CHRISTIAN LIBERTY AS PART OF WHAT SHOULD BE A NORMAL CHRISTIAN LIFE - A STUDY ON ROMANS 14 PART 11 OF 11

Righteous Living Christian Church Indianapolis (Irvington)

 

Thank you very much to all of you who have followed this series. Hopefully it has given you things to think about. And PLEASE let me know your thoughts in a comment.

Allow me to debrief in this blog in three parts. 

1. A return to context, particularly what follows Romans 14.
2. How does Christian Liberty fit in with Christian life as a whole?
3. What is the point of Romans 14 and Christian Liberty?

You ready? I am.

CONTEXT

Chapter 14 ends with a statement that what isn't of faith is sin. It goes right into Chapter 15 (remember there are no chapter and verse divisions in the original, and that they're added for reference), which states we ought to bear with the scruples of the weak and please others, not ourselves, according to Christ's example and be granted one mind with each other so as one we can praise and glorify God. Romans 15:7 repeats the theme of Romans 14:1, stating, "Receive one another as Christ as received you."

CHRISTIAN LIFE

Is Christian Liberty something that stands by itself? Let me give a list of important aspects of our everyday Christian life, and see if it fits.

Bible reading/study? Actually, it does. Each one reading Scripture comes with presuppositions, biases, opinions, traditions, knowledge (and lack thereof), and life experiences. Will they all be the same? Nope. Should they be? Only if God made us all identical. In other words, Nope. Thus, Christian Liberty is not only a part of group Bible studies but enables us to challenge our thoughts and grow as we listen to each other as equals.

Prayer? This one is tougher because prayer usually is between one and God, as well as agreeing with each other in prayer. If you want to say it doesn't fit here, I'll permit that. On the other hand, when we pray about struggles with other believers or learning to love them more, I believe there is a connection.

Fellowship? Does this question need to be asked? Clearly, Christian Liberty is a part of fellowship with fellow believers, especially when seen as a manifestation of loving one another.

Evangelism? I personally believe that Christian Liberty is designed for evangelism no less than for fellowship. Why? Because we have the freedom to go where God calls us. I know some friends who were in a Christian band. They arrived at the church they thought they were booked at and found an empty parking lot. They called their contact, and found out they were booked at a bar. Would your band play at a bar? Well, this one told the owner they sang Christian songs, shared between songs, and gave an altar call. The bar owner shrugged and said he needed a band. To make a long story short, a half dozen came to the band's church the next morning, got saved, and became active church members. This band exercised Christian Liberty by following Jesus into that bar. 

Righteousness/Holiness? A person acting in Christian liberty properly will be living righteously and holy; he/she won't be using it as a license to sin. However, do we agree what holiness/righteousness looks like? Uh, what about us all looking at things differently? Christian liberty discourages us from judging others when their view of holiness and ours differs.

WHAT IS THE POINT?

One weakness of the church (and human nature) is that we expect others to conform to our standards. Romans 14, as the rest of Scripture, teaches we should instead focus on others, letting them be themselves and be more concerned about us offending them than them offending us.

Okay. Series done. Your comments?

SHALL WE GO COUNTER-CULTURAL AND GO WITHOUT? - A STUDY ON ROMANS 14 PART 10 OF 11

Manley's Irish Mutt Pub & Eatery, Indianapolis

Does anybody agree with me that we are plagued with an entitlement mentality here in the U.S.A.? Wait, let me rephrase that: Does anybody NOT agree with me that we are plagued with an entitlement mentality here in the U.S.A.? I didn't think so.

On one hand, American culture would love the concept of Christian Liberty, where each individual is encouraged to be themselves and to enjoy non-sinful items (that is, items they are not convicted are sin). But as you probably know (if you don't either you haven't read the previous 9 installments of this series or I've done a terrible job with my presentation) the passages promoting Christian liberty encourage not practicing that Christian liberty if it offends a fellow believer.

In both Romans 14:14 and 14:20, Paul states something that seems to contradict the Old Testament dietary laws: Nothing is unclean of itself. His point? The Gentile who grew up on bacon wrapped lobster dinners ate nothing unclean, because he never read Leviticus 11. Paul echoes that statement in 1 Timothy 4:3-5 and Titus 1:15.

