Part 4: The Joy of the Strong

Review of Romans 14:1-12

A. The Problem: disunity caused by strong/weak consciences (2,5-6, 7-9)

B. The Solution to the Problem (1, 3)

C. The Reason for this twofold Solution (4, 10-12)

     I. As a strong conscience believer, determine to never do anything that will seduce your weak conscience brother to violate his conscience.

          a. The strong must remember the weak see things differently. (13-14)

          b. The strong need to choose to stop exercising their freedom out of love for weak (15-16)

          c. The strong need to stop exercising their freedom for Kingdom reasons (kingdom culture, citizenship, community)

               i. To properly live out kingdom culture/values (17)

               ii. To properly live out kingdom citizenship (18)

               iii. To properly live out kingdom community (19)

          II. As a Strong Conscience believer, determine to think correctly about your personal freedoms

               a. Value God’s people more than your freedoms (20-21)

               b. Test your freedoms to make sure they are not just unconsidered, personal preferences (22-23)

          III. As a strong conscience believer, decide now to be the one who endures loss/hardship for the sake of the unity the church (15:1-4)

Conclusion (15:5-7)