Page 80 - Christ and Culture Textbook

BOW TO ME, AND EVERY TONGUE SHALL GIVE PRAISE TO GOD.” 12 So then each one of us will give an
account of himself to God. 13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine
this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way.

Textual Background
Paul’s exhortation to unity between the Jewish and Gentile Christians in Rome now reveals some of the
cultural divisions being experienced during that time. Jewish people did not expect most Gentiles to
observe their food laws or holy days but did expect Gentile converts to Judaism to do so, perhaps
including Gentile Christians. Leviticus 11:44–45 deals with holiness as separation and may suggest that
God gave special food laws to Israel particularly to keep it separate from other nations, because most
cultures had their own special dietary practices. Paul addresses the tension between two groups within
the Christian community—the strong, who are able to regard all food and drink as ritually clean with a
clear conscience, and the weak, who are unable to give up their commitment to the dietary laws and
observance of the Sabbath. Paul’s message urges the Roman Christians to withhold judgment of their
fellow believers (Rom 14:1–12) and to avoid behaving in a manner that causes others to stumble in their
faith (Rom14:13–23). Christians should receive one another as God has received them. (Rom.14:1-12)

What is the proper attitude toward Christian Liberty?
Christian liberty involves practices not covered in Scripture by a moral absolute that either commands of
forbid them. Such activities, scripturally speaking, are morally indifferent. Still, because of social and
cultural Background, individuals may find it offensive. Examples help to understand what is at stake.
Scripture prohibits drunkenness (Eph. 5:18), and while some think even an occasional drink of alcoholic
beverage is also forbidden. Others cite 1 Timothy 5:23 as evidence that an occasional drink I morally
indifferent. Many people consider Card playing morally indifferent as long as gambling is not involved.
Likewise, many think social dancing is acceptable if the intent of the dancers is not to arouse lust and
impure thoughts. Despite a lack of moral absolutes to cover these practices, some believers find them
offensive. Should Christians use their Christian liberty to judge others? How should Christians decide
whether to indulge or refrain from their liberties for the sake others?

In Romans 14:3, Paul’s fundamental point is that no one has the right to impose his scruples on others in
these matters. Those who indulge must not despise those who do not, and those who refrain must not
judge those who indulge. If there is any judging at all, it must be done by each individual concerning
himself and by Christ who judges (Rom.14:4) Each person should decide with the Spirit’s help which
practices are right for him and which are not.

How can one know which practices are acceptable for him? The Bible offers guidelines that can help
Christians decides what activities are acceptable for them.

First, Am I fully persuaded that it is right? (Rom.14:5,14)
Second, Can I do it as unto the LORD? (Rom. 14:6-8)
Third, Can I do it without being stumbling block to my brother or sister in Christ? (Rom.14:13,15)
Fourth, Does it bring peace? (Rom. 14:17-18)
Fifth, Does it edify my brothers? (Rom. 14:19)
Six, Is it Profitable (1 Cor 6:12)
Seventh, Does it enslave me? (1 Cor.6:12)

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