2. 23. Peace & Mutual Edification Romans 14: 1-23 p. 1048 – 49

3. 1. Disputable Matters  Two Examples:  What food to eat  Whether certain days are special  “Correct” perspective – doesn’t matter (Col 2:16-17)  Can arise in multicultural communities (like ours)  Appropriate language  Respectfulness  Acceptable entertainment  Drinking alcohol  Disciplining children

4. 2. Accept Diversity of Opinions  Not on core issues of Faith and Morality 1. HOW TO DEAL WITH OTHERS I DIFFER FROM  Accept them (v 1)  Do not judge them (v 13a)  Do not cause them to stumble (v 13b)  Act in Love (v 15a, also 13:8)  Seek Peace & Mutual Edification (v 19)

5. 2. Accept Diversity of Opinions... 2. HOW TO DECIDE ABOUT DISPUTABLE THINGS MYSELF  Be convinced in your own mind (v 5b)  We act for the Lord (in His name) (v 7-8)  We will give an account to God (v 12, 22)  If we think something is wrong, then it’s wrong for us (v 14)  Everything that does not come from faith is sin (v 23) Essential question: “DOES IT HONOUR GOD?”

6. 3. Case Study: Protests  Important factor: INTEGRITY Act for the Common Good not Selfish Personal Advantage Do what leads to Peace and Mutual Edification