Romans Chapter 14
The Expression Bible

Exhortation to Mutual Forbearance

14:1 Now
> The next subject we need to talk about, is how people of different cultures and religious upbringings, who have certain ideals instilled in them from that upbringing, and how they are applying and reconciling those things in to their Christianity. And how we who are more studied in the right doctrines of the church, treat them and resolve these dilemmas.
receive the one
> First, never damage their current faith with your greater faith. Instead, take them in as a disciple, so that they can have the time to process that which they are learning and is all new to them. Some of the ideas that you have as standard behavior, as a more mature Christian, have never even occurred to them as an issue, or may not become an issue to later in their walk with the Lord. So embrace them as someone you can teach that which you also once had to learn.
who is weak
> The fact that they are not yet as stable in their convictions, does not make them less viable to the body of Christ. God has accounted for everything, who are you going to look smart too and teach, if everyone all knew the same thing. If you have that much more to teach then them, then teach, if they are running slow behind you, bring them up to speed, which is why you are there.
in the faith,
> Having the right trust in God, is not a set point in time where you finally reach that pinnacle of compliance, where all things come into place, and your faith in God is declared perfect. It matures over time and the process is never over until physical death takes us into spiritual life.
and do not have disputes
> One thing you must avoid in this situation, is letting it turn into a defensive and offensive debate, about things that are alarming to you and that you are rejecting. But that God is allowing and is not at all calling down lighting on them for. It seems odd that we would take such great offense at something and disavow someone, over something that God is not shaken over.
over differing opinions.
> There will always be people in life, who read things a little differently then others do. Some people’s courses in life have, taken them to take responsive positions on certain things, that others of us can not even contemplate their reasoning behind them. However, exploration is a discovery process; there is never any end to it for finite beings. Although truth is a constant, there is always some other way of finding that same truth that is baffling to us. In the end, that truth is Christ, but that road to Christ is as diverse, as those personal testimonies of them that find him. Is that cause for glorifying God in celebration of his ability to sustain in a body of diversity, yes, cause for arguments, no.

14:2 One person believes
> For example, let us dissect a couple of clashing cultures and their religious practices, and find out what is really at stake in their implications of your Christian walk and theirs. For instance, if someone shows an incredible amount of diversity in what they think is edible.
in eating everything,
> In that they include things in their diets that another would not even consider putting on their table. I mean they not only eat meat, but also like it practically raw and crave it that way, like a wild animal. Or they eat types of animals, that you would consider pets, like dogs and cats.
but the weak person
> While at the same time, another person palate is quite squeamish to these types of food. Where even the thought of eating them might make them ill and so they have a very limited diet, compared to what you would allow on your plate.
eats only vegetables.
> It would no doubt be a culture shock to their way of thinking and they might even call into question the reality of the others faith. After all, how could they be so barbaric and still claim to have the Spirit of Christ alive in them?

However, all it means is, that when the two of them walk away from the breakfast bar, their plates will look entirely different. What you put in your body for nourishment, does not alter or effect the Spirit of God and his work in the two of you. The fact that one has a weaker stomach and is a vegetarian, which is a lifestyle of conviction, may think the one who eats like a pig, lacks a real sense of conscience and would feel defiled themselves to eat like that.

14:3 The one
> Now, the indulgent one, may reach a different take on the same issue. They may see that life is an experiment and a blessing to be enjoyed. They may be risk takers and want to experience all that God has blessed and said eat. They may see ritual living as lacking substance, for which God created them to be, and too simplistic a religion that avoids the real meaning of living for God.
who eats everything
> They see life in a variety of ways in which to experience life in Christ, God has not called them to be repetitive in nature, but to be outgoing and on the move. In addition, what they consume is a part of that which God has called them to be. In that, they prefer to be the ones searching for new things and making discoveries, treasure hunters by nature.
must not despise
> That does not make them superior to those who adhere to simplicity in life and believe it is service to God to restrain oneself. They may in their thoughts want the others to mind their own business, but that is a wrong nature in them to think in such manner. They should accept their service to God and not feel unspiritual or live in grievance among others because of this. This is no cause for broken fellowship, but they must agree in their heart to disagree with others, and let it lie at that. Don’t respond if they are trying to tell you what to do and make snide remarks about their restrictive lifestyle, go one about your business.
the one who does not,
> Now, this other person has a different take on life, it is not to be out there and active in all things. They prefer consistency and simple rituals that remind them of their special relationship to God. So they see life in Christ in a different perspective then the other, and should be allowed this point of view without out being considered, stuck up or self-righteous. By those who are more vibrant in life, with motivational traits that others simply do not possess.
and the one who abstains
> You see the ones who pursue life with a set of precise standards, they like a sense of stability, marked by reason and natural boundaries that are more free of danger. To them it is not worth the risk to live on the edge, it is unsettling to them and their character to do so. They are not empowered by wide-open adventure and do not wish to explore the unknown. They would prefer to contemplate a subject of study, then to climb a mountain. They are more intellectual, then sensual about life; they are pragmatic and less impulsive. They will not just jump in and go for it, until they have first considered it clearly.
must not judge
> What these people who prefer self-restraint, must not allow to happen though, is to interrupt that, as a personal holiness, which is superior to those who are adventurous in life. There is no room for them to condemn the actions of others, just because what they do is not for them. They should never berate someone just because they would not do what they would, God is not angry, so why should they be.
the one who eats everything,
> These people who indulge in activities that are beyond your own conscience, are there for a reason. They were raised with a different set of ideals then you and will pursue different life choices then you. It may religious based our just an individual character trait, but it is for who they were created to be.
for God has accepted him.
> These people are Gods children and he will just as much blesses them, as he will you. He does not view one as superior over the other, but all as needing his mercy and grace to make it, and that is what you must understand to have the right perception on this.

14:4 Who are you
> By what standard are you measuring yourself to a point of superior appointment, to be able to circumvent their own decisions and accountability with God. If you boast some higher credentials, present them as evidence.
to pass judgment
> Make known to everyone your power of enforcement, what will happen if they ignore you, what power will you bring down on them, to show that you are the hand of God?
on another’s servant?
>, Where are your legal papers of ownership over which you claim authority and the right of interference, over what is actually not yours?

