There are some people who would like to erase the
difference between the old and new covenants. The problem we encounter is that
Jesus’ blood changed everything. Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection, and
ascension changed all things. When one decides to erase those differences, that
one minimizes Jesus’ sacrifice, and in turn that one must rely on rules and laws
to appease a God that they actually don’t know. Paul tells us that the one who
relies on rules and laws is weak in his faith, while the one who does not rely
on rules and laws is strong in his faith. It seems the opposite is presented to
the body of Christ; meaning that those who cling to rules and laws are somehow
more spiritual than those who do not. That is exactly the opposite of what Paul
wrote to us. In gaining a better perspective of this issue, we see that Paul
was trying to help us to get along with other members of the body of Christ. He
gives us some helpful ideas on the subject and suggests we edify one another.
If one lives under the law, that one will always be critical and judgmental of
others who do not live the way they do. Additionally, that person who lives
under the law is weak in his faith.
Building up others is not a common practice in our society.
Most people are torn down all day long. Edification means building, as in a building or edifice but also building people up or edifying one another. It is
the practice of helping others to mature and not be weak. The mature strong
believer should be someone who edifies others in the body of Christ. During the
season we celebrate holidays with family and friends we sometimes struggle with
other people. Some are weak in faith and some are strong in faith. Paul gives
us some good ideas for not only getting along with others but living with a
standard of love. Jesus gave us a new commandment, to love one another, and it
is this idea that we see so little of when people who put themselves under the
law encounter those who are free in Christ. Those who are mature and strong in
faith will have to allow those who are weak to step on their toes so to speak.
The people strong in faith will have to “bend” a little to accommodate the
weak. Remember, this is the opposite of what is regularly promoted in the
church today.
We have looked at all the insane religious practices that
entered into Israel and how these ritual observances caused them to fall away
from Yahweh. Even when Jesus came to show us the simplicity of love and
relationship with Him, people had a hard time not performing religious rituals
to make them look and feel close to Yahweh. From the time Jesus was crucified
and then ascended, there was never any need for humans to practice ritual services.
There is no temple and there is no temple observances required to be righteous.
Instead, we have the perfect solution, a personal relationship with Jesus and
the Holy Spirit within us. That stated, there are many who want to push others
into observing laws and rituals regardless of the age we live in. Some people
gain a lot of money by telling others all the special secret observances they
are missing and how their lives would be better if they practiced these special
secret observances. Those are the corrupt hirelings. But we have to look at the
people who actually fall into this trap and understand they are weak because
they do not have the proper personal relationship with Christ that they should.
Paul enlightens us.
Rom 14:1 AS FOR the man who is a weak believer, welcome him
[into your fellowship], but not to criticize his opinions or pass judgment on
his scruples or perplex him with discussions. 2 One [man's faith permits him
to] believe he may eat anything, while a weaker one [limits his] eating to
vegetables. 3 Let not him who eats look down on or despise him who abstains,
and let not him who abstains criticize and pass judgment on him who eats; for
God has accepted and welcomed him.
What we see here is Paul pointing out that there are people
in many different stages of their faith. The weaker one’s faith is, the more
rules and laws he lives by. The stronger one’s faith is, the less rules and
laws he lives by. It is easy to see how we can have a wide range of people in
different stages of their faith. We have to remember not to expect everyone to
be in the same place spiritually. And we also have to remember that it is not
up to us to force others to grow up.
Some people become perplexed by deep discussions, just as
some people can not handle reading some of the intense subjects we have covered
in this blog. Wisdom tells us who to discuss our Christian faith with and who
not to. For example I probably would not explain to an octogenarian the ritual
sexual practices of male and female prostitution that occurred in the inner
courts of the temple because their Pollyanna belief system would be challenged.
We would not want them to lose their faith over that. I could however, have
that conversation with a Bible College Student, as it would give the student
something to study that he/she probably won’t learn in school.
Paul then goes on to mention that we are not to criticize
someone else’s’ servant. Some servants do things differently than others,
again, speaking to the Roman church, Paul mentions that it is the Lord who will
make one stand.
Rom 14:4 Who are you to pass judgment on and censure
another's household servant? It is before his own master that he stands or
falls. And he shall stand and be upheld, for the Master (the Lord) is mighty to
support him and make him stand.
