Lesson 12: We Just Disagree (ROMANS 14:1—16:27)
Lesson 12
We Just Disagree
(ROMANS 14:1—16:27)
Before you begin …
• Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal truth and wisdom as you go through this lesson.
• Read Romans 14:1—16:27. This lesson references chapters 12 and 13 in Be Right. It will be helpful for you to have your Bible and a copy of the commentary available as you work through this lesson.
Getting Started
From the Commentary
Disunity has always been a major problem with God’s people. Even the Old Testament records the civil wars and family fights among the people of Israel, and almost every local church mentioned in the New Testament had divisions to contend with.
—Be Right, page 161
1. List a few examples of disagreements you’ve witnessed in your church experience. What is usually at the source of the division?
More to Consider: Often the most bitter disputes in churches and other organizations are prompted by silly little things—things that really don’t matter in the larger scheme. What are examples of these “things that don’t matter”? What are the kinds of things that are worthy of discussion and disagreement?
2. Choose one verse or phrase from Romans 14:1—16:27 that stands out to you. This could be something you’re intrigued by, something that makes you uncomfortable, something that puzzles you, something that resonates with you, or just something you want to examine further. Write that here. What strikes you about this verse?
Going Deeper
From the Commentary
It is encouraging to know that our success in the Christian life does not depend on the opinions or attitudes of other Christians. God is the Judge, and He is able to make us stand.
—Be Right, pages 163–64
3. In what ways do Christians base their success on the opinions and attitudes of others? Why is this so tempting? How can we live as Paul admonishes and look only to God for our significance or measure of success?
From the Commentary
Knowledge plus love helps the weak person grow strong.
—Be Right, page 167
4. According to Paul, how do we live out this “knowledge plus love” truth? Underline key truths in Romans 14:1—16:27 that speak to this idea.
From Today’s World
Though the basic tenets of the Christian faith have not changed since the days of the early church, certainly the church itself has changed, marching forward (sometimes a step or two behind) along with our culture. This has prompted plenty of disagreements in the church on everything from the relative amorality of something we take for granted today like radio (people once feared radio because Satan was the “prince of the power of the air”) to the more controversial topics like secular movies or music or even that old standby: dancing.
5. What happens if the church doesn’t keep up with the culture? What are the best ways to assure the church is relevant without becoming worldly? Why do some of these issues of cultural relevancy cause division in the church?
From the Commentary
There are certain truths that all Christians must accept because they are the foundation for the faith. But areas of honest disagreement must not be made a test of fellowship. If you have a sincere conviction from God about a matter, keep it to yourself and do not try to force everybody else to accept it.
—Be Right, page 169
6. Make a list of some of these truths “all Christians must accept.” How does this list compare with what your church teaches? What are some of the things that tend to divide people in your church? Now list a few convictions that aren’t in that “all Christians must accept” list. How do Christians live out these convictions without causing division?
More to Consider: Respond to this quote from Wiersbe: “A person’s spiritual maturity is revealed by his discernment.”
From the Commentary
Disunity and disagreement do not glorify God; they rob Him of glory. Abraham’s words to Lot are applicable to today: “Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee … for we be brethren” (Gen. 13:8).
—Be Right, page 171
7. Read Romans 15:1–7 again. Circle any reference to “others” in this passage. What is the main theme of these verses? How can unity positively impact the body of Christ? How can we develop unity without losing the uniqueness and individuality we’ve been given by God?
From the Commentary
The supreme example of ministry must always be Jesus Christ. “But I am among you as he that serveth” (Luke 22:27). He came first of all to minister to the Jews, that through Israel He might be able to minister to the Gentiles. “To the Jew first” is a principle that was followed in the earthly ministry of Christ and in the early ministry of the church.
—Be Right, page 175
8. What does Romans 15:7–8 tell us about how we’re to minister to others? Paul writes about how we’re to be like Christ, but then describes some ways he does this himself in his own ministry to the Jews. Circle those places in Romans 15:14–22 where Paul tells how Christ has shown him how to minister.
From the Commentary
The Holy Spirit empowered Paul to minister, and enabled him to perform mighty signs and wonders. The miracles God gave Paul to do were “signs” in that they came from God and revealed Him to others. And they were “wonders” in that they aroused the wonder of the people. But their purpose was always to open the way for the preaching of the gospel.
—Be Right, pages 178–79
9. Why do you think there are fewer “signs and wonders” in today’s church? What is a good test of whether or not a sign or wonder is truly something from God? What are other ways we are to open the way for the preaching of the gospel?
From the Commentary
In [Romans 16] Paul greeted at least twenty-six people by name, as well as two unnamed saints, and he also greeted several churches that were meeting in homes. He closed with greetings from nine believers who were with him in Corinth when he wrote the letter.
—Be Right, page 181
10. What is the significance of all of these greetings at the end of Paul’s letter? What sort of greeting might Paul have given people in your church had he spent time there? In what ways can you seek to enlarge your own personal network of Christ-followers?
Looking Inward
Take a moment to reflect on all that you’ve explored thus far in this study of Romans 14:1—16:27. Review your notes and answers and think about how each of these things matters in your life today.
Tips for Small Groups: To get the most out of this section, form pairs or trios and have group members take turns answering these questions. Be honest and as open as you can in this discussion, but most of all, be encouraging and supportive of others. Be sensitive to those who are going through particularly difficult times and don’t press for people to speak if they’re uncomfortable doing so.
11. Have you ever been involved in a disagreement or division in your church? If so, what was the cause of the problem? How did you respond to it? What did you learn in that situation that can help you avoid division or disagreements in the future?
12. What are some of the personal convictions about faith that could potentially cause division among others in your church or faith community? How well are you doing at keeping these convictions from causing division? How do you respond when others speak their minds about issues you think are not universal truths “all Christians must accept”?
13. What sort of greeting might Paul have given you had he spent time with you in the past year? What sort of greeting would you want him to offer? What changes can you make today to become the type of person who might receive such a greeting in the future?
Going Forward
14. Think of one or two things that you have learned that you’d like to work on in the coming week. Remember that this is all about quality, not quantity. It’s better to work on one specific area of life and do it well than to work on many and do poorly (or to be so overwhelmed that you simply don’t try).
Do you need to avoid holding tight to issues that cause division? Do you need to learn how to build unity? Be specific. Go back through Romans 14:1—16:27 and put a star next to the phrase or verse that is most encouraging to you. Consider memorizing this verse.
Real-Life Application Ideas: As a way to celebrate the many people in your church who have made a positive difference in your life and the lives of others, write a “greetings and commendations” letter like the one Paul uses to close Romans. Make a point to talk to each of these people in the coming week.
Seeking Help
15. Write a prayer below (or simply pray one in silence), inviting God to work on your mind and heart in those areas you’ve previously noted. Be honest about your desires and fears.
Notes for Small Groups:
• Look for ways to put into practice the things you wrote in the “Going Forward” section in this lesson. Talk with other group members about your ideas and commit to being accountable to one another.
• During the coming week, ask the Holy Spirit to continue to reveal truth to you from what you’ve read and studied.