Explore the Bible Series for Jan. 29: Accept others, and let God be their judge
Posted: 1/17/06
Explore the Bible Series for Jan. 29
Accept others, and let God be their judge
• Romans 14:1-12
By Trey Turner
Canyon Creek Baptist Church, Temple
I have been interested in what allergies are and how the body responds to allergens. Like so many, I have allergies. My allergies are triggered primarily by meadow grasses. I live in the land of the cedar tree, but I do not have the reaction that some do to cedar pollen.
My daughter has several food allergies, which often come bundled with eczema. Since she was just a few months old, we have learned how to control some environmental factors so that she does not have the terrible and itchy skin “flare up.”
Why all the talk of allergies? Because allergies are illogical. Often the body develops an allergic reaction to things that cannot hurt us. Some people develop a food allergy to chocolate, chicken, peanuts or other things. Some might develop an allergy to perfumes. These things could be around for years, but suddenly the body decides it will send its resources to counteract the nonharmful stimulus. It is hypersensitivity.
In Romans, Paul shines a light on hypersensitive judgment of people. We are to consider others favorably. Consider the judgmental criteria we use. Consider who really is the one who should judge. With humility, one refrains from having a hypersensitive spirituality.
Accept others (Romans 14:1-2)
Ironically, the person whose faith Paul states as being weak is not the one with the problem. Instead, the person in the weaker position is the one who thinks he is “stronger” in his faith.
For example, Paul understands his freedom to eat meat sacrificed to idols. His faith grew because of convictions gained with prayer and reflection so that Paul could now accept the practice he previously would not have accepted. Now Paul is saying: “Roman Christian, do not overcast your personal convictions in matters that are not central to the Christian faith. Accept other people’s faith.”
Christians judge one another today. Because some in Southern Baptist Convention leadership decided there could not be room for Baptists to hold varying viewpoints and still loosely cooperate together, generations are growing up in a divided kingdom looking at churches wondering if “they are with us or with them.”
It is tragic and infuriating to meet people on a mission to divide the body of Christ declaring with both conviction and a scalpel, “If you do not have my viewpoint, you don’t believe the Bible.” Deliberately choose your criteria for fellowship. Accept others.
Avoid criticizing others (Romans 14:3-4)
Paul says to the church, “We are not the other person’s Lord, so do not judge.” Jesus emphasized the same point when in his parable in Matthew 13 he said, “Let the weeds grow. If you try to pull them, some of the wheat may be uprooted as well. At harvest, I will instruct the weeds to be bundled and burned.”
Except for matters of central importance, we hold back condemnation and let our brother’s or sister’s Lord respond to the matter. This is not to mean we are to be unconcerned with correct doctrine, but in the matters of conscience, be gracious and harmonious. Avoid criticism.
Live for the Lord (Romans 14:5-9)
Another reason not to be quick to judge is out of respect for the person’s conviction under the lordship of Christ. Respect for the other person is respect for convictions. Baptists have practiced “soul competency,” recognizing the right and responsibility of the human soul to respond to the Lord’s pursuit and act from obedience to his lordship. No person stands between one person and the Lord. Judgment is reserved for the Lord, recognizing differences between the practices of convictions.
Remember God’s judgment (Romans 14:10-12)
Ultimately, every person will give account of his or her own faith. Paul says, “So why judge our brother?” They are living for the Lord and God is their judge—that gives freedom for cooperation. It frees me to love people and have possible influence in their lives. God will act in due time for ultimate judgment. He will even act in personal discipline, in his own time. Christians can use their time so much more constructively than looking over other believers’ shoulders critically.
Discussion questions
• What would you say is a biblical core conviction people must hold for you to have fellowship with them? After reading Romans 14:1-12 again, does your list need to grow or shrink?
• If it is not worth breaking fellowship over, what can a person do to influence someone who believes differently about a particular doctrine or practice?