[Romans 14, Proverbs 20]

H – Romans 14:23b, “……For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.”

E – Disputes!

Disputes are nothing new in the church. Most the time disputes get stirred up from pure pettiness. It was no different for this church. There must have been some disputes between established brethren and new brethren over what was being ate and drank (14:1).

Paul’s admonishment was for each person to live their life to the Lord (14:8). Regardless if they ate certain foods are didn’t eat certain food, give thanks to the Lord for it and keep moving on. 

There was no need to make others stumble or hinder their growth. There was no reason to squabble, if each person was walking in faith. They were called to keep the main thing the main thing and Jesus at the center of it all (14:17-19). 

For what ever they did or didn’t do they needed to do it from the seriousness of faith in Christ. For anything that did not proceed from faith, Paul reminded them it was sin. And, sin is serious. 

A – Whatever I do, do not do, say, or don’t say do it all proceeding from faith. (Hebrews 11:1).

R – Lord God, thank you for loving me. Thank you for your Word which leads and guides me. Thank you for using it this morning to set my heart on you and lead me in the way I should go. Lord, may I walk out my life that proceeds from faith in you, keeping you at the center of it all. 

In Jesus Name!