WEAK AND STRONG

Romans 14: 1 – 15:9 is about weak and strong Christians. The church consists of many parts: some weak and some strong, some new members and some older who have been taught longer. The more mature are to put up with and receive newcomers who have come from different backgrounds, ethically and religiously (see verses 1-2). A spirit of unity and peace results (14:19; 15:5-6; Gal 1:6-10).

Some things are neither right nor wrong in themselves, like whether you eat meat, vegetables, pork, beef or catfish. But to the new Jewish converts who had come from the old law of Moses, they were reluctant to give up their old ways after becoming Christians (Lev 11; I Cor 8). They also had been accustomed to observing special days like the Sabbath (Saturday, Col 2:14-17; Gal 4:11), or praising with instruments like David did. Paul said he feared he had wasted time in teaching some of these Jews because they were reluctant to give up things of their old law. Under Christ, His resurrection day was special (Rev 1:10; I Cor 16:1-2), not the old 7th day sabbath.

What are some matters neither right nor wrong in the church today? Transportation (how to get to the assembly), four-part harmony (sing, whether soprano, alto, tenor or bass), dress (color, wool, old, new), etc.
Always respect your conscience (Rom 14:23). Follow the new testament, “the perfect law of liberty” (James 1:25), but be gentle with newcomers. Strive for teaching and practice only in Christ’s last will and testament.

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