Paul goes on to discuss other religious observances such as
holidays. Observe the day in honor of the Lord, whether one eats or not. Some
religious groups fast on holy days and some do not, either way do it unto the
Lord.
Rom 14:5 One man esteems one day as better than another, while
another man esteems all days alike [sacred]. Let everyone be fully convinced
(satisfied) in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day, observes it in honor of
the Lord. He also who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to
God; while he who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to
God. AMP
Most holidays are social and cultural observances. Under
the new covenant we are not required to observe them, but we can if we would
like. Let us be convinced in our own minds. Paul also tells the Colossians not
to let anyone judge you on account of what he accomplished for you, freeing you
from the law.
Col 2:16-17 Therefore let no one sit in judgment on you in
matters of food and drink, or with regard to a feast day or a New Moon or a
Sabbath. 17 Such [things] are only the shadow of things that are to come, and
they have only a symbolic value. But the reality (the substance, the solid fact
of what is foreshadowed, the body of it) belongs to Christ. AMP
There are many schools of thought on what Christians should
do on holidays, the extreme view on each side and everything in between. Should
we celebrate, should we not celebrate, really it is about what we are doing.
Are we bowing in worship to someone or something else? Do we pray to Santa or
Jesus? Are we enjoying a feast with family and friends? We all know that Jesus
was not born on December 25th, and we recognize that the Romans
combined many pagan holy days with Christian holy days to bring both religions
together forming one new one. Therefore we have to think through the observance
and who we are observing. There is no “right” answer. The weak in faith will be
legalistic and not celebrate Christmas and not put up a tree or lights, and may
even condemn others for doing so. The strong in faith will recognize Christmas as
a time we can love others centered around Jesus (even if it isn’t his birthday)
and spend time reconnecting with distant family and friends while enjoying the
month of decorations. Back to Romans.
Rom 14:7 None of us lives to himself [but to the Lord], and
none of us dies to himself [but to the Lord, for] 8 If we live, we live to the
Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or we die, we
belong to the Lord. 9 For Christ died and lived again for this very purpose,
that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.
Jesus is Lord of the living and the dead; remember he now
has the keys to hell and death. No one gets past him. That was the first part
of his plan to redeem humans, he set the dead captives free. His second part of
the plan to redeem humans is to buy back all the people who believe on him on
the day of redemption. Therefore, Paul warns us not to judge our brothers as to
their weak faith or strong faith.
Rom 14:10 Why do you criticize and pass judgment on your
brother? Or you, why do you look down upon or despise your brother? For we
shall all stand before the judgment seat of God. 11 For it is written, As I
live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess
to God [acknowledge Him to His honor and to His praise]. [Isa 45:23.] 12 And so
each of us shall give an account of himself [give an answer in reference to judgment]
to God. 13 Then let us no more criticize and blame and pass judgment on one
another, but rather decide and endeavor never to put a stumbling block or an
obstacle or a hindrance in the way of a brother.
Paul tells us not to criticize one another. We will stand
before Jesus, not for how we criticized one another but for how we ourselves
lived. Remember mercy, forgiveness, and judgment are weighed and balanced. The
amount of mercy, forgiveness, or judgment we extend to others is the amount we
receive. We have to decide not to put a stumbling block in front of anyone.
Rom 14:14 I know and am convinced (persuaded) as one in the
Lord Jesus, that nothing is [forbidden as] essentially unclean (defiled and
unholy in itself). But [none the less] it is unclean (defiled and unholy) to
anyone who thinks it is unclean. 15 But if your brother is being pained or his
feelings hurt or if he is being injured by what you eat, [then] you are no
longer walking in love. [You have ceased to be living and conducting yourself
by the standard of love toward him.] Do not let what you eat hurt or cause the
ruin of one for whom Christ died!
If it is within our power to not hurt someone weak in their
faith, we should take the opportunity to live a standard of love. If we are
truly walking in love we will not pressure those who are weak in their faith to
live the way we do. Consequently, a person weak in their faith may criticize us
for seeming to live without many rules and laws, but being more mature, we are
to simply love the weak believer.
