Gospel Clothing (Romans 14:1-4)

From Leviticus to Acts to Romans

The previous night's Bible study had covered Peter's vision in Acts 10, where God told him to eat food Leviticus 11 called unclean. Does the Bible contradict itself? No. The food laws set Israel apart as holy. Once salvation opened to every nation through Christ, that purpose was fulfilled, and keeping it would only have divided people.

What happened in Rome

Rome had expelled its Jews. While they were gone, the church there became largely Gentile, with Gentile eating habits. When Jewish believers came back, each side looked down on the other. Paul's answer in Romans 14: neither side should despise or judge the other. God has accepted them both.

Strong faith means freedom

Restricting yourself doesn't prove stronger faith. Often it's the reverse. But nobody is required to give up their culture either.

A line worth remembering

DeWayne shared a quote he'd come across: most of the fights Christians have aren't over the gospel. They're over style, timing, method, and preference dressed up in gospel clothing.

Try this

• Think of a church disagreement you've been part of. Was it about the gospel, or about preference?
• Read all of Romans 14.