Category: Romans 14

Because he views “carnal warfare” as sinful and puts it in Romans 14, Bob Owen believes other sinful matters can fit there as well. He does not put all sin there, but this is arbitrary.

Romans 14 is the vehicle of syncretism in our day. Based on a poor study of this chapter, many preachers are teaching that anything done in good conscience is not to be rejected. I have read sermons and quotes from men advocating the tolerance of every one of the unfruitful works of darkness, and instead of mourning, they are puffed up over their tolerance and their “big tent” approach to evangelism. “Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump” (1 Corinthians 5:6)?

My beloved brethren, we must harmonize all scripture (2 Tim. 2:15) to distinguish the colossal difference between how matters of personal faith (Rom. 14) and matters of the faith (Jude 3) are to be handled, unless we can swallow camels.

The Holy Spirit drew a line in the sand around Romans 14 by confining its application of tolerance to matters of authorized liberty. The call today is to push that line out into the realm of matters of the faith. The proponents of this interpretation are claiming to be very reasonable and restrained, promising that this tolerance of doctrinal diversity will never go so far as to cover matters like denominationalism, baptism and instrumental music. Surely they cannot envision such a thing, but should their children and grandchildren ever insert consistency into their arguments, all such matters will have to be placed into the reconstructed Romans 14. If this doctrine fits, why doesn t this one, Daddy? If your issue fits, why doesn t mine, Grandpa?

Charts: Lesson two. Romans 14 and Fellowship with Sin.

Our text to be analyzed, Romans 14:1-15:7, beautifully sets forth the parameters of our liberties in Christ. Counter-balancing between the tendency to bind where God has not bound and giving license to sin, this passage advocates fellowship through the respect of each brother’s liberties. Without the truth of these verses, Christians will be hopelessly splintered in as many pieces as there are opinions or else be invaded by sinful doctrine and practices.