Rom 14:16 Do not therefore let what seems good to you be
considered an evil thing [by someone else]. [In other words, do not give
occasion for others to criticize that which is justifiable for you.] 17 [After
all] the kingdom of God is not a matter of [getting the] food and drink [one
likes], but instead it is righteousness (that state which makes a person
acceptable to God) and [heart] peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 He who
serves Christ in this way is acceptable and pleasing to God and is approved by
men. 19 So let us then definitely aim for and eagerly pursue what makes for
harmony and for mutual upbuilding (edification and development) of one another.
AMP
Let us aim for and eagerly pursue things that make for
harmony and edification of one another. Those who are strong in their faith
should be doing this every day. Tearing down others due to differences in
lifestyle destroys the work of God and what God is doing in each individual
person.
Rom 14:20 You must not, for the sake of food, undo and
break down and destroy the work of God! Everything is indeed [ceremonially]
clean and pure, but it is wrong for anyone to hurt the conscience of others or
to make them fall by what he eats. 21 The right thing is to eat no meat or
drink no wine [at all], or [do anything else] if it makes your brother stumble
or hurts his conscience or offends or weakens him. 22 Your personal convictions
[on such matters] — exercise [them] as in God's presence, keeping them to
yourself [striving only to know the truth and obey His will]. Blessed (happy,
to be envied) is he who has no reason to judge himself for what he approves
[who does not convict himself by what he chooses to do]. 23 But the man who has
doubts (misgivings, an uneasy conscience) about eating, and then eats [perhaps
because of you], stands condemned [before God], because he is not true to his
convictions and he does not act from faith. For whatever does not originate and
proceed from faith is sin [whatever is done without a conviction of its
approval by God is sinful]. AMP
We have come full circle here. If one is mature in faith,
that one can allow the weak to have their rules and laws. As they grow up in
Christ by way of their individual relationship with Him, they will recognize the
freedom they have in Christ. Since chapters and verses were not part of the
original Greek text, Paul’s thoughts keep going into chapter 15 of Romans.
Rom 15:1-2 WE WHO are strong [in our convictions and of
robust faith] ought to bear with the failings and the frailties and the tender
scruples of the weak; [we ought to help carry the doubts and qualms of others]
and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each one of us make it a practice to please
(make happy) his neighbor for his good and for his true welfare, to edify him
[to strengthen him and build him up spiritually]. AMP
The strong bear with the failings, frailties, and tender
scruples of the weak. If we label this correctly as Paul has, then we will see
more people set free. Weak faith has failings, frailties, and tender scruples. Meanwhile,
the strong in faith have to allow the weak to have their laws. So the strong
take the high road because of Jesus’ sacrifice. We can now make it a practice
to edify one another.
Rom 15:3 For Christ did not please Himself [gave no thought
to His own interests]; but, as it is written, The reproaches and abuses of
those who reproached and abused you fell on Me. [Ps 69:9.] AMP
Therefore we have to understand that everything written
before the days Christ came to earth were written for instruction to help
people endure until he came. It was the hope of the Messiah they were looking
toward.
Rom 15:4 For whatever was thus written in former days was
written for our instruction, that by [our steadfast and patient] endurance and
the encouragement [drawn] from the Scriptures we might hold fast to and cherish
hope.
Now that Jesus came and ascended, we live with
encouragement from the New Covenant Scriptures. The ideas and instructions that
Jesus gave us, as well as the Apostles who wrote for us to learn from are what
we use to learn and grow. Think about that, the former scriptures were for
instructions to keep people steadfast and patient in the hope of the coming
Messiah. Once the Messiah came the “rules and laws” changed.
Rom 15:5 Now may the God Who gives the power of patient
endurance (steadfastness) and Who supplies encouragement, grant you to live in
such mutual harmony and such full sympathy with one another, in accord with
Christ Jesus, 6 That together you may [unanimously] with united hearts and one
voice, praise and glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (the
Messiah). 7 Welcome and receive [to your hearts] one another, then, even as
Christ has welcomed and received you, for the glory of God. AMP
Here are some thoughts on building others up. Love edifies.