Do you reap where you have not sown; did you save them? Or was it God who gave them salvation?
Before his own master
> Everyone who comes to Christ, answers to Christ for their function in his body. They are not answerable to other Christian’s opinions of them, for that calling, unless they accept an assignment under them for that calling. As they were called for the course, that God is leading them down. It is Gods decision, as to what creeds and rituals are either appropriate or not, he will set their standard.
he stands
> If they become a great achiever for God, it is because God has empowered them to do so. He has lifted them from their old life and given them a new one in Christ. The power to do so in them is, as it is in you, the power of Christ victory over sin.
or falls.
> The opposite is also true, if they are in inexcusable sin before God. Where is your power to execute the removal of their salvation, which you did not give them?

Is it your place to make that call, and if so which of the brethren have authority over you?
And he will stand,
> But we already know that God does not loose any of his children to sin. If either has sinned of any outlook in life, God has covered it in his mercy and grace. Man does not ascend into to heaven of his own might, but God lifts him up to take his place with him, all in one accord, without preference of one creed over another.
for the Lord
> It is the power of Christ that is strong, not the ways of man that settle his fate, it is Christ and Christ alone, who holds us till the end of life and into eternity.
is able
> Because God is not depending on us to save ourselves, he is depending on Christ and his ability to save us. We have nothing of our own that God wants when we come before him, we will be broke and naked, without value in any form. The only thing that God does value of man, is Christ Jesus, so if we have Jesus, we have everything God wants and God will want us. Without him, we have nothing God wants and will be cast away into the eternal lake of fire. To get Christ, we must not only call him Lord, but that he is Lord alone and there is no other in heaven or earth that is Lord. With this proclaiming in your heart and with your voice, Christ power alone is sufficient to take you into heaven.
to make him stand
> And with that, all who call on Christ are saved thru that power of Christ and will live forever in heaven. They will never fail in their salvation, because it was not themselves, who caused their salvation, but Christ who claimed them as his own.

14:5 One person regards
> Everyone has a point of view about life and what it is that God wants us to do. That’s ok if they see it as their own calling and don’t expect their standard to be everyone’s standard. That which they have respect for is good for them, but not necessarily everyone else, unless it is a command of scripture.
one day holier
> For instance, there are many ceremonial days or holidays on the calendar that some people adhere to, some have a good basis for being there and are positive in nature, others may not. Some were institutionalized for order in a community, while others are for celebration. Nevertheless, whatever their origin, they are there, and differences of opinion are bound to arise over their meaning and our recognition of them. Some may be only a part of a particular culture or remembering a hero of some group, or they could be global in nature, as in the Sabbath, which is a command.
than other days,
> In any case, some will see certain of these days as more special then others will see them, such as anniversaries or birthdays, are a good example of how some days are special to some, but have no impact on others, so to them it is just as any other day. However, the real issue will arise when someone believes it is a global sacred day, but another people, do not acknowledge it.
and another regards
> Because some do not see their point about setting aside certain days to express ones point of view. They may even say that it is irreligious to do so, that every day is the Lords day and that dividing them up is minimizing the true meaning of serving God throughout our entire life. In addition, it leads to people going to church only for those special services and none other.
them all alike.
> Therefore, they would prefer to only treat all days as the same and not consecrate Holy days that are not biblical in nature, but are arranged by other means and then given prominence by a few or many.
Each
> In the end, these are not divine decisions for ones to impose on each other, but rather personal convictions that rule an individuals life, but not a communities life. The right attitude is to see them, as according to what God is saying to you about them in your relationship with them, not to say to them what he is saying to them.
must be fully convinced
> For some, these special days may be good medicine for what ales them, while for others, taking such medicine would be fruitless and do more harm then good. Because the medicine when taken for no cause, takes away from there normal body functions of survival. Therefore, it is necessary to have a clear examination of your motives for taking such medicines. For some it may only induce a false intoxication of themselves, while for others it may be the remedy that they need, medicine being a metaphor for the rituals or holidays we embrace.
in his own mind.
> So that is why you must make up you own mind independently from what, why or how someone else does something and then proceed from there. It would make no sense to wear around a wooden leg if you have two good ones. It would only hinder you and illustrate the foolishness of your doing so to others. No who would think you wise or that it is preventive medicine. However, where there is a need for such an aid, take it, some people will walk with a cane for a fashion statement, while others rely on it as a means to compensate for a limp in their walk. I am just saying know the reason for what your choices are and be practical about them, so that you don’t confuse others with your concepts. I am just giving you some physical illustrations to help guide you in spiritual decision. Because you can make the same wise or unwise decisions with the same consequence in your spiritual health, as you do in your physical health. Everyone needs to make the right and serious considerations before moving forward and making it a good or bad habit.

14:6 The one
> So now we need to consider the overall attitude, that each of us should have regardless of the issues that are seemingly opposing ideas, of those who serve only one Lord. How can there be so many variations in the body of Christ, on so many issues, when we all have the same master. The answer is that we all do serve the same master, but that master has different functions for different people. He did not create us with mindless bodies who act on instinct only for survival benefit, but gave of us unique qualities that each requires certain benefits to sustain them.
who observes the day,
> So if someone decides to have many memorials in their life to remind them of important dates or to establish a pattern of gratefulness, these are things that are benefits to them. They are like guidepost to remind them of where they have been and to let know where they are heading. They are practicing principles and making offering to the Lord in doing so.
does it for the Lord.
> Moreover, God receives it from them in just that way, a love offering that they are making to him. The reason that he receives it from them as a love offering is that it is from their heart as worship, not a mindless instinct. Even if they are not fully aware of the reason behind it, if they do it for the right reason in their heart, then it is worship.
The one who eats,
> The same thing applies to those who like a lot of variety in their lives. When they are enjoying all the different delicacies of life, it makes them aware of all that there is in creation. They love to explore new things and that prepares them to understand the ways of many people and allows them to open doors of communication, that others would not be comfortable in doing. Therefore, they see it as opportunity to exist in another’s culture and prepare a way to relationships, not just person to person, but to God.
eats for the Lord,
> And this to them is a form worship in the same reason as before, because it come from their heart and God accepts it as a love offering to him as a practice in their life. A faithful effort does not go unnoticed by the Lord, even if the idea behind it is not as clearly defined as some others methods.
because
> And the reason behind that is that their a purpose to what they do, it is not just a survival instinct as it is in animals. It is a consideration that they have reached to a point of purpose and a conclusion of action, which in turn cause acknowledgement to their Lord.
he gives thanks to God,
> And in that process, he develops the grateful heart that offers up praise. Praise because of opportunity and the many wondrous things of the Lord, that he is able to take part in, as God receives his praise and accepts it.
and the one who abstains
> Also there are those who like simplicity with standard and predictable result in life. They also have a purpose and reason behind what they do. They would rather not take the risk that others live for; it is just to unsettling for them. For them, it is better to live and love with a little, then to ponder and wrestle with the dealings of many things. For them it is more appreciating in life, to sip a little at a time, then to drink a lot and chug it down.
from eating,
> So they will restrict their diet to things that seem more wholesome to their diet. Some people just do not like greasy food and many people think that way, they prefer the color and the abeyance of light eating.
abstains for the Lord,
> And when they do that as an offering to our Lord, they are taking into account the value that he has in them. They see themselves in the natural flavor of the foods and that they are serving him in the body of their temple, and because they do it from their hearts, it is good.
and he gives thanks to God.
> In the end then, they also are grateful for all that they do in the name of the Lord. Even though it is opposite in nature of what God is being praised for by another Christian, God receives their offering also.

