Commentary on "All the Rest Is Commentary"

MARTIN L. CAREY

 

Day 1: Sabbath Afternoon, September 18, 2010 - Introduction

 

Overview

This lesson attempts to explain Paul’s purpose in writing Romans 14. All the chapters that precede Romans 14 deal with foundational salvation issues, while this chapter now only serves as commentary. The salvation issues, such as sin, law, and how God accepts a person are things of primary importance for Christians. The “Non-essential” things mentioned in this chapter, such as food and drink, are important but not critical. What is most important is the attitude that Christians have toward each other in dealing with such issues.

 

Observations 

Romans 14 is more than just commentary, for here Paul teaches the Christian church how to directly apply the law of love for each other in disputes over “opinions.” These questions over food, drink, and days had apparently caused a real crisis among the believers in Rome. The disputes were not inconsequential, for as Paul shows, eternal lives were at stake.

Paul is not merely doing some long-distance conflict resolution so that the Roman church members will all just get along. The source of the problems in such disputes go much deeper than just a lack of sensitivity or poor anger management. These believers were trying to violate the consciences of each other, producing a crisis of faith for many. Paul showed them, and us, how to resolve seemingly small issues over food and days, by taking the discussion to a deeper level, to the very Lordship of Jesus Christ, who is our final Judge in all matters.

This week we will look at what Paul means by “strong” and “weak” faith, and how both kinds of faith can honor the Lord, even though they are expressed in opposite ways.

 

Summary

1. Romans 14 shows us the deadly serious nature of religious disputes over food and days.
2. These disputes were not merely a lack of sensitivity or self-control, but were more serious: judging and violating conscience.
3. These disputes are resolved with an understanding of Jesus’ Lordship, who judges all.

 

GO TO DAY 2

 

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