How can Romans 14:4 influence our approach to church disagreements? Setting the Scene “Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.” (Romans 14:4) Three Foundational Truths in the Verse • Ownership: Every believer belongs to the Lord, not to us. • Accountability: Each servant answers to “his own master,” not to fellow servants. • Assurance: God is powerful enough to uphold His people even when we worry they might stumble. Applications for Church Disagreements • Trade the judge’s bench for the servant’s towel. – Matthew 7:1-2 reminds us that the measure we use will be measured back to us. • Leave final verdicts with Christ. – 1 Corinthians 4:3-5 shows Paul refusing to let human evaluation eclipse God’s. • Expect God to keep His people standing. – Jude 24 calls Him “able to keep you from stumbling.” Confidence in His keeping power defuses panic-driven arguments. Practical Steps When Opinions Differ 1. Pause before pronouncing motives. 2. Ask, “Am I dealing with sin plainly condemned in Scripture or a disputable matter?” (Romans 14:1). 3. If it’s disputable, hold convictions humbly (Romans 14:5) and respect others’ liberty (Romans 14:22). 4. Speak only what builds up (Ephesians 4:29). 5. Welcome one another as Christ welcomed you (Romans 15:7). Guardrails for Our Speech • Seasoned with grace (Colossians 4:6). • Slow to speak, slow to anger (James 1:19-20). • Free from slander (James 4:11-12). Fruit We Can Expect • Unity protected (Ephesians 4:3). • Consciences left clear. • A watching world shown a living picture of gospel forbearance (John 13:35). Closing Encouragement When disagreements arise, Romans 14:4 invites us to step back, remember who the true Master is, and trust Him to keep His servants standing. |
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