Peter Barnes | Romans 14:18-20
SERMON NOTES
SERVING CHRIST AND CHRISTIANS
(Romans 14:18-20)
– the ‘weak’ are not the false (e.g. 2 Pet.2:1).
1. Showing consideration for the weak pleases God and men.
– 14:18-20; not the person eating against his own conscience but the strong leading him to do so.
– 14:17-18 sets out what serves Christ, pleases God and all men (Rom.12:17; 1 Cor.10:31-33)
– Phil.2:19-21 – seen in the life of Timothy
– Calvin: ‘Wherever there is even a spark of godliness we may discern the work of God, and those who disturb a conscience which is still weak by their unfeeling conduct demolish this work of God.’
2. Pursue what makes for peace.
– 14:19; it is not automatic, it has to be sought after
– 1 Pet.3:10-11; Heb.12:14; it is pictured in Psalm 133
3. Pursue what makes for mutual upbuilding.
– 14:19; see Eph.4:16
– John 17:23; Eph.4:3