Series Details
Conflict is pervasive. It inhabits every corner and crevice of this sin-stained world. In this miniseries covering Romans 14, Chuck Swindoll teaches us that if we’re to practice consistent gracious living in spite of conflict, we require the presence of others. People with different perspectives and values can challenge our ability to live with them in unity, peace, and love. Yet, as laid out clearly in Scripture, unity is the goal for believers. If we mean to work through our conflicts and live in unity, only a regular outpouring of grace and love will suffice.
Message 1: Putting Grace into Action
Sermon Overview While the church is called to absolute unity, it is impossible to ignore the reality of human diversity. We all come from different backgrounds, hold different opinions, and carry varied personal convictions. In this message, Charles R. Swindoll turns to Romans 14:1–12 to address the inevitable conflicts that arise over non-essential issues—such as diets, days of worship, and entertainment. Rather than turning the church into a courtroom where believers interrogate and arraign one another over personal scruples, Paul commands mutual acceptance. Swindoll challenges believers to stop playing the role of judge, to stop trying to force others to fit their personal convictions, and to give one another the necessary space and grace to grow.
Key Facts
- A Culture of Acceptance: A life of genuine grace begins with mutual acceptance, welcoming others without looking for reasons to evaluate their spirituality based on external choices.
- Releasing Others: An attitude of grace requires releasing others to be who they are and letting the Lord direct their lives, recognizing that every believer ultimately answers to Christ alone.
- Unqualified Judges: Believers must never assume a role they are not qualified to fill: being someone else’s judge. We are utterly unqualified to judge because we cannot know all the facts, we cannot read motives, we possess our own blind spots, and we are heavily biased.
- The Danger of Comparison: Trying to control others or comparing yourself to others are “killers” of spiritual joy; believers must focus on pleasing Christ rather than taking their cues from other people.
Scripture References
- Romans 14:1–12
- Psalm 133:1
- John 17:11, 21
Message 2: Liberty on a Tightrope
Sermon Overview Experiencing true Christian liberty is much like an acrobat dancing on a tightrope high above a city—it brings an exhilarating, unspeakable sense of freedom. However, to avoid falling into destructive license, that freedom must be perfectly balanced by two things: personal control and a deep love for others. Looking at Romans 14:13–23, Swindoll explains that while believers are entirely free from the harness of legalism, love must always be the card that trumps liberty. If a believer’s freedom causes a “weaker” brother or sister to stumble, the mature response is to apply the brakes and willingly yield that right. This message teaches that the kingdom of God is not about external rules, but about pursuing righteousness, peace, and the building up of one another.
Key Facts
- Nothing is Unclean: Paul makes it clear that nothing (such as a specific day or meat offered to an idol) is innately unclean in itself, provided God has not explicitly condemned it in Scripture.
- Don’t Flaunt Your Freedom: A mature believer does not let what is good for them be spoken of as evil; they refuse to flaunt their liberty if it will offend or hurt a brother for whom Christ died.
- The Maturity to Yield: When a Christian’s liberty actively hinders God’s work in someone else’s life, the loving and mature response is to yield that freedom for the sake of the other person.
- Three Warnings for the Wire: To maintain balance, believers must be considerate of others, convinced in their own minds about their convictions, and careful not to act if their conscience doubts.
- The Ultimate Guideline: A healthy church operates by the timeless motto: “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity (love)”.
Scripture References
- Romans 14:13–23
- Galatians 5:1, 13
- 1 Corinthians 9:19–23