14:7 For
> In all the things that I have eluded to, whether in illustration or actual practices. What ever things come to mind when you consider yourself in light of this teaching, in your abstentions, or what you receive over and above what others reject, or what you accept and they reject. The message from God to all of you is the same, and begins with self-examination, as to what your motives are behind you actions.
none of us
> Because whatever we do that is not as a result of sin, must have its first breath in faith, it must be born from faith or it is evil. If it does not ascend from us to God in that manner, then it has no meaning, on the other hand, if it is a process of your offering to God a measure of your faith in the work he has begun in you. Then you are no longer yourself operating out of sinful desires, but you are that new creation, being effective in what you do for Christ. It is not you who has changed and altered your abilities, but the power of Christ, who is making you in his image.
lives for himself
> That is why no one has the power to boast or claim victory, it is not you who does it of you own accord, but the power of God over sin who gives you the victory and the energy to proceed, with whatever form your offering is that comes up to him. You have committed your life to Christ and he has taken it from you now and established it for his purpose on your behalf, your life has ceased and is Christ’s now, you have died to yourself and are alive in Christ.
and none dies for himself.
> Also in the same token, it is just as definitive for us to conclude that if we live for Christ, then we also will end this life in the same manner, at the time and point of his choosing. Having fulfilled his promise in us, to bring us into eternal life, which was completely outside of our control, by his power and might. We step from this life and into his glory. So we do not offer our lives to Christ in sacrifice, but he take it from us, as a requirement of sin that has left us imperfect to continue in this state. Therefore, our sin still requires death, but then the power of Christ then takes us back again into his resurrection onto life.

14:8 If we live,
> The question is now answerable in this fashion, to be alive because of Christ power in us, redirects us from the idleness of this world and all of its issues. It causes us to live outside of this worlds concerns and worries about how we exist here. The reason that we carryon in this life is not to benefit our condition by the reconditioning others to our state; which would be fruitless and selfish. Rather to Christ State is our motivation, which does not lie in the practices of man, but in the Spirit of God. Therefore, what is your Spirit and attitude towards your brethren? Is it love, which I spoke of earlier?
we live for the Lord;
> None of our existence in life is about establishing our own way of living and conforming others to our patterns, it is not about us and our ways that is significant. Because they are all fleeting and momentary in existence, and do not become the foundation for the world to follow after. We’re not to focus our attention or others attention on what we are doing, but what Christ has done and is preparing for us, that is our foundational work to be established. The rest is privilege and grace at work in you to live for Christ, as each has agreed with the Lord to do so.
if we die,
> In like manner, we must also conclude that one goes to their grave with the same established authority that kept them alive. One cannot end their presence on the earth, and finish their ministry to God, without it first having come to them from the Father to do so. The manner that we live in the Lord, is also the manner in which we die in the Lord. It is God, who is preparing your death, just as it was he, who prepared for your life. It is not randomness at work here, which brings things into order, but Gods ability to define objectives and to enforce those objectives according to his plan.
we die for the Lord.
> So we die in the same faith that we lived in, knowing that our resurrection is a part of us and that the death of the flesh has no power to separate us from the Spirit of God. So that when die, we exist even more then when we were alive in this body, as it is a restraining device on us and restricts us from the full life in Christ, a life without sin.
Therefore,
> Because of this it is important to know whom it is we serve and to whom it is that we are to respond to. Not human ideas and ways which are as varied as the lands across a continent, or the ebb and flow of water, inconsistent are all the ways of man and none superior to our Lord. So never, look to judge or compare yourself with your neighbor, but focus on our Lord, who is never changing.
whether we live or die,
> So our time spent on earth in a body that is unstable even in its best form, should only serve to teach us, that we are not to use it to our advantage. But to live despite our bodies, for Christ glory and to see ourselves as his captives. Then our lives are determined for us and our deaths are prearranged, because of Christ victory, whether dead or alive, Christ’s.
we are the Lord’s.
> Then as his captives, saved from eternal death, we are secure, and in that security, we need to prove nothing in life or death. Christ is before and after us, so that we are his forever and it is him who establishes himself in us; Christ proves us redeemed.

14:9 For this reason
> Everything that God does has a plan behind it, as I said, there are no random events that take our God by surprise. Instead, God uses events, even evil, as occasions to establish his reign of power and glorify himself. What satan meant as an end to Jesus, God used as a new beginning for mankind.
Christ died
> So when Jesus surrendered his life on the cross, instead of calling down angels to rescue him and keep him alive, he paid the price of mans sins who were alive. By doing so he took away their need to die for their sins, though God did not intend for men to stop dying and become eternal in the flesh at that time, it was no longer a necessary requirement due to sin.
and returned to life,
> Then after having died for the living, Jesus needed to do the complete opposite for those who were dead. He needed to come back to life for them, having at that time, beaten satan of all victories he might attain and made resurrection possible for all Christians, regardless if they were dead or alive.
so that
> And as I eluded to, this had a purpose behind it, so that God could establish his glory, no matter the situation and no matter what satan or man could do or think of, to thwart his overall power. He was able to out maneuver any and all actions against his absolute control over the destiny of man or Spirit, in death or life, salvation or destruction. Christ took charge of both occasions and situations and made them subject to his own will and power. He had now proven his right to reign as Lord, even though he already was. It shows the mercy and grace of God for him to demonstrate it to created beings, who were not worthy of it in the first place, and to whom he needed to offer no explanation, if they were enemies.
he may be the Lord
> There is no extended power of man greater then Jesus Lordship, he has now proven that he supersedes all authorities, whether human or demonic, dead or alive. His title of Lord was real before and now all creation must deal with it.
of both the dead
> Because if you had died from the effects of sin, Jesus has risen from the effects of sin, having taken our sin upon himself due to the evil nature of man who destroyed his body having shed his innocent blood as a victim. Therefore, he took our abuse that we put on him in our action, but which we deserved. This he did on our behalf and died willing, but then against the will of death and the grave, he took back his life, after ministering to those in the grave and preaching salvation to them, and now is alive having rescued the dead from death. They to are awaiting resurrection to new spiritual bodies.
and the living
> And now also those who are still alive, have also been rescued from death. Both the necessity of dying (the rapture being the only exclusion though) and the eternal death of judgment. So we are now free from the harness of death and sin, though we will remain in our bodies until Christ return or death takes us.

