Week 43 Romans
The first eleven chapters of Romans were pretty theoretical, and I had trouble following some of Paul’s thinking.
But twelve-thirteen-fourteen-fifteen turn out to be pretty practical. Which isn’t the same as easy.
Chapter fourteen is one example of Paul recommending something pretty hands-on to the people in Rome.
His starting point is that everyone who believes in the Lord has some degree or level of faith. He calls it weaker-faith and stronger-faith (he doesn’t say it but I guess there are a lot more faith-strengths in-between). Since faith isn’t exactly the same strength in all of us an environment is created where we can start complaining and criticizing and arguing and pointing-fingers over our faith differences. Strong Faith hassles Weak Faith; Weak Faith gets self-defensive and yaps at Strong Faith. Like that.
Anyway the practical point Paul makes is that church wasn’t set up to be the place for sniping and badgering.
It’s natural for me to wonder: but what if the guy I’m criticizing is actually wrong?
Paul says that’s not your issue: each of us will have to give a personal account to God.
So I ask myself: then what am I supposed to do?
Paul says: don’t condemn each other anymore. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not put an obstacle in another Christian’s path.
Which is pretty practical advice.
Even if it isn’t the same as easy.
Note: quotes from Romans 14:12-13 (NLT)