Lesson: Romans 14:1-15:2 (NIV based)

THEME - Disputable Matters

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READ 14:1-4

v.1 “disputable matters” (NIV) or “opinions” (NAS) = debatable issues; personal convictions

vv.2-3 main principle from God: God allows leniency and variation according to the amount or maturity of one's faith = "whose faith is weak" v.2; "God has accepted him" v.3
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Q: Why is this principle valid?

READ 14:5-12

vv.5-6 each person is acting toward the Lord from their own convictions & faith - "fully convinced in his own mind" v.5; "does so to the Lord" v.6

v.8 each person belongs to the Lord

v.12 each person will give an account of himself to God
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Q: What is the result of arguing over disputable matters?

READ 14:13-21

v.13 - passing judgment - we have no right (v.4)
     - erecting a stumbling block

v.20 destroying the work of God (and ministries); and the brother v.15
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Q: What should be our behavior concerning matters of opinion?

READ 14:22-15:2

vv.1, 17 recognize when issues are a matter of opinion; accept the person who is weaker in faith

v.13 stop judging

v.19 promote peace & mutual edification

vv.20b-21 stop any activity that is causing your brother/sister to stumble

v.22 keep our mouths shut

v.15:1 bear with each other

v.15:2 build each other up, please our neighbor for his good
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BIG IDEA: v.14:19 “make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification”

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Works Cited:
Bible. The Comparative Study Bible: A Parallel Bible Presenting New International Version, New American Standard Bible,
     Amplified Bible, King James Version. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1984.

Bible. “The Holy Bible: New International Version.” The Bible Library CD-ROM. Oklahoma City, OK: Ellis Enterprises, 1988.
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Copyrights:
Scriptures taken from Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®
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File name: Romans14_1-15_2-Lesson.___ (.htm, .doc, .pdf)
Translation used: NIV
Source: www.BelieverAssist.com
Updated: 1-14-15