Whether you have the convictions against something or have the liberty, the principle is still walking in

. Your love should build bridges of relationship with your church family and fortify your brother or sister’s faith.
• Walking in love means that I consider those who are being

Reveal Answer

by my example. Not all believers are mature, and love demands that the mature members of the family defer to the immature. Love (agape) protects people and gives them a chance to grow up.

18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. 20 Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. 21 It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.

• Our acceptance of each other is rooted in Christ’s acceptance of us…not of our

to one another.
• Our focus needs to be in two places:

//

Reveal Answer

in secondary issues
// Mutual

Reveal Answer

• If I feel liberty in a certain area, I need to be

to brothers and sisters in Christ, their struggles, their backgrounds, and their weaknesses. That means I need to know them, to love them, and to honor them.
• The conscience of my brother or sister in Christ is more important than my individual

Reveal Answer

. You lose the liberty of your free conscience when you are knowingly make your brother or sister stumble.

Keep the main thing, the main thing.

• What is the main thing in Christianity? Loving God and loving people. That is what it means to be a member of the kingdom of God.