“Considerate” convictions Making behavioral decisions Chapters 14-15 “Considerate” convictions Making behavioral decisions

In non-essential, charity. In all things, Jesus Christ. EFCC Ethos In essentials, unity. In non-essential, charity. In all things, Jesus Christ.

Principles for Unity Essential prerequisite Acceptance – not judgment

Salvation by grace alone, Principles for Unity Essential prerequisite In Christ Alone Salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone,

Principles for Unity Essential prerequisite Acceptance – not judgment Liberty – not license Unity – not antagonism

Principles for Unity Essential prerequisite Acceptance – not judgment Liberty – not license

on the authority of the Lord Jesus that no food, in and of itself, Romans 14 (NLT) 14 I know and am convinced on the authority of the Lord Jesus that no food, in and of itself, is wrong to eat.  

But if someone believes it is wrong, then for that person it is wrong.

17 Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth Matthew 15  17 Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated? 

18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. 

19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.  20 These are the things which defile a man,

8 But food does not commend us to God; 1 Corinthians 8 8 But food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse.

9 But beware lest somehow become a stumbling block this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. 

15And if another believer is distressed by what you eat, you are not acting in love if you eat it. Don’t let your eating ruin someone for whom Christ died. 

 16 Then you will not be criticized for doing something you believe is good.  

17 For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 

and others will approve of you, too. 18 If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too.

19 So then, let us aim for harmony and try to build each other up. in the church and try to build each other up.

20 Don’t tear apart the work of God over what you eat. Remember, all foods are acceptable, but it is wrong to eat something if it makes another person stumble. 

21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble. 

I beseech you therefore, brethren, that you present your bodies Romans 12  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies  a living sacrifice…

which is your reasonable service. …a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God,  which is your reasonable service.

22 You may believe there’s nothing wrong with what you are doing, but keep it between yourself and God…

…Blessed are those who don’t feel guilty for doing something they have decided is right.

23 But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, [or behave in some other way (c.f. v21)] you are sinning if you go ahead and do it…

…for you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning.

3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, Philippians 2 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 

4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Principles for Unity Essential prerequisite Acceptance – not judgment Liberty – not license Unity – not antagonism

1We who are strong must be considerate Romans 15 1We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. 

2 We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. 

3 For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, “The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me.”

for [sinners] are neither saved nor sanctified by an example” “The Scriptures are not in the habit of holding up Christ as an example, for [sinners] are neither saved nor sanctified by an example”

“Always when Christ is given as an example it is in connection with the redeeming grace of God. ” J.M. Stifler

4 Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us.

And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. 

What Next? 5 May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. 

What Next?

What Next? 20 “I do not pray for these alone, John 17 20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 

What Next? 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.

What Next? 6 Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. What Next? 7 Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. 

13 …every creature which is in heaven Revelation 5 13 …every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them,

I heard saying: “Blessing and honour and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!”

We Will Glorify 72 CCLI No. 1100572

We will glorify the King of Kings. We will glorify the Lamb; We will glorify the Lord of Lords, Who is the great I Am.

Lord Jehovah reigns in majesty, We will bow before His throne; We will worship Him in righteousness, We will worship Him alone.

He is Lord of heaven, Lord of earth, He is Lord of all who live; He is Lord above the universe, All praise to Him we give.

Hallelujah to the King of Kings, Hallelujah to the Lamb; Hallelujah to the Lord of Lords, Who is the great I Am.

sustain you always; And may the Holy Spirit May God the Father reshape your hearts; May Christ Jesus, the Bread of Life, sustain you always; And may the Holy Spirit unite you in the bond of peace.