14:10 But
> Then having set this course between us, in that Christ has taken rule away from all authorities, then we have no right to claim that authority, as ones over another to discern what is right for them in areas of Gods grace and personalities. Especially those that you hardly know, it is no benefit to anyone to do these things and you have no rank to back things up, especially from Christ.
why do you judge
> So if you have no authorization in the first place to conduct a court hearing against another, how did you arrive at the position that you had the right to try to tell others what to do, they are not subject to your rulings, so why are you condemning them. All you have is your opinion and no expertise in the matter to lend you credibility.
your brother or sister?
> Christ died so that you could be united with them for his purpose and glory for, these people. Yet you are acting and treating them as though they are the enemy of the church and need your correction. Or your personal property to do your bidding or as little children that you are babysitting. But no one hired you to do that job, stick with your own kids, those kids have a Father that loves them.
Or again,
> And just to revisit what I said before, those of you who feel like their being treated as little children. You have a responsibility to show your maturity here also and not act in the same manner as those that judge you, by becoming rebellious yourself against them. Becoming rebellious does not prove your point and only confirms to them that they, at least in their own minds, were right about you.
why do you despise
> When they say or act as though they are superior, don’t get an attitude against those who are trying to tell you what to do and how to live. Excuse their behavior and let it slide, so that it does not become an impediment to fellowship and keep you from working together with them for the glory of God. How can you love the body of Christ, then ill-treat them in your hearts with a condescending Spirit, and still maintain true unity with them. You can’t, and that this why your attitude must be of respect for them, even if you cannot see their position on their point of view, at least honor them in your heart.
your brother or sister?
> After all, they are united to you as a close knit family that is preserved in the will of Christ, so you have a union with them whether you want it or not. Therefore, you need to acknowledge it right away and stop trying to live within the confines of a divorce with them. Operating instead from a position of joint custody of your function in the body, you are both fully responsible to each other in fellowship, all the time.
For
> Because in the end, our attitudes will not stand up against what Christ has rule over, he will not back you up and say, "good point, I hadn’t thought about it that way". In fact, Christ is ruling against you right now, you will not have to wonder which side he will come down on in this issue. It is not what they have done that will matter to Christ, but how you responded to them. What’s at issue here is you, not them, no matter what they do or don’t do, the issue here is you and your attitude.
we will all stand
> In fact, if it was to come up in your own judgment, he will ignore what they have done and not even consider their matter before you, the only thing he will focus on is how you responded to adversity in his body. Did you become cancerous in you action, attacking healthy cells and bringing them to ruin, or did you modify your thinking and be gracious as Christ is to you. Allowing them, the same liberties you had in reaching your own conclusion on the matter.
before the judgment seat of God.
> Because the day will come when all of us will be face to face with Christ and he will ask the hard question, as to how you behaved as apart of his family. And I hope that you will be able to answer with a clear conscience, that you united his body and were not divisive against him and his purpose for the church.

14:11 For it is written,
> This is not something that I am just supposing to be true, look at what the scripture already has said concerning this.
"As I live,
> As true as it is that I am God of everything and am the source and power of life. I make to you this unchangeable proclamation about what will one day happen, based on my ability to enforce it, as an oath before myself and upon my holiness and sovereign power.
says the Lord,
> I declare this before you, so that you can repeat it to others, as I having stated it as a thing that will surely happen and so that it can be stated as fact before all creation.
every knee
> That no one will stand before me as a superior being to whom I owe homage, but rather everyone ever created, no matter their status on earth or their own opinion of themselves. Will be made by me, to humbly express in a public forum, an act that is submissive to my will.
will bow to me,
> In that they will get on their knees as an expression of surrender to me; that which was mine all along, but which they did fight against in their state of sin. However, are now bowing before me in acknowledgement of that fact.
and every tongue
> And in that humbled state before me, they will admit it in that public forum, that I am the one and only true God. That there is no other God then me, regardless of what they expressed in life, when they come to me in death, they will know that I am God.
will give praise to God."
> And they praise all that I am as the glory that they denied and shall show respect to me, whom they also showed disrespect on earth and everyone will hear it come out of their mouths.

14:12 Therefore,
> So according to this scripture, even Christians fall under this category, because all of us dwell in a sinful body, that is at war with God. This means we to must answer to Christ for our actions, although we will be forgiven for all our sins. It does not mean that we will not be questioned, as to truthfulness and falseness of our actions. After all, there must be guilt established before forgiveness is deemed necessary, but forgiveness will come after guilt is established.
each of us
> So every Christian will be included in this, and that goes for me as well as you. From the least known believer to the most well known Apostle, there will be no Passover’s in this. Everyone will come before the judgment seat of Christ, you will not come before Christ as a married couple, neither mother, father or a child, in the sense of being part of someone else’s life and influence, just a solitude individual, standing on ones own merit.
will give an account
> And when we do, you will be given questions as to how and why you responded to these situations with your brethren. Then you must answer for them, if you did well then you will be rewarded and if not, there will be no reward and the shame of failure, in the light of having been instructed in truthfulness, but living falsely.
of himself to God.
> However, you will not speak of others deeds and they will speak for you. You must stand alone, on your account and will not be able to be defended by others or blame others for your actions to God. Therefore, you had better start accepting responsibility now, while you still can. Because then it will be to late to alter your past or wish you had done it right, and then receive respect for your, wishful thinking. Take my advice early on this one, learn to act in love now towards others and you won’t be judged harshly. In fact, you’ll love the reaction of God when he sees you have done right and smiles at you.

