2. Romans 14 & 15
(And Romans 16)

3. The Church Believers Preference Orthodoxy Heterodoxy Foundational
Romans 14
Heterodoxy
Foundational
The Gospel
Believers
Borrowed from Ken Wilson
Sermon Handout (Oct 1, 2017)

6. Navigating the Grey
Romans 14 & 15

7. What are “Grey” areas? Sin is Sin “Grey” areas are areas of conviction
“Grey” areas cannot be used to justify sin – no matter your convictions.
“Grey” areas are areas of conviction
Some “Grey” areas some may view as innocuous whereas others may view them as “close” to sin.
Well, this is not a “too bad” sin.

8. What is “grey”? Sin “cousin” Topic of Conviction Unrelated
Common Areas
of differing
Sin
convictions
Drinking
Gambling
Family Planning
Topic of Conviction
Tattoos / Piercings
Smoking
Voting
Entertainment
Dancing
Spending
your
Unrelated
“cousin”
money
Kissing
Diet Choices

9. What is the “right” conviction?
Before the Lord
It’s in you – FULLY convinced

10. What is the “right” conviction?
Before the Lord
It’s in you – FULLY convinced
Principle #1: Sin is sin – Your convictions are before God. You cannot “loophole” God into a technicality.
Principle #2: Sin is sin – If you’re convincing yourself that it’s no big deal, you’re sinning.

11. What if I’m right that it’s okay?
Are you sure?
Does it cause others to stumble?
Then it’s wrong.
Principle #3: What’s acceptable for you may not be seen as acceptable for someone else
– Don’t be a Stumbler
What if I’m right that it’s wrong?
Are you sure?
Is it worth debating?
Don’t judge
Principle #4: What’s not acceptable for you may be seen as fine for someone else – don’t judge.
- Don’t be a Grumbler

12. A Higher Bar Romans 15 Principle #5: We live to a higher calling.
Bear with those who are weak
Not please ourselves
Build each other up
Does it further the gospel?
Principle #5: We live to a higher calling.

13. Application Aaron Conviction: Unsure
Unsaved friends question him when he has a drink.
Decides that he will not drink to be a better witness to others.
Beth
Conviction:
- Drinking is ok on
occasion.
Unsaved friends question her.
She uses the opportunity to discuss how Christianity is not a set of rules.
Charlie
Conviction:
- Drinking is ok on
occasion.
Moves into a new city with significant alcohol dependence.
Chooses not to drink so as to not validate or appear to show support for the practice

14. Application (Cont’d) David Conviction: - Drinking is not ok
(plus, I’m only 17)
Heard a sermon on Sunday that said it could be considered in the “grey”.
Decides to attend a party and have a drink.
Ellen
Conviction:
- Drinking is ok on
occasion.
Starts having a drink every night to deal with stress at work.
Frank
Conviction:
- Drinking is the first
step down a long
road I’ve been on
before.
Been sober for 12 years.
Avoids drinking but does not judge those who do.

15. Application (Cont’d) Greg Conviction: - Drinking in moderation is
not a problem.
Despite his own convictions, chooses to abstain with the goal of having a conversation starter with others who ask him about it.
Heather
Conviction:
- Drinking in
moderation is
not a problem.
Read “A little wine for the stomach” and read an article saying that wine prevents cancer.
Has a small glass of wine with dinner.
Isaac
Convictions: -
Keeps his opinion to himself in love for others knowing that each believer will answer to God.
Lives his life before the Lord and in His service.

16. The Romans 14 Decision Tree

17. Conclusions How to navigate the “grey” Is it truly grey?
You are convicted before God.
You are (truly) convinced in your mind.
Does it cause harm?
Do not cause others to stumble
Do not pass judgment on others.
Is it good?
Does it hold others up?
Does it bring God glory?
Does it further the gospel?

19. A Higher Calling For the sake of the gospel Law, Liberty and Love
“Love supersedes law and legalism”
Looking up or looking down?
Heart vs. Letter of the command
Romans 1:16 ~ For I am not ashamed of the gospel for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.