However, Paul also pointed out that to the Jew steeped on the Mosaic dietary codes would consider that bacon wrapped lobster unclean, and with that conviction, that tasty item would be unclean to him. So if the Gentile became a Christian and joined the Jew for a lunch and knew the Jew considered his usual to be unclean, Christian love would be getting a chicken sandwich to avoid offending him.

In verse 21, Paul said it was good to never eat meat or drink wine or do anything by which a brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. It's kind of interesting that this is the only place in the discussion where alcohol is mentioned. Some Christians believe it is wrong to drink. I don't. However, that doesn't mean I'm going to dirnk. I've always wanted to try a Mint Julep or a Grasshopper because I love mint, and they have mint. Have I ever had one? Unless you count the non-alcoholic Julep they have on New Orleans Square at Disneyland or the Keebler mint and chocolate cookie, no, and I probably never will. Not because it's a sin, but I don't want to either offend a believer who is convinced it is a sin or  introduce temptation to a new Christian who struggled with alcohol in the past.

I have one more installment after this, but permit me to use Manley's Irish Mutt as an example of things to think about with Christian Liberty. 

Being a dog lover, that name grabs my interest. The menu looks interesting as well. I could get a Baja Fish Taco or a Thai Shrimp Taco, though I might be as predictable as I can be and get a Chicken Parmesan sandwich or a BBQ or Buffalo Chicken Pizza. If you noticed the picture, though, the place identifies itself as a pub. The menu lists drink specials for each day of the week. 

So is it wrong for me to stop by the Irish Mutt and have a Thai Shrimp Taco and a Coke?

Let me give some issues to think about:

• Is there a difference between going to a bar that serves good food (Irish Mutt, Applebee's) and a restaurant that serves alcohol (Cracker Barrell, Pizza Hut, most Mexican restaurants)?
• If the Irish Mutt the only place I can get Thai Shrimp Tacos, is it fine to get it to go on occasion?
• Does it change the answer between a) going by myself, b) inviting a friend who has no problem with going or c) being invited by someone else?

Of course I can give you my thoughts, but:

1. It's too easy for me to give you my answers. You need to answer this yourself.
2. In answering this after thinking about Christian Liberty, you might discover that the answer you would have previously given might have some weaknesses for you to wrestle with.

I'm looking forward to hearing your answers!

WHO ARE YOU TO JUDGE ANOTHER MAN'S SERVANT? - A STUDY ON ROMANS 14 PART 6 OF 11

White Rhinoceros, Louisville Zoo.

David Bergland's Libertarianism in One Lesson is "You own yourself." Is he right?

My first response was to disagree with that unbiblical idea. Do believers own themselves? No, God owns us - we're bought with a price by God (1 Corinthians 6:20); we're His sheep (John 10;27). Are unbelievers free from being owned by God? No - "The earth is the LORD's, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein" (Psalm 24:1); this includes all who are alive.

But then, Bergland's book is not about theology and God but public policy and man. His point is that we are not owned by anybody else but that we have individual liberty. Not limitless liberty: we're not free to harm or defraud others. But others lack the right to run our lives.

Do we own ourselves, or does God own us? Either way, we don't own others. And yes, I could say they don't own me, but that's not the point I want to make. We. Don't. Own. Other. People. Clear enough?

That is the point Paul's trying to make in Romans 14:4 - "But who are you to judge another man's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand." 

Yes, the most quoted and the most misquoted Bible verse in Matthew 7:1 about judging not; too many try to use this to bully believers into tolerating and even accepting sinful behavior. But another often misquoted Bible verse is John 7:24, and that's misquoted by believers. That verse says "Judge with righteous judgment." Those who use (or more accurately misuse it) forget (accidentally or not) that John 7:24 is not a command to Jesus' disciples as Matthew 7:1 is, but a rebuke to the Pharisees who were judging Jesus. 

Romans 14:4 (and also James 4:11-12) are ignored too often. We need to remember that fellow Christians are God's servants. Yes, we're to warn those plainly committing sin (Galatians 6:1; James 5:19-20; 1 John 5:16), but we're not to judge.