14:13 Therefore
> So because what we are doing is being taken note of, for future recommendations before our God and how he will reward us, or express his displeasure, when we did not act as though we were receiving him, or that it was Christ we were mistreating in our actions against others. Instead, acted in ill manner towards them, when it was Christ in them, being mistreated by us.
we must not pass judgment
> It is not our part in life to make the call, as to who has done right or wrong in the eyes of God, he will not request our input on the matter. Therefore, we should not offer our opinion now, when we have a disagreement on some issue. Only God decides these issues and only he has the power to enforce that which he wants us to do or not do. So do not promote yourself to a position that only God holds, live where you are and not in another’s place.
on one another,
> Your relationship with one another, is more important then your personal beliefs or religious practices. You were not created for rituals or excessive partaking of earthly pleasures. What God created you for was relationships with each other and him, so you cannot replace your fellowship with one another, with codes and liberties of life, and expect God to be pleased with such attitudes.
but rather
> In fact, the complete opposite should be your goal in pleasing God in your attitude and actions on earth. In that, it is how you respond and treat people who see it different then you, that is as a sign of godliness. After all, isn’t that what God has done for you, when while you were sinful and his enemy, in the way you thought and acted. He rescued you from that sin first, and then began altering you through a relationship with him. He didn’t require you first to make yourself presentable, but just to be present before him, with him as your Lord and savior.
determine
> So establish now a base of operation that is immovable in that it has its basis in the principles of Christ’s actions and not our concepts of right or wrong. Make maintaining a proper relationship and giving away of self-interest in your relationship with others, as being your top priority. Even if it means not being given the acknowledgement that you are right on some doctrinal issue and not being harsh towards them. Alternatively, if the show is on the other foot, not being angry with someone else’s unwanted instruction in your life.
never to place an obstacle
> So in that you will never be the cause of someone else’s frustration in knowing Christ more fully. You need to make sure that you are the one who is the helper and not the one who hinders relationships in your church, so that people do not build walls around them in the body of Christ. Make sure that no one avoids you because you are judgmental and oppressing them with your condensation, or that you avoid others that are continually oppressing you. Deal with them in an open and courteous way, seek counsel with others in difficult grievances, so things do not fester and become an infection on the body. Pre-treat a wound with grace towards the person of the infliction, treat it as a wound in your own body, so that you clean it and restore it to normal health.
or a trap
> Never try to get even with someone who has inflected pain or abuse on you, forgive them, getting even will only wound you even more due to God wanting an account of your actions and the example it sets before other Christians. Plotting against others Christians is not a godly trait that you can employ in your Christian life. In fact, the proper Christian response would be to bless them and not curse them.
before a brother or sister.
> Because whatever it is you do to them, you are doing to the body of Christ. If you decide to get even with someone for what they did to you, then you are attacking the body of Christ. In the same since, if you bless those who act against you, you are in actuality blessing the church body, which you are a part of. So you bless yourself in blessing others whom hurt you, by stopping the advancement of the infection of the church body and the hurting of yourself, in getting even with others. In that, you weaken the very body that you live in, so be wise in your actions and attitudes and rise above the occasions of the flesh and view them from the Spirit.

14:14 I know
> I do have personal knowledge concerning these rites and rituals of man, having come out of the Jewish religion. I am intimately aware of what it is we are discussing here, so I’m not just guessing. In that, once we have a preconceived idea about what we were taught is a certain way or what it is that we have become accustom to, they become ingrained into our character. Whether they are good or bad habits, they embed themselves into our outlook on life itself. Therefore, I share with you in that which I myself have come face to face with these issues and had to reconcile them to the true faith I now have in Christ.
and am convinced
> And so having studied the law and grace most thoroughly and being made an Apostle by Jesus himself, who called me into repentance personally, face to face. There is only one conclusion that one can reach about the activity of sin and how one is able to define what sin is. So what I am telling you is the absolute truth and you don’t just have my word on it, but I telling you this in Christ name also, as his spokesmen with authority on this.
in the Lord Jesus
> Because having been instructed myself in doctrine by Christ, and his Holy Spirit that dwells in me. I also have the authority to establish this truth in you as an Apostle, instructed by Jesus Christ to do the very thing that I am doing here with you now. I am here to handle these questions, as appointed by Christ, this is my purpose.
that there is nothing
> So you must clearly understand, that inanimate objects have no sinful status in Gods eyes. Neither do the acts of man do anything, that is defiled in and of itself. Because God did not create things in an unholy state, and left in that state, they have no ill effect on man or nature. They are merely benign or neutral objects, void of character or intentions.
unclean in itself;
> So there is no defiled thing that man can claim as always evil, as either in its own state nor the actions of man in use of it. That is never the cause of sin itself, because things in function of there use, is not sin and this covers all categories where sin might arise out of them, but they are not the cause of sin. If a man wielding an axe to chop wood, draws back not knowing someone has approached behind him, striking and killing them, no one has sinned, neither he nor the axe. For sin to take place their must be an intention on part of someone to do wrong. However, if there is no intention to do wrong, then there is no sin, even if another would see it as sin.
still,
> Having said that though, I am not giving license to sin, what I am saying is that sin comes out of the attitude and intention of the one using it. A whip never hurt any animal or beast lying on the ground or even held in the hand of its owner. However, when it is drawn back, in the intention of the one who owns it to inflict pain on his slave or beast. Then it becomes sin in the outpouring of evil from mans heart, but the whip itself is not guilty of sin, nor is it responsible for the act of sin committed.
it is unclean to the one
> But action does becomes sin, when an reaction rises out of a desire to excuse that action, against your own conscience of what you think to be wrong, then it becomes sin. Only because you went willing against that which you thought to be wrong, even if no one told you it was wrong. You decided to go against your better judgment, in a manner and fashion that became your sinful act. Because you willing chose to do what you thought to be wrong, from whatever basis you had for thinking what your moral code was. You chose to do wrong in violation of that code once it was introduced to you as right or wrong decision.
who considers it unclean.
> Therefore, those of you who are guilty are guilty because you acted out of disregard of your own moral restraint. You threw off guides and codes, to do the opposite of what you thought to be outside the boundaries of decent behavior and that act in itself, became indecent to you and therefore sin. Even though another had no such thoughts against it and to them it was no violation of codes or ethics. From what you believed though, it was, so to you it became sin, but to another, holiness, because for them it was done out of faith. Hard to get your hands around the concept of this, but it is true none the less.

