As we continue the teaching series on Romans 14, let’s remember it is tough to praise and serve God if we are busy passing judgment on other people.

That’s what Paul seems to be saying in this part of Romans. He exhorts the young church in Rome to avoid fighting over non-essential matters.

Paul clarifies that the glue that holds the church together is its identity as those who are beloved by God and called to be God’s people. God’s grace and peace are bestowed upon all of them (Romans 1:7).

A key issue for Paul in writing this letter, is the place of Jews and Gentiles before God in light of the saving work of Jesus Christ. People from differing backgrounds sometimes find themselves on opposing sides of issues. The issue Paul is addressing is each group setting itself over and above the other group, claiming the higher moral ground for its particular practices and opinions.

From the first century until now, it seems, people manage to develop self-righteous attitudes toward those with whom they disagree, ignoring the injunction not to “think more highly of yourself than you ought to think” (Romans 12:3).

Paul reminds us God is the “primary actor” within the lives and fellowship of believers. Judgment belongs to God, not us! (Rom. 9:10). “God has welcomed them” 13:3). “The Lord is able to make them stand” (13:3). “Whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s” (14:8).

“So then, each of us will be accountable to God” (14:12). “Let us therefore no longer pass judgment on one another” (14:13).

The church must be a place of welcome, where unity is found not in particular practices of piety or complete agreement on precise points (especially if the Scripture has not insisted on only one possible understanding of a truth in question), but in the fact that we belong to the Lord! (14:7-8).

Haughty attitudes regarding theology and practice can keep us from loving God and each other, and engaging in the praise and service that is pleasing to God and helps to construct His Kingdom.

In light of God’s love and grace, we are called not to judge, but to worship and to serve.

If you are ready to worship and serve we are ready for you! Come to the 11 a.m. Sabbath Service and we will take your hand, as a church family, and lead you on a joyful walk with Jesus!

This will be an exciting service for every Christian in the audience. Get ready to be dazzled by the brilliance of our Lord and his relevance to your everyday life.

See you on Saturday for this uplifting message!

Duff