Sunday, May 23, 2021. Today’s message is entitled, “How to practice Christian freedom” and is taken from Romans 14:13-23. For more resources to today’s sermon, visit www.StJoeCommunityChurch.org, click on the Sermons tab, and find today’s broadcast.
Notes
How To Practice Christian Freedom
Romans 14:13-23
Introduction
How to practice Christian freedom
- Value relationships over rights vs 13-15
-Don’t let your freedom cause a weaker Christian to stumble
-Abstaining from something does not mean you agree with the
Weaker brother or sister
-respect the weaker Christian’s conscience vs 14b
-“walking according to love” this tests what you value most!
- Follow the Holy Spirit vs 16-18
-Following God is more important than exerting your rights!
-vs 16 Our “freedoms” should never cause people to slander
You or the community of faith
-Christianity is not about rules/freedoms about eating/drinking
Evidence we are following the Holy Spirit: vs 17-18
-Righteousness
-Peace
-Joy
Vs 18b- “human approval” common understanding among
Believers that we are following God’s leadership
- Aim for peace and building up one another vs 19-23
-pursue- intentionality
-pursue what promotes peace
-and builds up one another
-don’t tear down what God is raising up spiritually- vs 20
-Abstaining is better than exerting your freedom if
it cause a Christian to stumble
-How to enjoy your eating and drinking freedom
-don’t do what you doubt is right
-live by faith- don’t try to earn God’s favor!
Final notes:
- This is not talking about clear Biblical commands
- The weaker Christian is not in charge- some churches
Defer to weaker consciences and create legalism
What is your next right step?