14:15 For
> Know there is still another point to this issue beyond just not holding grudges and agreeing to disagree on certain issues. Because not everyone is at the same level of spiritual growth and not all have mature legs beneath them to handle the wait of such doctrinal truth. You who are mature have an obligation to love beyond the first mile and go the distance of the second mile in an effort to stabilize those under the wait of undoing what they have learned in error, prior to becoming a Christian.
if your brother or sister
> These people are part of your body in Christ, if they are weak and hindered from growing mature due to confusion of learning the true nature of things. Have an attitude that works something like this; don’t sing a song in its most difficult key, just in order to accommodate your own singing preference. Lower the key and ease up on the melody a little, so that they can get then hang of it. Moreover, one day they may sing better then you and return the favor, when you are struggling to keep up with them, circumstances may be reversed, and you’ll be glad you had made a friend.
is distressed
> So when you see them confused and tempted over an issue, to which, in your opinion is nothing at all, where they feel like they are somehow being violated. Ease up on your privilege when they’re around them, don’t try to force them to just live with it or say to yourself, that is their problem. If they are the body of Christ and you are the body of Christ, then it is your problem also, and your attitude will determine peace or conflict.
because of what you eat,
> And all this over just some food, it ought not to be, but if it is, then you need to be proactive in resolving it, not letting it become a point of contention and a battle ground for dissension in the body. There are many issues that can divide, but this issue is a just model of one, that should be used to resolve all such issues and contentions.
you are no longer
> Don’t be hard hearted in your approach to others on such issues, it is incumbent upon you to work together to resolve them, by not demanding your own way on every thing. If you try to force others to deal with you on your terms, you have forgotten your own salvation and what great mercy saved you from sin and death. And you have returned to exercising the ways of the flesh, indifferent to the prodding of the Spirit to live Christ like in the body.
walking in love.
> As when Christ taught you, he did not choose his own way, but humbled and emptied himself of his humanity in difference to the Spirit of God who was alive in him and the Father who you saw in him. So that he established the acting out of love for mankind, rather than living out his divine nature that he also emptied himself of to take on the form of man to live among us as a mortal. So out of love he set aside his divine nature and his human nature, and lived according to what was necessary to save others, not himself.
Do not destroy
> So don’t use your life as a wrecking ball, in that your throw around the weight of your self-will, just in order that you may live in a more comfortable surrounding. Even though the outcome is making others homeless for your comfort, so that they are exposed to the elements of life that they are weakened in their faith, due to your lack of love for that which they now have to endure. In oppressing them in your lack of caring or sensitivity, you are expressing to them their lack of value to you, you make them irrelevant in the body of Christ, so how do they thrive when they have been cut off. Know that others are watching your conduct, are they saying, see how they love one another or are they saying, they mistreat themselves, why should I join them so they can treat me the same way? Don’t be the cause of someone rejecting Christ.
by your food
> So issues such as food will always arise and it is important to not let them conquer you, but that you conquer them with the love of Christ that you have learned and know is the right way. The issue at hand could just as easily be wine or hard liquor, music or dance. There are just to many to desires to list, but the answer is always based in love for the body and the deferment of your rights, so that others may never call your love and faith into question.
someone for whom Christ died.
> Remember that God made the ultimate sacrifice, just in order that you and they could have eternal life, so it is just not proper for you then to treat someone as unimportant that Jesus gave up his life for. If Jesus was able to give up so much for them, then it is not asking too much, that you be put out a little in your lifestyle to make things available and accessible to them in the body. Allow that living sacrifice to be alive and active in you, that Christ died for, is a sign that you take Christ serious enough in you life, to be Christ like indifference to the ways of the world.

14:16 Therefore
> Because it is possible to defame the authority by which you speak and represent Christ, making your witness as salt that has lost its savor, causing people to discount what you say, because you do not practice the love of which you speak.
do not let
> You must counteract that possibility, by letting your love for one another be a personal responsibility, regardless of what others do themselves. That way you will have first, the peace of mind of knowing that you have lived as Christ lived and second, the respect of others, in that you did not act in hypocrisy in your faith.
what you consider good
> It is good that you have learned the true nature and doctrine of right and wrong, but it does nothing for you, if you have not put it into practice and only consider it head knowledge and not a lifestyle change, that you adhere to as acted upon from a position of love.
be spoken of as evil.
> Because if you are only aware of it and do not practice what you preach, then you will have no credibility and others will say your religion is a fraud. Giving them a reason to defame and reject the gospel of Christ, making you irrelevant to the gospel of Christ, as they revile you and Christ.

14:17 For
> So knowing what it is to live like a Christian, is as important as becoming a Christian, because of the repercussions it has on others who are reviewing the faith in their hearts. It does no good for you to think, I got mine, let them get theirs. God rejects such faith as insincere and a false conversion, because you do not show the fruit of the Spirit that is a result of Christ redemption.
the kingdom of God
> So it is a must that you know that God is not interested in superficial practices on the part of people, where there is no sincerity behind what they do, but rather deception based on their action and what it shows as a false religion.
does not consist
> Because God has no respect for people who say; I’ll obey on this one issue, but not on that other one. That is not the Spirit of God or what his church is about, he did not die, just to establish a bunch of do’s and don’ts, which have nothing at all to do with relationship building. Those are things of the conscience, not relation building.
of food and drink,
> Life as a Christian is not a party, and your liberty as a Christian under grace is not an excuse to have one. It is neither rituals, nor our lack of rituals that define the true follower of Christ. Because God is not counting how many things, you got right and they got wrong, in a form of comparison between you. Those are nothing but sideline arguments, that we use to either excuse our behavior or accuse another’s, neither of which has its basis in true Christianity.
but righteousness,
> True Christianity is based in personal holiness, just because it is right, even if no one else ever new that you did what was right. You would exercise holiness in faith to God and not expect recognition in return, knowing that it pleased God and did not offend him as sin does, is reward enough in the righteous heart.
peace,
> Having healthy companionship with other believers, because of the way that you do not connect yourself, to the rebellious actions that some do. Being a mediator rather than an instigator, having a quiet answer rather than that of a reveler, who shouts out their abuses for all to hear.
and joy in the Holy Spirit.
> These things bring about the comfort that the Holy Spirit came to deliver to us, after Jesus ascended to the Fathers right hand. So that the Spirit is able to take way the worry or competition, that the flesh wants to engage in, so that rejoicing is desired over weeping and laughter is heard over complaining.