1 Cor 8:1-2 NOW ABOUT food offered to idols: of course we
know that all of us possess knowledge [concerning these matters. Yet mere]
knowledge causes people to be puffed up (to bear themselves loftily and be
proud), but love (affection and goodwill and benevolence) edifies and builds up
and encourages one to grow [to his full stature]. 2 If anyone imagines that he
has come to know and understand much [of divine things, without love], he does
not yet perceive and recognize and understand as strongly and clearly, nor has
he become as intimately acquainted with anything as he ought or as is
necessary. AMP
Not all things are constructive to our character or
edifying to our spiritual life.
1 Cor 10:23-24 All things are legitimate [permissible — and
we are free to do anything we please], but not all things are helpful
(expedient, profitable, and wholesome). All things are legitimate, but not all
things are constructive [to character] and edifying [to spiritual life]. 24 Let
no one then seek his own good and advantage and profit, but [rather] each one
of the other [let him seek the welfare of his neighbor]. AMP
Those who speak in tongues edify themselves and those who
prophesy edify the church.
1 Cor 14:4 He who speaks in a [strange] tongue edifies and
improves himself, but he who prophesies [interpreting the divine will and
purpose and teaching with inspiration] edifies and improves the church and
promotes growth [in Christian wisdom, piety, holiness, and happiness]. AMP
Since we are ambitious for the spiritual gifts of the Holy
Spirit, we are to strive to find ways to build up the church.
1 Cor 14:12 So it is with yourselves; since you are so
eager and ambitious to possess spiritual endowments and manifestations of the
[Holy] Spirit, [concentrate on] striving to excel and to abound [in them] in
ways that will build up the church. AMP
The gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelist’s, pastors, and
teachers are given to edify the body of Christ.
Eph 4:11-13 And His gifts were [varied; He Himself
appointed and gave men to us] some to be apostles (special messengers), some
prophets (inspired preachers and expounders), some evangelists (preachers of
the Gospel, traveling missionaries), some pastors (shepherds of His flock) and
teachers. 12 His intention was the perfecting and the full equipping of the
saints (His consecrated people), [that they should do] the work of ministering
toward building up Christ's body (the church), 13 [That it might develop] until
we all attain oneness in the faith and in the comprehension of the [full and
accurate] knowledge of the Son of God, that [we might arrive] at really mature
manhood (the completeness of personality which is nothing less than the
standard height of Christ's own perfection), the measure of the stature of the
fullness of the Christ and the completeness found in Him. AMP
The body of Christ builds itself up in love.
Eph 4:15-16 Rather, let our lives lovingly express truth
[in all things, speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly]. Enfolded in love,
let us grow up in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head, [even]
Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). 16 For because of Him the whole body
(the church, in all its various parts), closely joined and firmly knit together
by the joints and ligaments with which it is supplied, when each part [with
power adapted to its need] is working properly [in all its functions], grows to
full maturity, building itself up in love. AMP
We speak what is good and beneficial to the spiritual
growth of others.
Eph 4:29-30 Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil
word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only
such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as
is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give
grace (God's favor) to those who hear it. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit
of God [do not offend or vex or sadden Him], by Whom you were sealed (marked,
branded as God's own, secured) for the day of redemption (of final deliverance
through Christ from evil and the consequences of sin). AMP
We are to encourage each other with the knowledge that we
are not appointed to wrath because we have obtained salvation.
1 Thess 5:9-11 For God has not appointed us to [incur His]
wrath [He did not select us to condemn us], but [that we might] obtain [His]
salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) 10 Who died for us so
that whether we are still alive or are dead [at Christ's appearing], we might
live together with Him and share His life. 11 Therefore encourage (admonish,
exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as
you are doing. AMP
The mature in faith should continue to build people up no
matter their weakness and legal religious observances. This is a principal we
are to live by without making it a law. We are to allow others to be where they
are in the spectrum of maturity, while encouraging them. If someone we are
socializing with starts to become a hammer for the law, beating everyone who
doesn’t do what they do, we now have the correct perspective that that legalist
is immature and weak in faith. Instead of being sucked into their behavior of
beating others down, we can step out, above it and not partake in the tirade.
Likewise, we must be wise in who we share deep knowledge and information with
so as not to destroy their faith. In all things however we are to be builders
and edifiers of the Body of Christ.
