Is everything legal?
Dr. Roberto Miranda
(Audio: Spanish)
SUMMARY: In Romans 14, the Apostle Paul calls for harmony and tolerance among believers in the face of diverse opinions and spirituality. He references the issue of whether or not to eat meat previously sacrificed to idols, which was a problem in the Greco-Roman world of the early Christians. Paul advises both those who feel free in the Lord and those who do not to respect each other's attitudes and tolerate each other, rather than judging each other. He also warns against causing a brother to stumble or fall, and encourages Christians to follow what contributes to peace and mutual edification. In Chapter 15, he emphasizes the need for those who are strong in the Lord to endure the weaknesses of the weak and not please themselves. Paul's message is still relevant today, as believers must learn to govern diversity and avoid judging each other. We should instead refer our concerns to the Lord, pray for each other, and trust in God's justice and faithfulness.
The focus of believers should be on not causing stumbling blocks for others, rather than judging them. Christians should have a positive attitude towards the Kingdom of God, with a foundation of peace, joy, and justice. Paul emphasizes that the important things are righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, rather than food, drink, or minor details. Believers should be careful not to offend others with their freedom, and should prioritize the sensitivity of others in their actions. Christian love and maturity may require abstaining from things that are legitimate but could harm others.
The Apostle Paul reminds us that while everything may be lawful, not everything is beneficial. As Christians, we should consider how our actions affect others around us and be considerate of their sensibilities. This applies to relationships, parenting, and even things like drinking alcohol. Our freedom is always conditioned by love for others, and we should not use our freedom to hurt others.
Paul also criticizes the Corinthians for taking each other to court instead of resolving their disputes among themselves. He reminds them that as Christians, they will one day judge even angels, so they should be able to judge small matters among themselves.
In the end, the message is clear: we should be people of love, mercy, and peace, willing to lose so that others may grow and be blessed. We should embrace the rare value of tolerance, patience, compassion, and the value of the cross that has the power to enrich those who become impoverished for love of Jesus and others.
The speaker encourages listeners to embrace the values of tolerance, love, patience, compassion, and putting oneself in another's place. They emphasize the power of the cross and the need to diminish oneself for the sake of others. The speaker thanks God for this message and prays for the grace of the Lord to be with the listeners.
The focus of believers should be on not causing stumbling blocks for others, rather than judging them. Christians should have a positive attitude towards the Kingdom of God, with a foundation of peace, joy, and justice. Paul emphasizes that the important things are righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, rather than food, drink, or minor details. Believers should be careful not to offend others with their freedom, and should prioritize the sensitivity of others in their actions. Christian love and maturity may require abstaining from things that are legitimate but could harm others.
The Apostle Paul reminds us that while everything may be lawful, not everything is beneficial. As Christians, we should consider how our actions affect others around us and be considerate of their sensibilities. This applies to relationships, parenting, and even things like drinking alcohol. Our freedom is always conditioned by love for others, and we should not use our freedom to hurt others.
Paul also criticizes the Corinthians for taking each other to court instead of resolving their disputes among themselves. He reminds them that as Christians, they will one day judge even angels, so they should be able to judge small matters among themselves.
In the end, the message is clear: we should be people of love, mercy, and peace, willing to lose so that others may grow and be blessed. We should embrace the rare value of tolerance, patience, compassion, and the value of the cross that has the power to enrich those who become impoverished for love of Jesus and others.
The speaker encourages listeners to embrace the values of tolerance, love, patience, compassion, and putting oneself in another's place. They emphasize the power of the cross and the need to diminish oneself for the sake of others. The speaker thanks God for this message and prays for the grace of the Lord to be with the listeners.
Brothers, we are going to the word of God, Romans Chapter 14, we are going to go to the second part of the Chapter. We are almost finishing this journey of the epistle to the Romans, which has taken us many months, but we give thanks to the Lord who has been very faithful and has brought us to this point, almost finishing the epistle. Chapter 15 is actually more of a Chapter on how to tie up loose ends and everyday things, but Chapter 14 still has some good meat here that we can still get a lot of use out of. I'm going to read starting with verse 13, Romans 14, starting with verse 13 all the way to the end, it says:
“So let us judge one another no longer, but rather well, decide not to trip or cause your brother to fall..."
“So let us judge one another no longer, but rather well, decide not to trip or cause your brother to fall..."