By the way, if you look at the previous verse, you'll notice two things.

1. Paul states those who exercise liberty fall into the trap of hating or showing contempt of those who are abstaining (Romans 14:1-2 calls those who don't eat meat "weak in the faith"), and those who don't practice liberty judge those who do. Put the two together, and those prone to judge appear to be those weak in the faith.
2. Paul closes Romans 14:3 by stating God accepts him. Who does God accept? Anyone who comes to Him. So when we're judging a fellow believer, we're judging someone God has accepted. Uh, should we be doing that? Really?
   

I'll once again ask a question that I asked yesterday: Does this extend to sin and doctrinal issues? Remember - both examples Paul gives are considered by some to be sin or bad doctrine. 

One guideline I heard - ask yourself if you want to judge/correct/warn a fellow believer. If you don't really want to, maybe God has called you to not be afraid and lovingly confront them. If you are ready to straighten out your brother or sister, though, it's probably best to let someone else do it who can do it with gentleness and humility and who knows that they're dealing with God's servant.

Are you aware that you're not your own, but that you're God's servant, that you belong to Him? Are you also aware that your brothers and sisters in Christ are also God's servant and they answer to Him, not us?

DOES CHRISTIAN LIBERTY EXTEND TO SIN ISSUES AND DOCTRINAL DISPUTES? - A STUDY ON ROMANS 14, PART 5 OF 11

 

Squirrel at our house; nice pose, huh?

 Are there limits to Christian liberty as in Romans 14? If there are, are they based on solid Biblical teaching, or are they excuses to silence those who disagree with us?

Romans 14 gives two examples of where Christian Liberty applies in verses two through six: eating meat or not, and observing certain days or not. I will look at those aspects, but let me first deal with possible limits.

I had a friend who believed we have freedom in those area, but only those two areas: that if an issue isn't given freedom, there isn't any. I find that contrary to Scripture as a whole. Most would agree that food and day-observance were merely examples that extends to other issues. However, I've heard two areas where this freedom does not apply. One is if we're talking about sin, and the other is doctrine.  

Do I believe that Romans 14 extends to behavior the Bible attends as sin? God forbid! If the Bible says an activity is wrong in the sight of God, then it's wrong. A change in opinion or polls doesn't change that. The same is true with doctrine: Christian Liberty doesn't allow for teaching works salvation or denying the Deity of Christ.

Yet, those Paul who was writing to DID consider eating meat to be a sin issue. Likewise, those WOULD identify day-observance as a doctrinal matter.

Needless to say, some who set up the limits are interested in excluding behaviors they consider wrong. Some would say it's a sin to listen to rock, so they justify condemning Christian rock music. There are Calvinists who have concluded they figured things out theologically, and anybody who falls short of their standard is an Arminian and thus teaching a false Gospel.  

It is true that many Christians want to unite from those they should be divided from. Yet, it's no less dangerous to divide from those we should be united with. Those who want to divide may believe they're seeking truth, but they have an appearance of wanting to shorten the list of those they're called to love and have been taken captive by pride.

A careful look at the two examples in Romans 14 show Christian Liberty is expanded beyond where we may think. For example, 1 Corinthians 8-10 deals with eating meat sacrificed to idols. After all, the pagan's "gods" don't have much of an appetite when they're offered food, so then it goes to the discount aisle of Main Street Grocery Store. Some avoid eating any meat because they don't want to take a chance of eating food offered to idols and thus taking part of idolatry; others don't care where the meat came from and like the good price.

I naturally assume that Romans 14 deals with the same issue, but in studying this chapter, I've realized this issue is not specified here. Yes, it is logical to consider that the above issue is covered in Romans 14, but it isn't limited to it.

Moving to verses 5-6 which talks about observing days: At first, I assumed it was important festival days from the Old Testament such as Passover. Then, looking at the wording, I came to believe that it's referring to the Sabbath. Reason? It refers to day in the singular; if it's referring to the holy days, it would be in the plural. Also, it is the more radical suggestion to the Jewish mind.

