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Opposing Views. “Conservative” vs. “Liberal” Law vs. Grace This over-simplified dichotomy manifests itself over opposing views. Cf. Rom. 14 How Christians cope with one another on opposing views. Rom. 15. The Strong vs. Weak.
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Opposing Views • “Conservative” vs. “Liberal” • Law vs. Grace • This over-simplified dichotomy manifests itself over opposing views. Cf. Rom. 14 • How Christians cope with one another on opposing views. Rom. 15
The Strong vs. Weak • Many today equate “strong” Christians as those who “know more” or “know better”. Not necessarily • Strong Christians apply what they know to their personal walk, including how they relate to other Christians who love God but have opposing views. • CONTEXT of strong vs. weak in Romans 14-15: • Strong faith = ‘non-defiled conscience’* • Weak faith = ‘defiled conscience’* • *Compare with 1 Cor. 8:7ff
Pleasing Your Neighbor • The strong’sobligation toward the weak: vs. 1-2 • Bear with his weakness (scruples)… For his good • The purpose: edification. cp. Eph. 4:15-16 • Everyone’s (Strong or weak) endeavor: “Let each of us please his neighbor…”
Please… Not Leave • Please your neighbor; not leave your neighbor • Leaving: near sighted; not biblical solution • It does not help the weak brother become mature in their faith. • It does not help the strong brother to emulate Christ. V. 3
The God of Perseverance/Encouragement • The Scriptures instructs us… v. 4 • To bear – with perseverance – with our opposing brethren. • To encourage our opposing brethren for edification. • Ultimately, God is glorified because we’re living like His Son. (v. 3)
Finding Our One Voice • Endeavor to keep the unity… Eph. 4:1-3, 15-16 • Look out for the interest of others. Phil. 2:3ff Romans 15:5-6 “Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6 that you may with one mind and one mouthglorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”