Romans 14
May Memory Verse: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV
Read: Romans 14
There are many opinions about all sorts of issues. Some matter – some not so much. Unfortunately, most of us treat everything like it’s of critical nature.
I’ve often taught three categories for this:
Commands are from God and are clear in His Word. Things like do not lie, do not steal, love your neighbor, hide God’s Word in your heart and so on. You can stand on these – they do not change.
Convictions are things that God moves in your life about based on principles found in God’s Word. It’s important that you obey what God leads you to do, but these are not necessarily for everybody. You can teach these to your children and disciples, but you must hold these looser than you do commands.
Preferences are simply things you prefer. Things you like and things you don’t. They are for you alone.
The danger comes when we treat all three with the same importance. This leads to legalism and is very dangerous in our families and in the church. It causes rebellion and distracts us from what’s really important.
This is what Paul is writing about in Romans 14. There may be some in your assembly that hold to different preferences or even convictions about certain things. Things like types of food or certain holidays.
This has been evident this year. Some churches have fought over masks or no masks – vaccines or no vaccines – live services or virtual only. Many people walked away from the church over issues that are not essential.
How do we prevent these useless fights and loss? We remember to stand firm on the commands – hold to our own convictions without pushing them on others or looking down on others who don’t hold to them, and hold our preferences lightly.
Our goal must be harmony in the church and in our families.
Of course, we must stand up for commands – they are not optional. The things that are clear in God’s Word we must obey without question, but we must not cause division by majoring on the minors and minoring on the majors. This is a big cause of rebellion in teenagers and why many leave the church, some, never to return.
What are some issues that you’ve given too much importance too?
What are some ways in which you’ve looked down on others for your convictions?
How can you work to bring harmony in the church and in your family?
By: Tim Parsons
Read: Romans 14
There are many opinions about all sorts of issues. Some matter – some not so much. Unfortunately, most of us treat everything like it’s of critical nature.
I’ve often taught three categories for this:
- Commands
- Convictions
- Preferences
Commands are from God and are clear in His Word. Things like do not lie, do not steal, love your neighbor, hide God’s Word in your heart and so on. You can stand on these – they do not change.
Convictions are things that God moves in your life about based on principles found in God’s Word. It’s important that you obey what God leads you to do, but these are not necessarily for everybody. You can teach these to your children and disciples, but you must hold these looser than you do commands.
Preferences are simply things you prefer. Things you like and things you don’t. They are for you alone.
The danger comes when we treat all three with the same importance. This leads to legalism and is very dangerous in our families and in the church. It causes rebellion and distracts us from what’s really important.
This is what Paul is writing about in Romans 14. There may be some in your assembly that hold to different preferences or even convictions about certain things. Things like types of food or certain holidays.
This has been evident this year. Some churches have fought over masks or no masks – vaccines or no vaccines – live services or virtual only. Many people walked away from the church over issues that are not essential.
How do we prevent these useless fights and loss? We remember to stand firm on the commands – hold to our own convictions without pushing them on others or looking down on others who don’t hold to them, and hold our preferences lightly.
So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? (v.10)
Our goal must be harmony in the church and in our families.
So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up. (v.19)
Of course, we must stand up for commands – they are not optional. The things that are clear in God’s Word we must obey without question, but we must not cause division by majoring on the minors and minoring on the majors. This is a big cause of rebellion in teenagers and why many leave the church, some, never to return.
What are some issues that you’ve given too much importance too?
What are some ways in which you’ve looked down on others for your convictions?
How can you work to bring harmony in the church and in your family?
By: Tim Parsons
8 Comments
Thanks for your jumpstart, Tim! I remember how much clarity the commands, convictions, preferences tiers brought to me the first time I heard you teach them.
It has been difficult for me this year to view the approach to COVID without frustration and disappointment with many around me. I completely agree that the things regarding COVID are not essential from an eternal perspective, but I’ve been drawn back to the command in Philippians 2:3 as I think about my own decisions. “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”
I make this post not to state that my own conclusions about COVID are correct, but rather I have seen how my frustrations this year have exposed the areas of my heart that are prideful and quick to be critical of others and exalting of myself. I have found myself doing what the start of Romans 15 instructs us not to do as we emulate Jesus, namely pleasing myself through decisions I am proud of. I continue to pray for a more humble posture toward others!
Thanks for your honest post Vince. I love your heart to serve and obey God. It’s evident. Your love for others is clear. You are a godly man - one I’m proud to call my friend.
This has been a difficult season - one in which Satan had had a field day with getting us to side and criticize others. I praise God for friends like you who have demonstrated the Holy Spirit control in their lives.
We’re going to make it - and the Church of Jesus Christ will emerge strong!
This is a tough area sometimes in my life, when deciding when, what, where and why in distinguishing God's commands with my own convictions and preferences. Maybe this distinction is difficult because of the words "my own". In today's culture the "own" is becoming the norm in decision making on what should be right and wrong not necessarily based on God's Word. Especially in today's culture the distinction between God's commands and society's convictions and preferences are based on personal feelings and what seems right in ones own eyes. There seems to be an intentional blurring of these areas. What I need to concentrate on is; are my convictions and preferences based totally on God's perfect and holy Word and in line with God's commandments. If so then I will always let my preferences and convictions be ruled by God's commands of " love your neighbor as yourself".
So well said Ron! You are a blessing and an inspiration to me!
I am a key example of what it looks like to heighten your convictions to a command level. For example, given my pre-Jesus wild past, I have some very strong convictions now in the realm of dating and modesty. For me, this is a lot of grace that God has bestowed upon me to change my heart drastically from what it was. However, I forget that not every has the same past as me and doesn't hold the same convictions as me, and it leads to a lot of inward judgment and condemnation towards them.
I think the best way for me to combat this is to ask God to humble me and remind me that He alone can declare such things with authority and spend time discerning my convictions vs. what are commands.
That’s right Jordan! My dad was the same way- saved from a rough background, he had rigid standards as a new believer. He learned to separate commands from convictions - he’s the one who taught me this principle.
Pastor Tim, thank you so much for these words of wisdom. They are exactly what I needed to hear today. I deeply appreciate the distinctions and will be working to discern in my own life what I have been holding as a command instead of a conviction or preference. I think these will lead to more harmonious relationships and less internal judgments on my part.
Thanks Nora! So glad you’re on the JumpStart journey with us!