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Introduction:
How often do you make judgments about others who
think/believe different than you? A.
They
are too “liberal” or too “conservative.” B.
They don’t understand this passage or subject matter like
I do.
These judgments are based upon our past and current
knowledge of what constitutes “God’s will.”
How do we heed the
warning “not to put an
obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way”? Romans
14:13 Discussion: I.
Preliminary Truths A.
God
Wants All Saved 1.
Christ died for all. Rom.
14:9, 15 2.
He doesn’t want any lost. 2
Pet. 3:9 3.
He keeps those who belong to Him safe. Rom.
8:31ff B.
Christians
Have Baggage 1.
This is true today as it was in the 1st century. 2.
This type of “baggage” makes practical fellowship a
challenge. C.
Christians
Don’t Want to be Stumbling Blocks 1.
No Christian wants others to stumble in their walk with
God. 2.
In fact, we want others to be as faithful to God as
possible. 3.
The fact is, we are at times guilty of being “stumbling
blocks.” Mk.
9:42 D.
The
Weak in Faith 1.
These are not “babes” in Christ nor necessarily
ignorant in Scriptures. 2.
Instead, their salvation depends more on righteousness
through the law than by faith in Christ. Rom.
9:31-32 E.
Those
Strong in Faith 1.
Are not necessarily the most knowledgeable in God’s word. 2.
No, these base their salvation “in Christ” and not
“righteousness through the law.” II.
Don’t Be Stumbling Blocks Romans
14:13 A.
Let
Us Not “Judge” 1.
In Other words. Cp. Matt.
7:1-4 2.
Nothing is unclean of itself. V.
14 3.
Is Paul only talking about “meat”? 4.
How does this apply to us today? B.
Opinions 1.
Can I purchase a product or service if my money goes to
something I oppose? 2.
Can I use material (that is true) to teach God’s word
from people I believe to teach error? 3.
Can we park our cars here and car-pool to go somewhere
else? 4.
Etc., etc. Conclusion: Biblical Application: The kingdom of God is about … righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. cp. Vss. 17-19
Glory
to God in the church by Christ Jesus
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