WEAK & STRONG

How can we have harmony when differences arise? How can we decide what things do not really matter?

The body of Christ is made up of many parts, some strong and some weak. As new members are added, the older who have been taught longer (‘stronger’ members) are to ‘put up with’ the newcomers (the ‘weak’) from different cultural and religious backgrounds (Rom 14:1- 2).

The untaught (weak) member has strong faith in Christ, but he is to yield in making decisions. His inward thoughts are his own opinions. They should be respected while he is instructed, but a spirit of unity should prevail when he is taught more perfectly in Christ (Rom 14:19; 15:5-6).

Some things are neither right nor wrong in themselves, such as whether you eat meat or vegetables (14:14). To the Jewish mind these restrictions were strong because of his long standing adherence to the law of Moses (Old Testament, Lev 11). It took three miracles to convince Peter that all foods are clean, as well as all races of people (Acts 10). The days you observe are no longer matters of right or wrong (New Moon, Sabbaths, Gal 4:11; Col 2:14-17). Dec 25th, birthdays, etc., are matters of personal opinion.

To the Christian, “the Lord’s Day,” the first day of the week, has specific duties: assembly and observance of communion (Acts 20:7; I Cor 11:23ff). An apostolic command eliminates anything to the contrary: example, immersion of believers eliminates sprinkling babies. Also, sports should be eliminated on the “Lord’s Day.” It is His day!