An Exposition

1. An Exposition The Epistle to the Romans “Understanding Community II” Romans 13:8 5-18-08

2. Avoiding UnChristian Preaching By David Kinnaman • Being a Christian in America is harder than ever. • People are expressing more hostility, doubt, frustration and skepticism toward Christianity - and this is particularly true among young people. Their perceptions of Christians are filled with images of judgmentalism, hypocritical lifestyles and political activism. They also believe Christians have singled out homosexuality above all other sins. They conclude that Christianity is old-fashioned, boring and unintelligent, and that Christians are insincere and too focused on getting converts. The followers of the Prince of Peace are thought to be unable to live peaceably among others. • These may sound like harsh statements, but they spring from extensive research we have done with Americans ages 16 to 29. Whatever your impressions, these negative views are front and center in the minds of young people in our culture. In just a decade, the perception of evangelicals has become eight times less favorable among young non-Christians when compared to the image held by Boomer non-Christians. • In fact, one of the most common reactions that young people have about the faith is that present-day Christianity is no longer like Jesus intended . This is where we initially came upon the term "unChristian." In our research with young people, they kept saying things like, "Christians go about things in an unChristian manner."

3. Yet, the question that nagged at us for several years was this: what if they are reacting - not to our righteous lifestyles - but to our self-righteousness? What if we are not actually following Christ in the way we should? Would that change the balance of culpability? Of course it would. • As we wrestled with this, new passages of Scripture started to become vivid reminders that, while we may be misunderstood, Christians do not get a free pass to offend their neighbors. We began to meditate on verses like Romans 2:24 - "the world blasphemes the name of God" because of hypocritical faith. And Colossians 4:5-6 - "live wisely among those who are not Christians," with "gracious and effective" conversation.

4. A Call to Community Romans 14:7-8 (NIV) 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 tothe Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Romans 14:7 (NASB) For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself;

5. Obedience Demands Self Discipline Romans 14:9-11 (NIV) For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. [10] You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat. [11] It is written: " 'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.' "

6. Respect • Def: to show deferential regard for or esteem, to avoid violation or interference, willingness to show appreciation or consideration. • Deference: submission or courteous yielding to the opinion or wishes of another.

7. Christianity was born in Judaism Dr. Marvin Wilson writes, "Foundational to all theory on the biblical concept of the family is the Jewish teaching that the home is more important than the synagogue. In Jewish tradition, the center of religious life has always been the home. The Church has yet to grapple seriously with this crucial concept" (Our Father Abraham, p. 216, The Influence Of The Home and The Synagogue On Early Church Structureby Brian Knowles http://www.godward.org/archives/Special%20Articles/influence_home_synagogue.htm

8. Unity through Mutual Concern Romans 14:13-15 (NIV) Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. [14] As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that no food is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean. [15] If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died.

9. Specifically Pleasing to God Romans 14:16-18 (NIV) Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil. [17] For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, [18] because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.

10. Centering Life on God & Other Romans 14:19-21 (NIV) Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. [20] Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. [21] It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall.

11. Who do You Represent? • Hmmmmmm What about destroying the work of God for: 1. Self will that consistently over rides the welfare of community? 2. What about making a vow, giving your word, making an agreement that you willingly choose not to keep? 3. What about making excuses to please one’s self and fulfill one’s pleasure to the detriment of community? 4. What about persisting on what you prefer, or are comfortable with, even though it distresses others and betray your calling?

12. Do You have a Conscience? Romans 14:22-23 (NIV) So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves. [23] But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin. • Hendricksen—”that is whatever thought, word, action, etc. does not spring from inner conviction that it is in harmony with a person’s faith in God; or , stating it differently, whatever action is contradicted by one’s Christian conscience, is sin.”

13. Excused Mis-Deeds Romans 2:19-24 (NIV) If you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, [20] an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth-- [21] you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? [22] You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? [23] You who brag about the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? [24] As it is written: "God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you."

14. A Community Should: • Live out what it espouses. • Consist of individuals who genuinely care about one another. • Encourage self sacrifice for the benefit of others. • Be filled with individuals who are willing to sacrifice their lives for the cause of Christ and the greater glory of God. • Be about the work of Christ in the community in which they have committed themselves, first and foremost. • Address it’s issues to resolution ensuring it’s progress and advancement. • Protect it’s members and safeguard their welfare.