14:18 For
> This causes an effect to take place in our lives, that is the actual goal that we would like to reach, and it is done not according to our thinking, but according to the way that Gods word teaches us. It requires faith in ways and methods that are foreign to us. Ways that Christ modeled for us and endorsed as the true way, that God functions in his realm and if we acted in that manner, it would produce the affects of his influence in our life.
the one
> The main focus that I want to reiterate here, is that all your attitudes and actions must be solitude decisions. Based not in what others might think, do or say, but in what you, as one in a relationship with God, wants as their discourse in life. Where you leave others actions at the door, as you enter in to Gods life for you and you exercise his purpose for you. So you cannot let others distractions, become your distractions, you must isolate your responses from their responses, so that you do as Christ modeled and not what they model.
who serves Christ
> Because in doing the will of Christ in your life, you build that relationship that will attract others to your methods, instead of divisions based in regulations that tend only to offend others. In fact, in your service to Christ, you will exceed the little rules that men employ, by and thru the power of grace that survives the test of rules, which only cause men to fail them. As grace is based in love and love does no wrong, as it is preoccupied with Gods holiness, because of your love relationship with him and not keeping regulations and defining which rules, you will assign to your own lifestyle. Instead you exceed these rules by being preoccupied with love, which is complete, fulfilling and takes up all you time.
in this way
> So the process we employ in our life, is the actual key to success in serving God. Because it is based and approved by God as the true way of being delivered from evil. Because it does not require the efforts of the flesh, in which wage in a struggle to subdue it, intending to silent its effect on us in a defensive posture. Rather, we are to be on the offense in our actions, ignoring sinful desires by acting and preoccupying ourselves with acts of love and right attitudes. In that we simply turn our backs on evil, by being preoccupied with the things that are good and have their basis in loving others, as an individual, in solitude. By that, I do not mean isolation from fellowship, but in oneness of heart to Christ in our reactions to life’s circumstances. Not expecting the world or even some in the church to recognize your motive as logical in their thinking, but approved by God.
is pleasing to God
> So when God looks at what we do, and sees that it comes not from common practices of man to justify his ways, by comparing ones own actions, in relation to what others do or receive in their lives. But that it is done from the desire to live as a member of Gods family, as an extension of Gods love in that family, that is what makes God proud of you. Not that you did not sin in your own way of thinking, but that you overcame your sin by acting out love. One can sit in a room alone doing nothing and not sin, but that is not pleasing to God, just in the fact that you did not sin. Love in action is required to please God, being mindless in you actions is not pleasing to God.
and approved by people.
> Then when you do this in that manner, people will not call your motives into question. Because what you did was not a benefit to yourself in the physical realm, but in the spiritual realm, you will have benefited yourself. That then becomes a character trait, that others lookup to and would choose as that which they recognize, as being beyond them and a right motivation in you. Therefore, they will not find you suspect in your motives, but puzzled and curious of your ways.

14:19 So then,
> If our goal and desire then is in pleasing God and not man, then we need to not focus on rules. For they are divisive and only come between us, let those who wish to abide in rules, do so in their own behavior and not include others in such weights, so as to bind them from finding true expressions of love in their service to God.
let us pursue
> So in that our goal is pleasing God, we need to do so by doing what is in concert with God, in what he is doing in his church. By conforming our hearts to acts based in love and not in conformity to mans agenda. We must therefore chase after positive traits that join us in the same undeniable cause of God, which is based on love. We cannot achieve this though, without actively engaging ourselves, in the process of looking out for the benefit of other church members.
what makes for peace
> You must have a verbal and active allegiance with them, as serving the same God in the same goal. Then when that is defined properly, as serving each other in love, it is affordable to everyone, in that it requires nothing but love in return. Then all that love Christ have ample resources provided them by Christ, to be fully apart of the church body, as it constructs itself from the deeds of each other.
and for building up
> Because as love employs itself in the function of the church body, it always adds more then it takes it produce it. It is the only true form of perpetual motion, in that love inaction, generates more love energy then it expends, it creating the power of love. Therefore, love never wants for more love then it generates, because it always generates more goodwill in the end. Then it ever consumes in the process.
one another.
> Therefore, when you are caring for someone in your church, you are in effect caring for your own needs also. Because they are part of the same body of Christ that you dwell in, you are shaping the eventual surrounding and décor of that in which you live. The way they feel will become the way you feel about your family, if the whole body has it basis in caring for each other, the strength of the bond in your home will be secure. Of course, if you do not have the feeling of safety in the midst of your church body, then love is absent and the courtesy of it is missing.

14:20 Do not destroy
> So don’t be like a fever in the church body, that drains it of its energy and incapacitates it from being a healthy functioning body, to that of a dying corps, unable to care for itself in the most basic of necessities. You can bring to ruin those in the body by not understanding the inner workings of the conscience of people and how wounded they can become from thoughtless deeds.
the work of God
> God has chosen to work thru the church body and not independent of it, therefore it is needful, that we cooperate with his plan and not frustrate it, by being divisive towards one another. Being insensitive to their conscience of what sin is, even if it is not sin to you.
for the sake of food.
> It never makes any sense to argue or entice people into putting up with little details or moral ideals, that distract from the real prominent work at hand, which is giving and receiving, from a basis of love. Just because it is a none issue to you, don’t treat them with disregard as to any concern of what effect it has on them; consider any harm to them, as harm to yourself.
For
> Now, we must come face to face with the issue of having liberty under grace, while not abusing liberty to free ourselves from the law’s accusations, which is good. While at the same time, not abandoning our brothers to suffer under the weight of their conscience, they not having learned grace, and not try to rescue them, by exerting patience and restraint in ourselves. Think of it this way, just because you like your music loud and fast, does not mean that your neighbors should have to live with it also. They will ask you to turn it down, and you should. They are not defrauding you by asking, but you are defrauding them, if you fail to respect their request. It is good that you like your music fast and loud, but not at their expense.
although all things are clean,
> I am not debating with you the issues themselves, which is where many of your minds are running to with this fast and loud music example, music is not my point, but that way of thinking is the point, sin is a state of mind, not an action in and of itself. So there is no way that you are guilty of another’s sin, that responsibility is theirs. But what kind of brother are you to ignore the fact that they are drowning in the weight of the law, and you would just float on by them safely on a raft of grace, and say. That’s their problem and not consider it an obligation to aid them in their struggle.
it is wrong
> The point I a trying to make here is, that although you have done nothing wrong in accepting the liberty of Christ in your life, and that you understand that objects themselves are not evil or corrupting in any way. That is not the end of the story and you cannot now just go on your merry way in life, without any thought to them, oblivious to what effect it may cause other believers, that have not yet let go of their man origin rules. (Which means the origin of mans rules came about due to mans sinfulness, not due to Gods holiness, which has its origin in love.) That would be reckless, and though the objects of debate themselves may not contain sin, the attitude of such a heart, if alive in you this way, certainly would be a sin.
to cause anyone to stumble
> Because if you add to your liberty, disregard for the saints, that is not a calculation that God enters into with you. Rather, it’s one you devised out of the flesh, and such a division is one wrought in error and will inevitably lead you astray from the course God has laid out for you.
by what you eat.
> Moreover, all this because of a desire which you were not willing to lay aside, for a little while to accommodate a friend. Instead you developed and attitude of just let them deal with it on their own, while you ignored them in your own laughter and pleasure in life. This did not define your Spirit as you in a corporate body, a body of believers. Rather, it was an accommodation to your flesh, which sought its own contentment.

