Sermon Outline 8.3.25
Title: Welcoming With Love: Convictions Without Condemnation
Text: Romans 14:1–12 (Part 1 of 2)
Big Idea: The church must love, not divide over convictions of conscience, because we all belong to the same Lord and will all answer to the same Judge.
INTRODUCTION
I. Disciples Who Disagree (vv. 1-6)
A. The Weak
1. Likely Jewish believers
2. Still honoring old calendar rhythms (vv.5a, 6a) & dietary laws (vv.2b, 6b).
3. Paul labels them (v.1) weak in faith.
4. They are sincere, not sinful, since they “honor the Lord” (v. 6).
5. Tempted to judge others for not sharing their convictions (v.3a).
B. The Strong
1. Those who feel freedom in areas of conscience (v. 2a, 5a).
2. Paul includes himself in this group (15:1).
3. Their temptation is despising (v.3b).
4. These are disciples who are on different paths, living by faith (v. 5b)
5. They have the same Lord! (v. 6)
II. Love That Receives Not Reacts (Romans 14:1b)
A. “Welcome”--Means more than “tolerate.” It means to take in, draw near, embrace.
B. The context makes it clear that this is about relational integration, not passive avoidance.
C. He uses it again in v.3 and Rom 15:7: Here, Christ is the model.
D. He shows three more meanings:
1. Hospitality: Acts 28:2
2. Receiving: Philemon 17
3. Personal Investment & Instruction: Acts 18:26
III. Disputable Does Not Equal Disposable (Romans 14:1b)
A. “opinions” (di-al-og-is-mos) is richer than “personal preferences.”
B. Paul uses it elsewhere for:
1. Futile speculations (Rom 1:21)
2. Grumbling and disputing (Phil 2:14)
3. Judgmental distinctions due to partiality (James 2:4)
IV. Christ Owns Your Conscience (Romans 14:4-5, 7-12)
A. Because God Is His Master, Not You (v. 4a)
B. Because the Lord Will Sustain Him (v. 4b)
C. Because He Is Living by Faith (v. 5b)
D. Because Christ Is Lord of All (vv. 7–9)
1. v.7…it is not about “no one being an island,” but not being your own master.
2. v.8 explains it: Whether we live or die, we belong to Christ…and then in
3. v.9: He died and rose again that He might be Lord of both the living and the dead.
E. Because You Will Stand Before the Judge (vv. 10–12)
1. v.10 he asks: Why judge or despise?
2. v.11: he quotes Isaiah 45:23
3. v.12: You will give an account, not for your brother’s conscience, but your own.
CONCLUSION
Text: Romans 14:1–12 (Part 1 of 2)
Big Idea: The church must love, not divide over convictions of conscience, because we all belong to the same Lord and will all answer to the same Judge.
INTRODUCTION
I. Disciples Who Disagree (vv. 1-6)
A. The Weak
1. Likely Jewish believers
2. Still honoring old calendar rhythms (vv.5a, 6a) & dietary laws (vv.2b, 6b).
3. Paul labels them (v.1) weak in faith.
4. They are sincere, not sinful, since they “honor the Lord” (v. 6).
5. Tempted to judge others for not sharing their convictions (v.3a).
B. The Strong
1. Those who feel freedom in areas of conscience (v. 2a, 5a).
2. Paul includes himself in this group (15:1).
3. Their temptation is despising (v.3b).
4. These are disciples who are on different paths, living by faith (v. 5b)
5. They have the same Lord! (v. 6)
II. Love That Receives Not Reacts (Romans 14:1b)
A. “Welcome”--Means more than “tolerate.” It means to take in, draw near, embrace.
B. The context makes it clear that this is about relational integration, not passive avoidance.
C. He uses it again in v.3 and Rom 15:7: Here, Christ is the model.
D. He shows three more meanings:
1. Hospitality: Acts 28:2
2. Receiving: Philemon 17
3. Personal Investment & Instruction: Acts 18:26
III. Disputable Does Not Equal Disposable (Romans 14:1b)
A. “opinions” (di-al-og-is-mos) is richer than “personal preferences.”
B. Paul uses it elsewhere for:
1. Futile speculations (Rom 1:21)
2. Grumbling and disputing (Phil 2:14)
3. Judgmental distinctions due to partiality (James 2:4)
IV. Christ Owns Your Conscience (Romans 14:4-5, 7-12)
A. Because God Is His Master, Not You (v. 4a)
B. Because the Lord Will Sustain Him (v. 4b)
C. Because He Is Living by Faith (v. 5b)
D. Because Christ Is Lord of All (vv. 7–9)
1. v.7…it is not about “no one being an island,” but not being your own master.
2. v.8 explains it: Whether we live or die, we belong to Christ…and then in
3. v.9: He died and rose again that He might be Lord of both the living and the dead.
E. Because You Will Stand Before the Judge (vv. 10–12)
1. v.10 he asks: Why judge or despise?
2. v.11: he quotes Isaiah 45:23
3. v.12: You will give an account, not for your brother’s conscience, but your own.
CONCLUSION
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