Romans 14:a

     “Open-Handed Issues: Part 1”

                                                     By Pastor Rich Paradis
                                                           Romans 14:1-12

 

As we go forward in our study of the letter to the Roman churches, we continue looking into the idea of what a “living sacrifice” looks like. We have most recently looked at this person in relation to submission to the governing authorities and as he or she loves others from both a platform of obedience and His eventual coming. Now we look at this “living sacrifice” in relation to judging or offending those around us that have differing views regarding non-salvific issues. These issues we will refer to as “open-handed issues”. Let’s see what the passage says about this important topic.

I.                   Some Introductory Thoughts

a.       In Faith’s New Member Class, there is a discussion about what we refer to as “open-handed issues”. These issues are things that many believers find themselves disagreeing on and discussing at length with others, but that don’t have to be issues that we divide over because of their salvific (salvation-related) importance. The picture is that of holding these issues with an open hand versus a clenched fist that is ready to fight and even divide over. Among these issues might be:

                                                              i.      Traditional versus contemporary music?

                                                            ii.      Length of worship services

                                                          iii.      How often should the ordinances be practiced? (Baptism and Lord’s Supper(

                                                          iv.      Sunday School or Home Groups?

                                                            v.      Casual dress versus suits and dresses?

                                                          vi.      You get the picture! There’s a million of these types of discussions

b.      While the issues that are being discussed in this particular passage seem to have a more theological platform for discussion than the mere preferences noted above, the problem of needing to consider others over preference has been an issue for as long as anyone can remember. Some of these issues have solved themselves by our denominational system (not a bad thing). Some of these issues have been “solved” by fighting and hating each other to the point of separation.

c.       SOME QUESTIONS AS WE BEGIN:

                                                              i.      What does the Bible say about these “open-handed issues”? How are they to be handled?

                                                            ii.      Are differences even allowed in the family of God? (Unity or Uniformity?)

                                                          iii.      What is the responsibility of the one that desires to be a “living sacrifice” as Romans 12:1 described?

 

II.                All Believers Should Avoid Judging Others In Regard To Open-Handed Issues    Romans 14:1-4

a.       As we begin looking at Romans 14, we are faced with a call to action and attitude as we seek to live as a “living sacrifice”. That call is stated in Verse 1 as Paul appeals to the Roman believers to “accept the one who is weak in the faith”. First of all, we are faced with the fact that while all are of equal value before the Lord, there are differing levels of maturity among the brethren. While this is evident, we are sometimes slow to admit this at the risk of appearing proud and arrogant. The very fact that we often place ourselves in the “strong” camp when looking at resolving these “open-handed issues” is proof that we need this discussion as much as the ones that originally read it in Paul’s letter. Paul knows this even as he says to accept the weaker (not as understanding or decided as to the freedom that we have in Christ) brother or sister, but not just so you can argue and take a whack at convincing them that you are right. This idea of “accepting” is neat in that it actually is defined as “granting access to one’s heart, to take into friendship. This could never be done with such ill or selfish motives.

b.      The first issue at hand amongst the Roman believers is that of dietary restrictions or freedoms. It is possible and even probable that both of the examples that will be offered in this passage are differences between Jewish believers (a healthy minority) and Gentile believers (the majority by percentage), but others could also disagree in these matters. Verse 2 differentiates between the two thoughts under consideration. There is one that is able to eat without restriction and there is the one who limits himself or herself to vegetables only. The reason for this is unknown, but it may be a similar argument to the 1 Corinthian 8 situation where the person did not have a way of knowing if the meat in question had been sacrificed to idols.

c.       But as Verse 3 unfolds, we are corrected from thinking that there is a “right” and a “wrong” way in regard to this open-handed issue. Paul says that the one who senses no dietary restriction should not look down on or despise the one who chooses to not partake. But he also says that the one who is only eating vegetables is not to judge the one who is eating from a fuller menu. How can both of these folks be right? Because “God has accepted him”. Acceptance of an open-handed practice does not ultimately come from us, but from God Himself.

d.      That truth is revealed in Verse 4 as Paul asks who we think we are to judge another’s servant. Whose servant is he talking about? God’s servant! God will be the One that will ultimately discern the “rightness” or “wrongness” of a practice or a restriction based on His perfect ability to do so.

e.       A QUESTION FOR APPLICATION:

                                                              i.      Is judging others in these non-essentials an area of struggle for you? How does that passage help you in developing a more healthy approach going forward?