14:21 It is good
> So the idea behind all of this, is that we do that which is positive for those in the body of Christ, and do not consider the minor issues, as major disruptions, to that which we are all trying to attain, which is glorifying our Lord thru the unification of others to his church.
not to eat meat
> That fact that we are put out a little is not really the issue, the real issue is do we care enough in our hearts to accept a little inconvenience in our life, to confirm a brothers worth to you. You should be more then willing to not have to indulge yourself in the things that you do in abundance anyway. That way you set the importance of the church body above the luxury of you own lifestyle.
or drink wine or
> There is no need to flaunt you wealth among the people so that they can see all that you have. They may not approve of all the things that you invest yourself in and may see it as obsessive behavior on your part. So rather than let them think that you are drunk with the things of the world. It is better to not parade around overly dressed for the occasion. Try to fit in among the common people of the church, so that they know that life has not gone to your head.
to do anything
> So it is always better to set aside bragging rights for a time and indulge instead in the things that are a joy to everyone and simple in nature. Regardless of what their culture background is, as the source of their reasoning and financial status. Allow yourself the ability to live at comfort in all the settings you find yourself in. That way you won’t be the cause of strife or be the reason another is in trouble. Be aware of them in forethought. Don’t smoke in a home where they don’t smoke or cause them to be like you in something, when it might break or weaken them in their attempt to do so.
that causes
> Never be the reason for an accusation to take place or a temptation that will do harm to others. Just because you can bench-press 300 pounds of weight. To intentionally add that much for someone else to lift is dangerous, at the least for them anyway. And also shows your own lack of understanding of the different levels of abilities in peoples lives, the state that they are in and the amount of stress they are able to handle. After all, you didn’t just wake up one morning and lift that weight, or have the ability to do something like high math, etc.; you first labored at it and studied it with patience and persistence. So, afford them the same opportunity.
your brother to stumble.
> If you do not consider such things in life, you could be the cause of actually hurting someone in the body, instead of helping them and aiding God in the building of his church body. So, don’t let it be your fault, thru insensitivity of what others may struggle with. They’re not weaklings just because they can’t lift 300 pounds, anymore than you are because you cannot lift 500 pounds.

14:22 The faith you have,
> Don’t be an exhibitionist in spiritual matters, in that you are able walk on water while others can’t even seem to swim. Remember that your faith also was a gift from God and was not self-endowed. It was not instantaneous in you, but is still developing and always will be incomplete as we live in the flesh, but for God. Also the beliefs that you support yourself in faith with have been designed by God for you alone in his course for you and would not effectual in another’s efforts. Everyone receives revelation from God in precise measure for them and for their purpose in life. So don’t try to superimpose your acts of faith on them, it wasn’t meant for them, it was meant for you.
keep to yourself
> So don’t use it as a measuring rod to belittle others with, but judge yourself humble in its acquisition. In addition, as to your possession of it, as something borrowed and not that of a deed or title of ownership, or a personal attribute. Analyze your progress in silence, not on the airwaves so all can hear you crowing about it. You don’t need to advertise it to the world, so that they can admire your accomplishments.
before God.
> Ask God how you are doing and tell him what measures you have made, then in that humility, he may add more to it, in the pleasure of seeing you advance. Because you were able to have gain in your faith, without the cost of tearing someone else down, or wearing them out, so that they would fall behind you by exhaustion. Rather, you found advancement from the discipline of proper training on your own; you didn’t make yourself look good, by making others look bad.
Blessed is the one
> The smartest and least vulnerable person among you, is the one who doesn’t think they have all the answers, or wants to solve all the puzzles and complications in the world and does not want to do it on their own. If you just realize that you can’t do it all and that all things do not resolve themselves in your thinking, or those things won’t get done without you. You will be so much better off, if you know that the solution to problems are not related to the broadness of your shoulders, but on your ability your to let it go and not try to control it, after you let it go.
who does not
> Be the one who sees himself, not as one authoring wisdom to the ages, but one who receives instruction about that which he is attaining to. One who leaves debate aside for the constructive use of deliberation and consultation, so that he can recover the truth, not discover its formation in authorship.
judge himself
> Could you imagine what ruin it would be like, if everyone based their own assessments of how they performed in life, based only on what they understood about life. Not taking into consideration the multitudes of variations that could occur, that they were not even aware of. In the wilderness alone they might survive with the wild by some survival instinct, but throw them into the mix with other humans and he’ll need the counsel of many, just to function there.
by what
> The problem is that we see thru the eyes of our own fantasies and limited experiences, we don’t know what we don’t know. That is why it is so important to question others for their input, to see whether or not you have received the best of known information. Early explores of the ocean, new that the world was not flat, but those who new nothing of ocean travel, ignorantly thought that it was flat.
he approves.
> Wisest is the one who has higher standards then his own opinion, who takes council from those who have succeeded, not those who have failed. Who takes his own opinion with a grain of salt, until he has tested it against the proven wisdom of those before him. The one who speaks of something that you know little about as though you were fully informed, is a fool waiting to be revealed.

14:23 But the man
> Now on the other hand, lets us examine a man who has reached a conclusion concerning his principles and the practices that he will do, to live in safety from sin and the things he won’t do, due to their immoral status to him.
who doubts
> If he discounts those principles, as to not abide by them, in that he chooses to do the things that he has already decided, are wrong to do. He then in his actions, decides to actually embed them as part of his lifestyle. Doing them to any regularity of repetition, in that, when the occasion arises he does not resist the temptation but yields without remorse his body to do them. Setting aside his convictions to engage in these occasions of sin, with forethought’s of it being immoral.
is condemned
> This person has shamed himself and is in danger of searing his conscience thru discounting the principles that he lives by. This making him unstable in his attributes, because even what he says he believes by his own mouth is not binding to him. So, what value is there in his word?

© Copyright. 2003 - By John Thomas Publishing Co.

John Thomas Publishing Co.
2243 W. Laskey suite A
Toledo, Ohio 43613

Content Copyright © 2003 John Thomas Publishing. 
All Rights Reserved.

mailto:John Thomas