The Call to Live in Unity Amidst Diversity

Romans 14 : 1 – 12

By Pastor Terry Janke, May 08, 2022

As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions… Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgement on the servant of another? – Romans 14:1, 3 – 4

And so, by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. – 1 Corinthians 8:11 – 12

Those who love their dream of a Christian community more than the Christian community itself become destroyers of that Christian community even though their personal intentions may be ever so honest, earnest and sacrificial. - Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together

The Call to Live in Unity Amidst Diversity means that:

  1. We welcome one another as God has welcomed us. (14:1, 3; 15:7)
  1. We don’t pass judgment on or despise one another over matters of opinion. (vs. 1 – 4, 13)
  1. We are convinced of opinions in our own minds, but under the Lordship of Christ. (vs. 5 – 8)
  1. We remember we will give an account of ourselves to God, not anyone else. (vs. 9 – 12, 22)

Conclusions and Implications:

Study and Discussion Questions:

The Call to Live in Unity Amidst Diversity Romans 14:1 – 12

Open It

  1. What are some of the matters that Christians disagree over?
  1. When have you refused to eat something that was put before you? Explore It
  1. How should a fellow believer who is weak in the faith be treated? (14:1)
  1. What reasons did Paul give for not judging people on disputable matters? (14:1-12)
  1. What will each person do when standing before God’s judgment seat? (14:12)
  1. What is the true focus of the kingdom of God? (14:17-18)
  1. What does God want to give each believer to guide his or her Christian life? (15:5-6)
  1. By what standards should a person accept others? (15:7)

Get It

  1. What practice would you be willing to give up if it proved to be a bad influence on others?
  1. When Scripture is not explicit on an issue, how should a person decide what is right and wrong?
  1. How can Christians share a spirit of unity despite having different views on certain practices?

Apply It

  1. What can you do this week to spread peace and mutual edification among Christians?