2 Chronicles 29:1-36, Romans 14:1-23, Psalm 24:1-10, Proverbs 20:12

2 Chronicles 29:1-36, Romans 14:1-23, Psalm 24:1-10, Proverbs 20:12

 

            In the media, in the news, on any social media feed, or in any circle of friends one of society's biggest complaints is that Christians judge.  People have been divided by judgments, assumptions, and stereotypes.  We have seen that blown up lately within the media and unfortunately it is a reality of our day and age.  Churches have even been divided based on what Paul shared in Romans 14.  Paul is writing to the church reminding believers that there are differences between brothers, but ultimately not to let judgments get in the way of the finish line.  We are all on the same team.

 

            Pauls' specific examples include that of diet.  If you remember from the old testament law, there are many unclean animals that the Jewish people (and other cultures and religions) are not allowed to eat.  Bacon is in that category and I gotta go with Paul with what he said in verse 14… it would be a sad life with out bacon.  But there are many examples today that have caused controversy in the church…dancing, alcohol, tattoos, and then deeper doctrinal debates.  When it comes down to it, Paul calls us not to judge, because it is not our place.  We will all stand before the throne and be judged.

 

            There are two main things that Paul calls us to do instead…two "one anothers."  The first is verse 13, "Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or cause a fall in our brothers way."  I spoke a little about this already.  We should not "show contempt for your brother," We need to be mindful of how our actions and our speech influence each other…we do not want to make someone fall or cause someone to sin.  Building on this, we jump to verse 19 where Paul says, "Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another."  Instead of wasting our time and thoughts in judgment, we need to be loving one another and building them up.  This is what we are called to do as believers.  Paul said that the kingdom would be based on "righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."  This is how we are to treat one another, believers and non-believers.  This is how followers of Christ should be treating co-workers, family, neighbors, and strangers.  We are not the ones who should judge…why want that job anyway?  John MacArthur calls this passage "The Law of Love."  As a follower and believer in Christ we should be loving others, encouraging others, teaching others the truth in Christ, and showing people the way to God through the cross.  This does not mean that we should be accepting and tolerant of everything.  We still have the responsibility of what is good and wrong…pleasing to God and disobedience.  This just means that instead of judging, how are you praying for them?  Loving them?  Edifying them?  We will all (everyone) give an account to God one day, have the ultimate judgment; in the mean time we should be a representative of the love we saw displayed on the cross.