 

III.             All Believers Should Consider Their Own Decisions In Regard To Open-Handed Issues Before The Lord    Romans 14:5-8

a.       Paul now goes on to his second issue related to his readers; that of observation of days. While it is possible that the idea here is the Sabbath observance only, it is more likely that the discussion can and should be widened to a discussion of the Sabbath and other important calendar and festival dates on the Jewish calendar. The Jewish believers in Rome were under some pressure as they tried to think through how the traditional Jewish ways and dates coincided with their Christian beliefs.

b.      Paul will discuss the issue of one person observing some days over others and the fact that other believers saw no distinction between days, weeks and months. Which is right? Paul shares in Verse 5-6 that there are at least two criteria for making such a decision:

                                                              i.      Is the person convinced in his or her own mind? But not just that…

                                                            ii.      Is the decision, whatever it is, done with a heart of recognition for and thankfulness to God?

c.       While the unbeliever is known for his or her focus on themselves as the authority for their own life, the believer (“us” in Verse 7 and “we” in Verse 8) has another authority that replaces his or her ultimate authority in their lives: God Himself.

d.      And the scope of His authority is shared in both of these verses. God is the authority in the life of the believer both in life and in death. As we live for Him, our daily decisions and our lifestyles are under His authority. But even in our death, the believer is accountable to God. This is especially important in this passage as we try to discern the “need” to hold others accountable to our own particular views as they relate to these open-handed areas of thought.

e.       QUESTION FOR APPLICATION:

                                                              i.      Do you submit yourself and your decisions in these non-essential matters to the Lord?

 

IV.             All Believers Should Consider God’s Judgment As Superior To Their Own    Romans 14:9-12

a.       Paul begins this section by saying in Verse 9 that this lordship over both life and death is the very reason that He died and was resurrected. A “living sacrifice” recognizes this truth as he or she lives and makes decisions on a daily basis.

b.      He continues his discussion with a couple of very difficult questions in light of the previous comments that expose not only our judgment, but also our despising of others that don’t agree with us. Verse 10 asks both the readers then and those of us that are reading now:

                                                              i.      Why do you judge your brother?

                                                            ii.      Why do you regard  your brother with contempt?

c.       Paul also shares in Verses 11-12 the fact that we as believers will be judged and will give an account of ourselves before God. Verse 11 is a restating of both Isaiah 45:23 and 49:18. Since Paul is speaking to believers, what are we to make of this “judgment”? This judgment is not a judgment where eternal destiny is determined. That was settled by faith in Christ. This judgment is related to service before the Lord and both reward and loss can be experienced. Again, this judgment is a demonstration of His lordship in the believer’s life.

d.      QUESTION FOR APPLICATION:

                                                              i.      Do you allow God to be God in relation to both eternity and today? (Today may be even harder at times!)

 

Delight In His Presence

by Charles Ligon

Delight in His Presence “I experience absolute joy in your presence; you always give me sheer delight” (Ps. 16:11) Gracie, our blue tick beagle, follows me everywhere. I go up the stairs…she follows. I go out the door…she follows. When she isn’t following, she’ll sit, stare and rarely take her eyes off me. When I leave in the morning she watches me back out the driveway until I’m out of sight. At times, I get a little annoyed by her constant surveillance…but, my wife tells me that she “worships and adores” me and delights being in my presence. One thing I know for sure, she’s always aware when I’m around and wants to be part of what I am doing. Gracie’s actions cause me to reflect on my own personal devotion to God. It leads me to consider how often I take the time to be aware of and/or seek His presence in my daily life.  Do I genuinely desire to be part of what he is doing around me each and every day? The psalmist says that there is great joy and delight in His presence.  Further, trusting believers who live in fellowship with Him will find help and guidance (Psalm 44:3) and will receive confidence from His nearness and availability (Psalm 73:28). What’s more, His presence transcends the boundaries of life; “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever”. (Psalm 16:11, NLT) Let me ask you a few questions. Are you conscience of God’s presence where you work and have you invited Him to be part of your daily activity? Is the quality of your work such that it is an offering of worship unto Him? Does the reality of His presence bring you pleasure, joy and delight? Do you seek His wisdom and guidance when completing tasks, making decisions and relating to others and is He your help in times of trouble? (Psalm 46:1) Your workplace challenge is to acknowledge God’s presence more often and to involve Him in your daily work. Worship through your work and occasionally ask Him what He thinks about what you are working on. Then, trust the Holy Spirit to help. He will not be annoyed. He wants to be near you and He wants you to delight in His presence. Make today count…for His Glory.

"The Insanity of GOD" excerpts

Warning!
Do not read if you do not want your heart questioned.  :)

As I am in the midst of reading a book The Insanity of GOD by Nik Ripken it is just TO good not to share a couple of things from the book.  We've been learning in Sunday School how to apply the scripture in Romans that we have been studying.  We do not live in a persecuted country but have the blessing of living in a country where we and everyone else have the freedom to worship as one likes. 

