Christian Liberty (Romans 14)

I recently had an experience with some life-long Christians whom I doubt ever read this chapter. The overarching theme of this chapter is Christian liberty. Paul is writing to a church that is having numerous quarrels among its members. They are arguing about things like whether or not is was ok to eat this or that, drink this or that, or whether or not a certain day is holy. Paul clearly sides with the theologically “strong”, who did not feel compelled to follow Jewish laws. He then encourages them not to enter into arguments with those who have a weaker faith. But Paul was just getting started. Most of us would probably expect Paul to say something like “try and come to a compromise where everyone can be happy.” But Paul, in his wisdom, does the exact opposite! He doesn’t tell them to compromise. He says “Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God.” Paul is telling them that God is glorified in both abstaining and partaking. I love this. But notice the first part of what Paul says: “each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.” What does that require of us? It requires that we diligently read and study our Bibles and let the Holy Spirit lead us into understanding.

Another theme to this chapter is tolerance. I realize this can be a dirty word but understand I’m not talking about tolerance of sin or departure from Scripture. The issues that the Roman church was dealing with were secondary issues. Mark Driscoll illustrates this to his church using an open hand and a closed hand. In the closed hand are all the theological issues that are a non-negotiable for him and those that join Mars Hill. In the open hand are those issues on which there can be disagreement and debate while still having unity in association. The Roman church was dealing with open hand issues. Paul is telling the Roman church to be fully convinced about what they believe and to be tolerant of what others in the church believed. Today we see this manifested in issues like clothing, music and even some theological issues. God is honored just as much by the guy with holes in his jeans as he is by the guy with slacks and a tie on as long as both are honoring the Lord in word and deed. God can be honored in hymns as much as he can in rock, as long as the object of worship remains God. No church this side of heaven will ever offer everything we want and desire in a church. We are called to be tolerant of the things we don’t like and understand that the church is not there to serve us and that God can be glorified even in the things we disagree with. Obviously there are issues that are major enough that would cause us to seek worship somewhere else but in general they should not be over secondary, open handed issues.

Paul then goes on to tell us that although we have liberty and freedom in many areas we should never do anything that would be a hindrance to a fellow Christian. Paul says “the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. It is not good to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.” If your Christian brother is an alcoholic Paul is saying don’t invite him over for beers. Although drinking beer is not a sin it would cause your brother to stumble so you shouldn’t do it in front of him.