Doubtful Disputations

In today's study from Romans 14:1-15:7, we look at how the Bible says that we should respond to doubtful issues that are not dogmatically addressed in Scripture.

In this chapter, Paul is dealing with Christian conduct. One area is those that are very clear and the other is areas that are not as clear. These are areas that the Bible simply does not take a dogmatic stance on, or at least are not discussed in depth. These areas could include drinking, dating, gambling, smoking, music taste and styles, television, social media, home schooling, etc. None of these issues are directly dealt with in the Bible. There are no “thou shalt or thou shalt nots” in regards to them.

I believe that God has given us three things that need to be considered when dealing with questionable matters: conviction, conscience, and consideration. 1. Conviction looks forward (Is it what God is asking you to do?) 2. Conscience looks back (Are you going to be able to live with it?) 3. Consideration looks to the left and right (How will it affect others?) In other words, conviction anticipates, conscience meditates, and consideration hesitates. I believe that conviction, conscience, and consideration should govern how and why we do what we do at all times.

Sadly, today we have two extremes within Christianity in regards to questionable matters; no separation and total separation. The second group is the one that Paul is addressing as weak in the faith in this passage of Scripture. In the end, we must learn to balance Christian freedom and Christian responsibility. It was Paul who also said in 1Co 6:12 that “ll things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” In other words, just because you can (freedom) does not mean that you should (responsibility).  

Ten Principles for Balance:

(1) We are told clearly that we are not to be judgmental in regards to gray areas (Rom 14:4).  

(2) Each individual should be convinced in his own mind as to the rightness or wrongness of an action (Rom 14:5).

(3) We must all stand ultimately only before God and give an account of our actions (Rom 14:10; Heb 4:13).

(4) We must be careful not to knowingly place a stumbling block in the way of our brother (Rom 14:13; ICo 8:12; Mat 18:6).

(5) We must always act in love (Rom 14:15; Gal 5:22a).

(6) We must always pursue actions that make for peace (Rom 14:19; Rom 12:18).

(7) We must always seeks to build one another up and not destroy (Rom 14:19; ICo 14:12).

(8) We must only do that which can be done in faith (Rom 14:22-23; Rom 1:17).

(9) We must seek to glorify God in all of our actions (Rom 15:6; Rom 12:1; I Cor. 10:23-33).

(10) We must always accept one another, even when we disagree over doubtful things (Rom 15:7).

Conclusion

Again, God has given us three things that need to be considered when dealing with questionable matters: conviction, conscience, and consideration. 1. Conviction looks forward (Is it what God is asking you to do?) 2. Conscience looks back (Are you going to be able to live with it?) 3. Consideration looks to the left and right (How will it affect others?) In other words, conviction anticipates, conscience meditates, and consideration hesitates.