Living for the Lord: Embracing Christian Liberty

 

Summary

In Romans 14, Paul addresses the issue of Christian liberty and how believers should approach matters of personal conviction, such as observing special days or dietary choices. The essence of the teaching is that each believer should be fully convinced in their own mind and act according to their conscience, always aiming to honor the Lord. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord, and our actions should reflect our desire to glorify Him. This principle transcends specific issues and applies to all aspects of life, urging Christians to live not for themselves but for the Lord.

Paul's teaching encourages believers to avoid judging one another over disputable matters. Instead, they should recognize that each person's actions, whether they observe certain days or abstain from certain foods, are done with the intention of honoring God. The focus should be on the spirit and motive behind the actions rather than the actions themselves. This approach fosters unity and understanding within the Christian community, as it shifts the emphasis from personal preferences to a shared commitment to glorifying God.

Furthermore, Paul expands this principle to encompass all of life and death, asserting that Christians do not live or die for themselves but for the Lord. This perspective challenges believers to relinquish control over their lives and deaths, trusting in God's sovereignty and timing. It calls for a life of submission to God's will, where personal desires and fears are secondary to the overarching goal of glorifying God in all circumstances.

Key Takeaways:

- Personal Conviction and Liberty: Each believer should be fully persuaded in their own mind regarding personal convictions, such as observing special days or dietary choices. The key is to act according to one's conscience, always aiming to honor the Lord in every decision. [03:02]

- Unity in Diversity: Christians are encouraged to avoid judging one another over disputable matters. Recognizing that each person's actions are done with the intention of honoring God fosters unity and understanding within the community. The focus should be on the spirit and motive behind actions rather than the actions themselves. [11:20]

- Living for the Lord: Whether in life or death, Christians belong to the Lord. This principle challenges believers to live not for themselves but for the Lord, trusting in His sovereignty and timing. It calls for a life of submission to God's will, where personal desires and fears are secondary to glorifying God. [19:14]

- Trusting God's Sovereignty: Christians should relinquish control over their lives and deaths, trusting in God's plan and purpose. This perspective encourages believers to live with the assurance that God is in control, transforming both life and death into opportunities to glorify Him. [27:00]

- The Christian's Ultimate Goal: The ultimate goal for Christians is to glorify God in all circumstances. This involves a shift from personal preferences and fears to a shared commitment to honoring God, which transforms both life and death into acts of worship. [40:34]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Introduction to Romans 14
- [01:10] - The Principle of Personal Conviction
- [02:32] - Unity in Diversity
- [03:02] - Acting According to Conscience
- [05:20] - The Spirit Over the Letter
- [06:56] - Living for the Glory of God
- [09:19] - The Ultimate Argument
- [11:20] - Avoiding Judgment
- [13:03] - The Importance of Motive
- [19:14] - Life and Death in the Lord
- [27:00] - Trusting God's Sovereignty
- [40:34] - The Christian's Ultimate Goal
- [45:14] - Precious in the Sight of the Lord
- [51:12] - Conclusion and Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Romans 14

Bible Reading:
- Romans 14:5-9
- 1 Corinthians 10:31
- Philippians 1:20-21

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Observation Questions:

1. In Romans 14:5-9, what are the two examples Paul uses to illustrate the principle of personal conviction? How does he suggest believers should approach these issues? [00:34]

2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of being "fully persuaded in one's own mind" when it comes to personal convictions? [03:02]

3. How does the sermon describe the relationship between living and dying for the Lord, as mentioned in Romans 14:8? [19:14]

4. What does 1 Corinthians 10:31 suggest about the motivation behind our actions, and how does this relate to the sermon’s message on glorifying God? [09:19]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the principle of not judging others over disputable matters, as discussed in the sermon, foster unity within the Christian community? [11:20]

2. What does it mean to live a life of submission to God's will, as described in the sermon, and how does this challenge personal desires and fears? [27:00]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that trusting in God's sovereignty can transform both life and death into opportunities to glorify Him? [27:00]

4. How does the sermon interpret the idea that "none of us liveth to himself," and what implications does this have for Christian living? [20:06]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a personal conviction you hold. How can you ensure that your actions in this area are aimed at honoring the Lord, as encouraged in the sermon? [03:02]

2. Think of a time when you judged someone over a disputable matter. How can you shift your focus from personal preferences to a shared commitment to glorifying God? [11:20]

3. Consider an area of your life where you struggle to relinquish control. How can you practice trusting in God's sovereignty and timing this week? [27:00]

