The tragedy of turning preferences into principles!

Paul tackles a very relevant issue in Romans 14, Christian liberty. In Romans 14:1, he speaks of the need to not quarrel over opinions. Another word for opinions is preferences. There are still many church members who are motivated by preferences instead of principles. It might be said that numerous Christians major on minors instead of majoring on majors. More time can be spent on disputing types of music, styles of worship, political affiliations instead of pursuing clarity of the Gospel.

The primary principle of the passage is that we are not to judge other believers on preferences when only God is the one to judge. God’s acceptance is not based on keeping or not keeping dietary rules or observance of special days but based on placing faith in Christ alone. According to Grant Osborne, Paul is calling for unity in the midst of diverse beliefs, a search for truth that reflects acceptance of one another and our differences without judging each other. We should debate doctrinal issues; we are always searching for truth. But unless we are dealing with the core truths of the faith, we must be "iron sharpening iron" and accept differences without judging, realizing we could be wrong and respecting other views.

I encourage you to study Romans 14 under the Books of the Bible tab. Clearly proclaiming and living the Gospel is so much more important than fighting over nonessential preferences. Spiritual maturity is not based on how many fights I win but how I love others unconditionally and let God be the judge.

What a privilege to represent Jesus to such a needy world!

Romans 13 is not solely a manual on the Christian’s obligation to governing authorities. Paul continues the chapter with a focus on love, for others and for our Lord whose return is imminent. Thomas Constable, one of my professors at Dallas Seminary, puts it clearly, Chapter 13 deals with living in the world as a Christian. Paul counseled submission to human government and love for all people while we actively wait for our Lord to appear.

The way a Christian lives today speaks volumes to how seriously he takes Jesus as Lord. As John Stott rightly declares, it is not Christlikeness only that we are to assume, but Christ himself, laying hold of him, and ‘living under him as Lord.’ Romans 13 places us squarely in the middle of a fallen world. Yet, our lives can reflect, should reflect, must reflect the world to come where Jesus will reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

I hope you will join me in studying Romans 13 under the Books of the Bible tab. What a privilege it is to look forward to the return of our Savior as we celebrate His first appearance in Bethlehem. May those we meet today see Jesus in us.

God is in control, even today!

We live in a day of highly charged emotions concerning politics and the role of government in our lives. Paul addressed similar issues with the church at Rome. It was not an easy time for Christians nor would it become any easier as Nero’s rule as Caesar became practically unbearable.

Fast-forward to the United States in the days of COVID-19, wearing masks, inability of political parties to cooperate for the good of every citizen. What does Paul say to our condition? He says a lot! Romans 13:1-7 is a declaration of God’s sovereign rule over mankind, including governments He has placed in authority. Why should a Christian be accountable to governments perceived to be corrupt since we are not of this world? We are part of a higher kingdom. Well, Paul would remind us that we are part of two kingdoms, earthly and heavenly.

I was intrigued by a quote from Charles Hodge, a 19th century American theologian, scholar and educator. He declared, The gospel is equally hostile to tyranny and anarchy. The Apostle Paul would agree with that statement. Christians are obliged to submit to governing authorities but are bound to civil disobedience when those authorities require our disobedience to the direct commands of God.

This is a brief introduction to the lesson from Romans 13. I encourage you to go to the Book of the Bible/Romans tab and allow God’s Word to help you sort through the craziness of these days.