Weak in the Faith (2)
A Sermon on Romans 14:1-4
Scripture
1Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 2For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. 3Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge …
Sermon Description
Within the family of God are those who are strong in their understanding of the Christian faith and those who are weak in their understanding of the faith. The church is made up of some who are more mature and some who are less mature. This diversity within the body of Christ can lead to problems as matters of opinion arise. While the world might say getting one’s way or winning the argument is the most important goal during a disagreement, the apostle Paul offers a different vision for the church, particularly for the strong in faith. In this sermon on Romans 14:1–4 titled “Weak in Faith (2),” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones instructs how to engage the weak in faith over indifferent, albeit important, matters to the Christian life. The weak in faith are part of the family of God, reminds Dr. Lloyd-Jones, and need to be instructed in their thinking. The way the strong instruct them makes a considerable difference and they must distinguish between a Christian discussion and an uncontrolled argument. A Christian discussion must demonstrate self-controlled dialogue which shows love and patience towards a brother or sister in Christ. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones challenges the contemporary church in family disputes.
Sermon Breakdown
- We have a duty towards all our fellow members in the church. We cannot divorce ourselves from them or be unconcerned about them.
- We are not to receive him to doubtful disputations. This means we are not to sit in judgment on his agitated thoughts and thinking or aggravate his condition.
- We are to receive him cordially and show we are concerned about him. We are to receive him the same way God has received us.
- These indifferent matters are not central or determine if we are Christian.
- These matters are not the grounds on which we admit to church membership.
- We must remember we are all imperfect at our best. We readily condemn in others what we are blind to in ourselves.
- Our knowledge of the faith is never complete. We must go on adding knowledge to our faith.
- We must remember we are members of the same family, the family of God, and help one another.
- The apostle is instructing both the strong and the weak. He is concerned with how we discuss these matters.
- We must follow rules in our discussions: never for the sake of discussion, entertainment, display of self, or in a bad temper.
- We must distinguish between discussion and argument. A discussion presumes a common basis; an argument is to win and prove self right.
- The desire should be to know the truth better and help one another. Discussion has value if rules are followed.
- We must learn the art of teaching. Understand those you teach, don't expect too much of children, be patient, use example, and show loving interest.
The Book of Romans
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.