What does "everything that is not from faith is sin" imply for believers? Setting the Context of Romans 14 • Romans 14 addresses disputable matters—issues not explicitly commanded or forbidden in Scripture (e.g., eating meat, observing days). • Paul urges strong and weak believers to accept one another, act in love, and avoid causing others to stumble. • Verse 23 climaxes the discussion: “But whoever doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that is not from faith is sin.” (Romans 14:23) The Heart of the Principle • God looks first at motive: faith‐filled trust versus doubting self‐reliance. • The moment a believer acts with inner uncertainty—“I’m not sure God approves”—the act becomes sin, even if the act itself is morally neutral. • Faith is not merely mental assent but confident reliance on God’s revealed will. Why Motive Matters to God • Hebrews 11:6: “And without faith it is impossible to please God…” • Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… in all your ways acknowledge Him…” • God treasures trust because it affirms His character; doubt questions it. • Actions done in unbelief shift the focus from God’s glory to self‐preservation, human approval, or ritual. Connecting Passages That Echo the Principle • James 4:17: “Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do, yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin.” • 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” • Colossians 3:17: “And whatever you do… do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus…” • Galatians 5:6: “The only thing that counts is faith working through love.” • John 15:5: “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” Guidelines for Everyday Decisions 1. Examine your conscience – Is Scripture silent, permissive, or prohibitive on this issue? – If Scripture is silent, do you sense inward freedom or nagging doubt? 2. Invite the Spirit’s witness – Romans 8:16: “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit…” – Pray, search the Word, seek godly counsel, then decide. 3. Act only when persuaded – Romans 14:5: “Each of them should be fully convinced in his own mind.” – Move forward when convinced you can thank God for the action. 4. Consider your influence – Romans 14:15: “If your brother is distressed by what you eat, you are no longer acting in love.” – Liberty is gladly limited by love for weaker siblings. 5. Maintain thanksgiving – Gratitude keeps faith front and center, reminding us that every good gift comes from God. Practical Illustrations • Entertainment choices: If a movie feels questionable, abstain until you can watch in confidence before the Lord. • Social drinking: If you doubt it honors Christ or know it troubles another believer, refrain. • Sunday activities: If yard work disturbs your rest of faith yet your neighbor feels free, each must honor the Lord per conscience. • Financial decisions: Give, save, or spend only when assured the action aligns with stewardship taught in Scripture. Freedom Balanced by Assurance • Romans 8:1: “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” • When you walk in faith, you enjoy freedom without guilt. • Doubt signals a pause—not bondage—inviting deeper trust and clearer guidance. Walking Forward in Faith • Galatians 2:20 calls believers to live “by faith in the Son of God.” • Regularly renew your mind in Scripture to strengthen conviction. • Speak and act expecting God’s approval and enabling power. • Keep short accounts with God—confess doubt‐driven actions and step back into faith’s assurance. Everything that is not from faith is sin reminds us that the Christian life is not a checklist of neutral actions but a continual, trusting dependence on Christ in every thought, choice, and relationship. |
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