Romans - Part 16

Sober Judgment

The Audio Version of today’s note is advised.

The House of Bread · Voice Note for 20241115 - Romans - Part 16 - Sober Judgment

Romans 14:1-23 KJV

[1] Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. [2] For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. [3] Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. [4] Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. [5] One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. [6] He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. [7] For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. [8] For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. [9] For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. [10] But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. [11] For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, And every tongue shall confess to God. [12] So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. [13] Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. [14] I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. [15] But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. [16] Let not then your good be evil spoken of: [17] for the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. [18] For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. [19] Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. [20] For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. [21] It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. [22] Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. [23] And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

https://bible.com/bible/1/rom.14.1-23.KJV

Note for 20241115

Jesus said, "Judge not, lest ye be judged." With the same judgment that you judge, you will be judged. And here, we read about the judgment seat of Christ. Furthermore, we read here that it is our judgment of things that determine whether we see it as unclean or clean, that it is by our faith that we will be judged. For, if we perceive something as unclean and partake of it, then we sin according to our faith.

Now, of course, there is much more than just that here in the text. How long do we intend to pause at this scripture? Each of us must work out our salvation with the Lord with fear and trembling. If one day is more Holy for you than another, then hold it Holy unto the LORD, and permit those that hold another day Holy unto the Lord by their own faith. Is it the day that saves or the LORD of it?

There are things that I do not eat in my faith, but I know it is permissible for others. What I do not eat is for my faith and by my faith in GOD. I do not expect others to withhold from themselves to prove their faith in GOD. No, what I do not eat is to have a constant reminder before me that I serve the Most High GOD, that I am a vessel separated from this world unto the Lord. I know that I am an odd fellow, but my oddness is in service to the Lord. My peculiarity is not what brings me to salvation, for salvation is of Christ alone. No, my peculiarity is an aid to me, to keep me focussed on the LORD. My flesh is weak, so by the Spirit I subdue it to the service of the LORD. What I give is not required, the Lord makes no such demands. No, what we give, we give in gratitude and love. So, is it not strange to me when someone has some oddity to his faith in GOD. What is a concern for me, is when that oddity becomes a burden to others that believe. When it becomes a demand, or a qualifier whether one believes or not in the judgment of men. Can a man save you? I can't save you, but Christ Jesus can and will.

Tell me: is our practice of faith superior to the love of GOD? Can bowing on one day save you if you walk in pride for 6? Does everyday then not belong to the LORD, is He not Lord of all? Why are the children then like toddlers and teenagers who cannot get along with one another? Does the Holy Spirit of GOD not call for peace in you? And stand the HOLY Spirit not in alignment with the Word of GOD? See then, that contention has a root in something that is counter faith in Christ. See that accusation serves a purpose that divides one from another, forcing men to pick a side, which brings divisions among you. Are we not called to a unity in Christ? What is mercy and grace, friends? What is forgiveness? What is tolerance and compassion, but let not your consideration of such things give rise to a wickedness among you. It is the devil that selects targets to prosecute and trouble. The Holy Spirit will guide the believer to a salvation, even a protection of the poor in spirit.

Here you have read now for yourself of the judgment seat of Christ. How do you wish to be judged, knowing all your wrongs in yourself? Christ told us how judgment works, that we will be judged as we judge others. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Yes, Matthew 5, again.

The Word of GOD is not in judgment, friends; it is in guidance to the everlasting life with Christ Jesus our Lord and Saviour. To be in Christ, as He is in us; He in the Father and by Him, we can be in the Father too. He said, "no one goes to the Father except by me."

How much tolerance do we have for one another? I am weary of mankind, I am. But, purely because I know what man permits in himself. This Word of GOD that we live by, it also reads that we must try every spirit if it be of GOD. Is it to condemn, or is it to keep that which is Holy, Holy still? It is in our heart that we make it holy, what we believe. Now, can something be holy in itself? Indeed, it can, if it is separated unto God, by God Himself. What has GOD separated unto Himself? Is it not man that GOD created in His own image? Is it not of the Love of GOD for man, that He sent His only Begotten Son to make atonement for the sin of mankind? You tell me then, what is the intention of GOD towards mankind, to judge or to save? Judgment is for those who refuse Him, who stand in rebellion against Him, with murder in their hearts. GOD is Righteous and a Fair Judge. He considers even the sinner with a Hope unto our salvation; that we will repent of all our wrong and come back into our Father's House. He is our Creator.

If a man then chooses one day over another to honour the Most High GOD, that day is a matter between that man and GOD, Who he honours the day to. What business is it of mine? Was I privy to their conversations? No, this only becomes a concern when such a man teaches others to do the same, when it stands in contradiction of what the Word has given us. This requires wisdom, and wisdom starts with the fear of GOD. So, I will conclude with this: we better pray and consult with God, less we move against one of His Prophets unknowingly.

Shalom

The House of Bread

Verse of The Day

From the YouVersion Bible App (Expanded from verse 19)

Philippians 4:17-20 KJV

[17] Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. [18] But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. [19] But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. [20] Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

https://bible.com/bible/1/php.4.17-20.KJV

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