June 2, 2016: SOAP #2373: Proverbs 22-24; Romans 14

Scripture: Romans (NIV) 14:7 For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. 8 If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

Observation: Paul begins this chapter in verse one telling us that we should not judge each other on disputable issues. Then he continues to list two issues that were big to the Jews and Gentiles in the church. The first one dealt with what kinds of food to eat. The second had to do with which day was considered sacred. Our love for each other should be expressed in two ways. First, we should not judge a person whose faith is weak and holds to a certain diet or day. Second, we should not intentionally offend a weak brother by exercising our freedom as to diet and worship day.

Application: Last weekend I attended the 50^th high school graduation celebration. I can remember our choir singing: “No man is an island; no man stands alone. Each man’s joy is joy to me, each man’s grief is my own. We need one another. So I will defend Each man as my brother, each man as my friend.” I am not alone in this world. My life is intertwined with the lives of others. God’s love in me can be seen in how I consider others around me.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, I want it easily seen that I belong to you. Let your Holy Spirit direct my words and actions. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!