4. Identify a specific fear or desire that often takes precedence over your commitment to glorifying God. What steps can you take to submit this area to God's will? [27:00]

5. How can you incorporate the principle of doing everything for the glory of God, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 10:31, into your daily routine? [09:19]

6. Reflect on a recent decision you made. Did you consider how it might glorify God? How can you improve your decision-making process to align more closely with this goal? [40:34]

7. Think of a person in your life who holds different convictions than you. How can you engage with them in a way that fosters understanding and unity, rather than division? [11:20]

Devotional

Day 1: Personal Conviction and Liberty
Each believer is called to be fully persuaded in their own mind regarding personal convictions, such as observing special days or dietary choices. This means that individuals should act according to their conscience, always aiming to honor the Lord in every decision. The focus is not on the specific actions themselves but on the intention behind them. By doing so, believers can live in a way that glorifies God, respecting the diversity of convictions within the Christian community. This approach encourages a personal relationship with God, where each decision is made with the desire to please Him. [03:02]

Romans 14:5-6 (ESV): "One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God."

Reflection: What is one personal conviction you hold that you can examine today to ensure it is truly honoring to God?


Day 2: Unity in Diversity
Christians are encouraged to avoid judging one another over disputable matters, recognizing that each person's actions are done with the intention of honoring God. This perspective fosters unity and understanding within the community, as it shifts the emphasis from personal preferences to a shared commitment to glorifying God. By focusing on the spirit and motive behind actions rather than the actions themselves, believers can create an environment of acceptance and love. This unity in diversity is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel, which brings people together despite their differences. [11:20]

1 Corinthians 12:12-13 (ESV): "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit."

Reflection: How can you actively promote unity in your community by embracing the diversity of convictions among fellow believers?


Day 3: Living for the Lord
Whether in life or death, Christians belong to the Lord. This principle challenges believers to live not for themselves but for the Lord, trusting in His sovereignty and timing. It calls for a life of submission to God's will, where personal desires and fears are secondary to glorifying God. By living with this perspective, believers can find peace and purpose, knowing that their lives are in God's hands. This mindset transforms everyday actions into opportunities to honor God, making every moment significant in the light of eternity. [19:14]

Galatians 2:20 (ESV): "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can more fully live for the Lord today, trusting in His sovereignty?


Day 4: Trusting God's Sovereignty
Christians are encouraged to relinquish control over their lives and deaths, trusting in God's plan and purpose. This perspective encourages believers to live with the assurance that God is in control, transforming both life and death into opportunities to glorify Him. By trusting in God's sovereignty, believers can experience freedom from anxiety and fear, knowing that their future is secure in His hands. This trust is a powerful testimony to the world, demonstrating the peace and confidence that comes from a relationship with God. [27:00]

Isaiah 46:9-10 (ESV): "Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'"

Reflection: In what specific situation can you choose to trust God's sovereignty today, releasing your need for control?


Day 5: The Christian's Ultimate Goal
The ultimate goal for Christians is to glorify God in all circumstances. This involves a shift from personal preferences and fears to a shared commitment to honoring God, which transforms both life and death into acts of worship. By focusing on this ultimate goal, believers can find meaning and fulfillment in every aspect of life, knowing that their purpose is to reflect God's glory. This perspective encourages a life of worship, where every action is an opportunity to honor God and make His name known. [40:34]

Colossians 3:17 (ESV): "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Reflection: How can you intentionally glorify God in a specific area of your life today, turning it into an act of worship?

Quotes


One man esteemeth one day above another another esteemeth every day alike let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind he that regardeth the day regardeth it unto the Lord and He that regardeth not the day to the Lord he does not regard it he that eateth eateth to the Lord for he giveth God thanks and he that eateth not to the Lord he eateth not and giveth God thanks for none of us liveth to himself and no man does to himself for whether we live we live unto the Lord and whether we die we die unto the Lord whether we live therefore or die we are the more for this end Christ both died and rose and revived that he might be Lord both of the Dead and living. [00:00:21]

Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind don't be mechanical over this matter know what you're doing have reasons for what you do don't allow people to impose forms upon you but have an intelligent understanding that every men be persuaded in his own mind listen to your conscience recognize it needs to be enlightened but always listen to it and never act against it now that's his first answer but he's got a second answer and it's to this week um this evening and this second answer is to be found here in this sixth verse. [00:02:52]

