Identity - "Which Hill Should I Die On?" - Romans 14-15:7 - Mike Maglish

LifeSpring Christian Church Sermons

Which Hill Should I Die On?
Romans 14-15:7
Mike Maglish

Part of Identity
A Study in Romans

November 19, 2023

OPINIONS
Music Style/Preferences
Politics (Jesus is on my side. Vote like me)
Playing Cards
Technology
How we spend our money
Church Structure
Holidays (Should we celebrate them)
Women’s Role in the church
Eschatology
Election Vs Free Will
Biblical Translations

As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. 2 One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. 3 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. 4 Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. —Romans 14:1-4

Christians should not impose our opinions on each other

14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. —Romans 14:14-15

Opinions can destroy

Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. —Romans 14:512 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. —Romans 14:1223 But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin. —Romans 14:23

Opinions should be rooted in conviction

9 Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, 11 for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works. —2 John 9-11We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. —Romans 15:1-7

God loves harmony among believers

Tips

Allow others to share their opinions.
Share your opinions when someone shares theirs.
Be careful not to impose your opinion on others.
Continue to study out your beliefs/views.
Don’t be afraid if your opinions change.
Talk to mature Christians/Believers to determine if EVERYONE must hold your views.
Be open to Feedback.

Takeaway: We are a people of unity and truth