Accept One Another, Just as Christ Accepted You (Romans 14:1-15:13)

"Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." Romans 15:7 (NIV)

Context

Today’s video explains the context of the conflict behind two factions in the church: between those who are weak in faith (14:1) and those who are strong (15:1).

Observation

Paul addresses certain commands to both the “weak” and the "strong.” There are others he addresses only to the “strong.” Notice this distinction as you read Romans 14:1-15:13.

Observe Paul’s quotation of several Old Testament passages at the conclusion of this section:

• “I will praise you among the Gentiles” (from 2 Samuel 22:50 and Psalm 18:49)
• “Gentiles, rejoice with God’s people!” (From Deuteronomy 32:43 and Psalm 117:1)
• “The root of Jesse will rule the Gentiles” (from Isaiah 11:10 and 42:4)

Interpretation

As you read, you will notice that Paul addresses more commands to the “strong in faith” than he does to the “weak.” Why do you think that might be?

What specific responses does he want from both the “strong” and “weak” with regards to the issues of:

• The Mosaic food laws?
• Food sacrificed to idols? (more specifically identified in 1 Corinthians 8)
• Sabbath-keeping?
• Circumcision? (not mentioned here, but addressed in 1 Corinthians 7:17-20)

What do the Old Testament quotes with which Paul concludes this section have in common? Why does he quote them here?

Application

What controversial issues (that are also non-essential) have you observed people in your church divided over? Would you identify any particular group as “the weak”? As the “strong”?

What steps could you take towards “accepting others as Christ accepted them,” even if you hold different convictions over disputable matters?