However, David Stern in the Jewish New Testament Commentary made a valid point: We automatically assume that "the day" that is esteemed is connected with Judaism. But it doesn't say which day, meaning it could be any day - Jewish feast day, Christian calendar event, or the Academy Awards. He's not saying that it doesn't apply to the Passover or the Sabbath, but that it's not limited to them.

The focus of this chapter is that we need to receive one another, and we too often look for a good alibi to exclude others.

Are there any areas where you are quick to exclude other Christians that probably shouldn't be excluded? How about ways you try to reach out to others and showing liberty and tolerance?

DO WE HAVE OUR WELCOME MATS OUT? - A STUDY ON ROMANS 14 PART 4 OF 11

 

Statue of Meriwether Lewis meeting William Clark, Falls of Ohio State Park, Clarksville, IN

Are we receptive to others like we should be?

I consider Romans 14 to be the key manifesto on Christian Liberty, but we need to remember why we have liberty as a believer. Is it about us? Or about others? 

You may remember my list of translations of Romans 14:1. The Jubilee Bible 2000 renders this as "Bear with one who is sick in the faith...", but the others I listed start with words like "Receive," Accept," and "Welcome."

As we start in this study, it is important to realize that we're talking about the Church. Of course, a smart aleck (like myself) would ask if I meant the local church or the universal church. And of course, I'd answer that question, "Yes."

Naturally, the focus is on the local church. Paul is writing to the Church in Rome. If they have a fellow believer from another city visit, then they are included. Keep in mind, though, that the first nine of Paul's letters listed were written specifically to churches, not to individuals in the church. Some were to be shared, like he asked the Colossians to do with Laodicea, but the focus is more centralized.

It is obvious that we're living in a different context. There were no denominations in Paul's days. There were the beginnings of movements like the Ebionites (some of which were Judaizers) and the Gnostics (not unlike today's New Age movement), but the sects were those who departed from the faith. The Reformers and several of our denominations nowadays are the opposite: they start a new movement because they are in an environment of error and seek to return to the safe harbors of Scripture. Also, the only reason a 1st century believer would stop attending one local fellowship and start attending another was solely because of a physical move: worship styles or children ministries or celebrity preachers weren't an issue back then.

Let's go back to the context. In the seven verses preceding Romans 14, we see an emphasis on loving one another and walking in the light. The former one is a theme throughout the New Testament, with Jesus, Paul, Peter, and John (plus the author of Hebrews, should you think it's not Paul) directly saying we're to love one another and James and Jude implying that command.

I may have said this before (maybe even previously in this study), but Christians tend to unite with those they should be divided from and divided from those they should be united with. How do we know? Are they fellow believers? Do they believe Jesus is the Christ/Messiah, God come in the flesh, Savior of the World, who died for our sins and rose again bodily the third day? Do they believe that salvation is a gift of God, not wages we earn by good behavior, and that it is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone? Are they seeking to please Him and not themselves in how they live, and are they displaying the fruits of the Spirit? If so, they're probably a fellow believer and you are to welcome them.

 

 

 

DOUBTFUL DISCERNMENT? RARE OCCURRENCE? I DOUBT IT. - A STUDY ON ROMANS 14, PART 1 OF 11

At Louisville Zoo

 

 I'm starting a study on Romans 14. In the next two installments, I'll be dealing with the context of this chapter and how it relates to the chapter. Today, I'll just give "a brief introduction." How many believe it will be brief? Well, I'll let you be the judge of it.

First, though, let me give the first verse of this chapter in some different versions:

• "Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things."  NKJV
• "Now as for a person whose trust is weak, welcome him - but not to get into arguments over opinions." The Complete Jewish Bible  
• "Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions." NASB
• "Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong." NLT

Last but not least, I'd like to share my favorite, the rendering of the Jubilee Bible 2000:

• "Bear with the one who is sick in the faith, but not unto doubtful discernment."

I love that phrase, "doubtful discernment." Looking at the internet, I see a whole lot of "doubtful discernment." There are a lot of brothers and sisters in Christ who consider themselves great at discerning, some of which call themselves Heresy Hunters. But whether it edifies or strengthens the body of Christ is very doubtful.

