Strong Faith, Weak Faith (Romans 14:1-4)

The idea

Paul wrote to a church where Jewish and Gentile believers, after years apart, disagreed about what to eat. His answer: neither side is right. Judging someone for what they eat is sin, and looking down on someone for what they won't eat is sin too. The food laws in Leviticus were given to set Israel apart. Once Christ opened salvation to every nation, that purpose was finished, so Scripture isn't contradicting itself. Strong faith in this passage means freedom, not more rules. And most of the quarrels we have as Christians aren't really about the gospel. They're about style, timing, method, and preference.

Take it with you

• Ask why a command was given before deciding how it applies.
• Don't judge people who do things differently out of honor to God.
• Save your energy for the gospel itself.

Reflect

What preference of yours have you been treating like a gospel issue?