How To Handle Disputable Matters

We’ve learned that the issue in Romans 14 is that of weak and strong Christians.
Some ate meat, others did not.
Some honored special days, others did not

Now while these are not the issues we face in the church today, there are vital principles in Romans 14 that apply to how we handle disputable matters. Let’s begin by stating that these matters are not matters that the Bible commands. There should be no dispute about obeying the clear teaching of Scripture. Some of today’s key issues relate to the areas of entertainment, spending, social drinking, associations, music, etc.

Some Christians accuse other Christians of being legalistic. Legalism is not the proper word to describe the warning of Romans 14. Legalism is a teaching that people must follow certain rules (Laws) in order to be saved. That problem existed in the church in Paul’s day but it is not the problem he is addressing in Rome.

More accurately, the warning of Romans 14 is over judgmentalism. Legalism gives rules necessary for one’s justification. Judgmentalism gives rules necessary for one’s sanctification. I have found that in most churches, judgmentalism is the real culprit. We always seem to know what other Christians should or shouldn’t do in order to be spiritual.

This passage warns us against judgmentalism. Today, we will learn how to act toward Christians who do not agree with our position on disuptable matters.