 

In dealing with Christian Liberty, the classic places are Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8-10. Both places (and especially 1 Corinthians in dealing with the self-centered, divided brethren) strongly speak about being willing to cast aside our freedom so we don't make our brothers and sisters to stumble. That is important. But Romans 14 also deals with those who are judgmental and contemptuous toward those who disagree with them.

 

I hope you are blessed by this devotional series. But let me ask: Are you falling into the trap of doubtful discernement? Or, as our swimming friend above, are you bearing with the weak in faith?

 

INTERVIEW WITH MUSICIAN DAN SCHAFER

 

When I worked at Opryland, I originally looked forward to going to the cafeteria in hopes of mingling with others. After several lunches spent with me, myself, and I, I started bringing my Bible and using that time to read. 

One lunch, someone asked me about what I was reading. It was Dan Schafer, who was part of the Country and Bluegrass show at the time. Since then we've become good friends, and I thought it would be fun to interview him. So, without further ado...

JR: A double whammy question to start: How did you come to Christ, and how did you get into music?

DS: I was raised Roman Catholic, many years in Catholic school, catechism, etc., so I knew about Jesus and the Bible, but I didn’t read it and was indifferent about the whole religion thing. I believed in God and really thought I had a relationship with him till later in my teen years. Because I was in the arts, I got seduced into the New Age, Eastern thing. Really searched for truth many years. I came to Christ in 1985 after experiencing a bad car accident & having many Christians witness to me & steer me to the Bible. The fulfilled Old Testament  prophecies of Jesus astonished me, and I was surprised at the evidence of 6 day creation which I had been taught was just poetic language. I chose the literal interpretation from the facts I had discovered. Years later I became enthralled by denominational differences, the Doctrines of Grace and the exposing of false doctrine, still present in the world and the apostate church.

I was raised by 2 musicians. My father was a full time musician/DJ who was extremely passionate about music..especially country. He had a great voice and very proficient on guitar & mandolin. My mom played bass & had a terrific harmony ear. I started playing around 10 years old. Once I graduated from high school, I never worked a job outside music.

JR: Howard Hendricks said every man needs a Paul (a mentor), a Barnabas (a friend to encourage), and a Timothy (someone to keep the 2 Timothy 2:2 chain going). Who have filled these roles either in the faith or in music (or both)?

DS: John MacArthur has had the deepest impact on my focus on the Bible. His teaching and commentaries have aided in my sanctification process. I learned a lot from Dave Hunt & Hal Lindsey and R.C. Sproul. I currently follow Todd Friel, as well. I enjoy his humor and candidness.

Musically, it would have to be my Dad and various people and teachers I worked with or encountered. I am very influenced by the Byrds, Beatles, Kinks, Carpenters, David Foster, George Benson, Steve Howe (Yes).

JR: I believe God places every believer where they are for a purpose. How have you seen God working with where he has placed you?

DS: I’m just amazed at where He puts me and love to watch him work in front of me whether it be pleasant or to temper me. His Providence is wonderful!

JR: Sometimes Country artists are sterotyped as closing a set about drinking and cheating with a Gospel song. I'm sure you are probably aware of Spiritual warfare around you. What are some of the greatest tests, and how has God strengthened and encouraged you as you are serving in the mission field (and yes, I believe Bible Belt Buckle Nashville Tennessee is a very difficult mission field.

DS: I have not encountered too much difficulty. Most of my best opportunities have been because I am a Christian. I’m a firm believer in Christian liberty and have no problems singing a heartbreak-drinking song and a hymn in the same set. I will back off a song that has some seriously bad subject matter, but God can work how He wants to when He wants to. That’s His Providence.

JR: Thank you for your time, Dan. What are you doing musically? Do you have any projects or concerts you want to promote, or any books to recommend?

DS: I’m semi-retired now, enjoying time with wife and grandkids. (2 boys) I still play live sometimes 5 days/nights a week. No recording projects. Just amazed at God’s mercy to allow my to work in a music world controlled by 30 year olds.

Book recommendations would be anything by John MacArthur (my favorites are The Gospel According to Jesus and Strange Fire) or R. C. Sproul.

Thank you for considering me for this. Here are my websites:

• www.DanSchafer.com 
• www.DanSchaferMusic.com 
• www.facebook.com/danschafermusic