This book is written about Nik Ripken (pseudo name) as he ministered the 1980's and 1990's in Somaliland during the famine and loss of many, many people living in that land.

     I met may other believers on that trip to Russia.  Hearing Dimitri's story must have inspired Viktor too.............
     One morning Viktor arranged for me to meet with a group of his friends--several Russian pastors, some evangelists and church planters, and some elders--a cross section of his church.  I listened in wonder as these believers almost casually recounted being sent to prison for 'five years,' 'three years,' or 'seven years,' and being 'beaten', 'forced to sleep naked in a cold, damp cell' or 'having nothing but moldy bread and boiled cabbage to eat for months.'  These same men shared joyful memories of 'the time when my wife and son visited me in prison,' 'when I was placed in a cell with another believer who could encourage me as I encouraged him,' and 'how the church cared for the needs of my family while I was in prison.
     When we stopped to eat lunch, I gently scolded the group, saying: 'Your stories are amazing.  Why haven't they been written down?  Your stories sound like Bible stories come to life!  collected them in a book, or recorded them in some video form.  Other followers of Jesus around the world could hear your stories and be encouraged by what God is doing here among those who are persecuted.
     They seemed confused by what I was saying.  Clearly, we were not understanding each other.  Then one of the older pastors stood and motioned for me to follow him  He led me over to a large window in the front room of the home.  As we stood together in front of the window, the old gentleman speaking passable, but heavily accented, English said to me:  'I understand that you have some sons, Nik?  Is that true?'
     I told him that it was true, He nodded and then asked me, 'Tell me, Nik.  How many times have you awakened your sons before dawn and brought them to a window like this one, one that faces east, and said to them, 'Boys, watch carefully.  This morning you're going to see the sun coming up in the east!  It's going to happen in just a few minutes.  Get ready now, boys.'  'How many times have you done that with your sons?'
     'Well,' I chucked, 'I've never done that.  If I ever did that, my boys would think I was crazy.  The sun always comes up in the east.  It happens every morning!'
     The old man nodded and smiled.  I didn't understand his point. 
     I didn't understand his point, that is, until he continued:  'Nik, that's why we haven't made books and movies out of these stories that you have been hearing.  For us, persecution is like the sun coming up in the east.  It happens all the time.  It's the way things are.  There is nothing unusual or unexpected about it.  Persecution for our faith  has always been--and probably always will be-a normal part of life.'
     His words took my breath away.  Though I understood what he was saying, I wondered if it was true.  Certainly, I had never heard this before.  In fact, there was a part of me that wanted to object to his claim.  I wondered if the certainty of persecution always is normal and ordinary, like 'the sun coming up in the east.''
     I had always assumed that persecution was abnormal, exceptional, unusual, out of the ordinary.  In my mind, persecution was something to avoid.  It was a problem, a setback, a barrier.  I was captivated by the thought:  what if persecution is the normal, expected situation for a believer? if persecution can be, in fact, good soil?
     I began to wonder about what that might mean for the church in America--'

As I have been reading through this book and have been stirred not only by this book but the real life Christians that are being persecuted for their faith in other countries today, I cannot help but be so grateful for Christian brothers and sisters to help encourage my faith and also for the freedom we have here in the USA.  How can we experience what we do not know?  We can't.

      but we can:
         pray for others who are persecuted,
         give to missions,
         give to mission trips,
         give to those on the mission field who have given up the comforts of the USA
         look for areas around us that people need Jesus
         learn and memorize scripture
         study the word of God so it isn't something we study but it is who we are
         reach out to our neighbors and show them Jesus
         stand firm in our faith in Christ
         praying for opportunities to show Chris to others
         be obedient to the prompting of the Holy Spirit
         be an example of a "bond-servant" of Christ
    
Most of us will never live outside the USA or suffer the persecution of believers in other parts of the world, but we can do what Jesus is calling us to do where we live.  First and foremost is to love the Lord your God will all your heart, mind and soul, and then secondly, you are to love your neighbors as yourself.  If you have a willing heart to serve Him, there are plenty of people around us who are hurting, who are not walking with Jesus and have horrible life experiences.  They have all the pleasures of life i.e. TV, conveniences, smart phones, X boxes, money, clothes, entertainment but they do not have Jesus.  Ask the Lord to show you people's hurts and how to minister to them.  Things are fine, but they do not bring healing of the heart, true love, joy and peace and eternity with Jesus Christ.