The spirit in which we decide one way or the other is innocence even more important than the decision itself so what are you saying it is this you must decide this so late in intellectual terms you start with it but you don't stop with that you must do it currently and objectively that's something we always need to be reminded of as Christians the devil always tempts us to become academic or theoretical or currently objecting it's one of the greatest dangers confronting any Christian and particularly particularly the more intelligent Christians. [00:05:36]

He that eateth eateth to the Lord for he giveth God thanks and he that he does not to the Lord he eateth not and giveth God thanks he repeats in order to give it emphasis and to bring it a very very clever now take this word regard which is an important one he that regardeth the day regardeth it unto the Lord it's very similar to the word esteemeth which we've already been looking at in verse 5 it means if you like mine me that means thinking about that means understanding you know that's the same word exactly is the Apostle abused in the 8th chapter in verses 5 and 6. [00:07:22]

The point is that in both cases they are governed by the consideration that they belong to the law and they are concerned about pleasing him and doing what is right in his sight now I with the tenth chapter or the portion of the tenth chapter of the First Epistle to the Corinthians at the beginning because the Apostle there is really saying exactly the same thing it's the same principle whatsoever he do whatsoever ye eat or drink or whatsoever you do do all to the glory of the Lord that's the political this is the same thing exactly that he's saying here in this 14th chapter of the Epistle to the Romans. [00:08:48]

The really big and the important thing is loyalty to the Lord concerned about keeping his commandments concerned about manifesting his glory in this phrase and the spirit which in humility and thankfulness is offering praise to him now assess fall hold on to that and see them that you've been exaggerating the importance of these meats and these days so he sums up by saying that as long as we have been emitted by these twin motives of ministering to the glory of God and offering him thanks we cannot be going wrong in any serious way or manner really. [00:17:02]

None of us liveth to himself and no man dieth to himself well whether we live with event of the Lord and whether we die we die unto the Lord whether we live therefore or die we are the Lord's you see what he's doing he has started with particulars but he rises from the level of the particular to the general and now he's going to show that this is true in the general realm as well and if it is therefore true in the general well then how much more so must of necessity be true in the realm of the particular so he's not foot is not forsaking his argument. [00:18:57]

No Christian lives all dials one for his own benefit or for his own pleasure that's what he say when he says little men who liveth unto himself no men no Christian should live for his own pleasure or his own benefit no Christian should live according to his own will his own understanding or his own inclination no Christian in exactly the same way they should die for his own benefit or his own pleasure no Christian should die according to his own will or his own understanding or his own inclination now this is I say where this principle becomes of course such a tremendously important one this is fundamental to Christian living. [00:24:09]

The biggest principle of all is that we are to live entirely to his glory and who he is practice not for ourselves and this governs the whole of our life and he finds life but it is also to govern our cunning and perhaps we are still more likely reliable to forget this second district even than the first aspect the people in general not prepared to say well of course I my life should be in the hands of God you surrender your life to Him you don't just live to please yourself you don't just live to satisfy your own ideas or to carry out your own ideas. [00:25:03]

We as Christians do not decide when we die we shouldn't want to decide when whether or how we do or where without that's what he's saying the Christian doesn't do that he says none of us die earth to himself he's not in control is not in charge that is what it suicide to a Christian should always be unthinkable and for this reason not because the thing itself is run so much and that it means that the Christian himself is taking the decision the suicide is a man who decides to put an end to his life Paul is saying here a Christian doesn't do that the Christian does not die to himself he doesn't take the decision or determine this matter. [00:26:46]

The Christian should not be concerned in any way to arrive at the decision about this method he must always submit now let me give you another quotation well this great the puzzle is saying this in self same thing perhaps in a slightly Philomela take what he says in the second epistle to the corinthians and in chapter 5 he's been describing at the end of chapter 4 the terrible trials and tribulations through which he was passing and he says our light affliction which is but for a moment worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal to glory while we live mottled look at the fitment of the things which are seen but that the things we cannot see are the things which are seen are temporal but the things which are not seen are eternal. [00:27:49]

The Christian is a man who lives in the Lord and for the Lord exactly the same thing applies to death death is gain it means to be with Christ if I'm in this world it's Christ if I die what is it to be with Christ which is far better so if I'm alive it's Christ if I'm dead I'm with Christ it's Christ always in life and in death Christ governs everything he is the Lord and what matters above everything else is our relationship to him well my dear friends don't you see that if we only grasp this as we should it would revolutionize not only our lives but still more our thoughts of death unless many Christian people dishonor their Lord and bring dishonor upon his name in their dying. [00:44:30]

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Transcript
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