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By Neal Griffin
The scruples introduced in Romans, chapter fourteen, to the Jewish mind, were closely related to sin. Idol worship was a serious violation of the Law, so it is easy to see why they would eschew the eating of meats sacrificed to idols. But to the Gentile convert or to the more enlightened Jewish convert, who had a fresh grasp of the freedom which is in Christ Jesus, meat sacrificed to idols was only meat with no horrible stigma attached. And so it was with special days. Some continued to observe them while others placed no religious significance on them.
The problem, that Paul by the Spirit was addressing, was not which position on these issues was correct, but rather it was the attitudes generated by them. Notice how the theme of chapter fourteen is nestled so beautifully between the great passage on love in chapter thirteen vs.8-10, and the passage on brotherly acceptance in chapter l5 vs. 7.
Let us have a closer look at the attitudes which Paul is promoting for the disputants on both sides of these issues. Both sides have Christian responsibilities in this mess. The enlightened brother is admonished to treat the brother, who is on a lower level of enlightenment, with loving concern. He must not run roughshod over his feelings or in anywise cause him to stumble by violating his conscience. As I understand it, the apostle is saying not to bring social pressure on him to eat the meat, but rather defer to his scruples and be sensitive to his feelings. And to the less enlightened brother Paul says to not judge the brother who eats the meat. The less enlightened brother has a definite responsibility in this matter, and this aspect of the issue is usually overlooked or, at least, downplayed.
Though Romans fourteen does not specifically list every possible divisive issue, which Satan has conjured up to mutilate the precious body of Jesus, it does lay down the God breathed principles by which all of our petty issues can be resolved if we love one another. Which brings me to the difficult part.
Here comes the personal application. Here comes the part where "sacred cows" are called in for examination. Here comes the painful part, and I realize that there are certain risks attendant, but I am going to list a few of the issues which need a healthy dose of the principles taught in the fourteenth chapter of Romans. But, before I do, I wish to emphasize that these divisive issues are Satan's inventions. They have nothing to do with understanding the Gospel call. They are mistakenly and sinfully used as reasons for rejecting brethren with different understandings on certain contested passages. Here they are: Snake handling;The thousand year reign of Jesus from Jerusalem; The use of only one cup in the observance of the Lord's Supper; The use of only one cup in the observance of the Lord's Supper (but it must have a handle); The use of fermented wine in the Supper; The use of Bible classes; The use of musical instruments in praise to God; The use of money from the church treasury to support orphanages and/or evangelistic organizations; Women speaking in the assembly; Women wearing head covers; Kneeling to pray; The indwelling of the Holy Spirit; Divorce and remarriage; and, Breaking the bread before blessing it. This is, by no means, a complete list, but it will suffice for the purpose intended.
If the listing of any one of these divisive issues has gotten your dander up, I am not trying to be insulting, but how could you discuss the practice of snake handling, as a religious practice, without mentioning snake handling? In keeping with the theme of Romans fourteen, I am trying not to be offensive. I beg you by the tender mercies of Jesus to consider these thoughts in light of His word.
Relating to me personally, I am resolved not to use any of the above listed issues, one way or the other, as criteria for rejecting my brethren for whom Christ died. It is not our agreement on these issues that makes us brethren, but rather it is the fact that we have the same Father. We are brethren by reason of paternity and we are not at liberty to deny it because of petty viewpoints on any issue which Satan has introduced.
What we are at liberty to do is to love one another regardless. The freedom which is in Christ Jesus allows us to "forbear one another in love", to "bear one another's burdens", to "put up with one another", and to "welcome one another, as Christ welcomed you, to the glory of God". This blessed liberty gives no place to the rejection of sincere brethren who have crowned Jesus as the King of their lives. We are not under obligation to examine every brother who would assemble with us and to demand compliance with our conclusions in matters which have nothing at all to do with salvation by grace through faith.
Our problem is not which positions on all of the issues are correct, but rather our problem is the attitudes generated by the issues. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will pour out the love of God into our hearts as we deal with all of Satan's divisive issues.
Please consider these thoughts. I believe them to be in keeping with the Word.
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