Weak in the Faith, Part 2
A Sermon on Romans 14:1-4
Originally preached Oct. 13, 1967
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.
Sermon Q&A
Questions and Answers about Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' Sermon on Romans 14:1-4
What is the main focus of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' sermon on Romans 14:1-4?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones focuses on how Christians should handle matters that are "indifferent" in the faith—things that are neither explicitly commanded nor prohibited in Scripture. The sermon emphasizes how believers should relate to one another when they hold different views on non-essential matters, particularly addressing the relationship between those who are "weak in the faith" (less mature in understanding) and those who are "strong in the faith" (more mature in understanding).
What does Lloyd-Jones mean by "things indifferent" in the Christian life?
According to Lloyd-Jones, "things indifferent" are matters "which are not definitely prohibited in the New Testament." He explains: "If a thing is prohibited, well, there's no need to discuss it. There is no argument or disputation. If it's prohibited, it is prohibited. If it is commanded, it is commanded. But there are things concerning which we haven't got a clear commandment." These are non-essential matters that are not directly tied to salvation but can often cause division and trouble in churches.
How does Lloyd-Jones explain the difference between being "weak in the faith" versus "strong in the faith"?
Lloyd-Jones carefully explains that this is not about having strong or weak faith in terms of trust in God, but rather about one's understanding of Christian doctrine and its implications. He clarifies: "What he's dealing with is the strength of our understanding of the faith, which is a very different thing. It is the faith, not faith." Those who are "weak in the faith" have less mature understanding about the implications and applications of Christian doctrine, while those who are "strong" have a clearer, more developed understanding.
What is meant by "not to doubtful disputations" in Romans 14:1?
Lloyd-Jones explains that this phrase refers to not receiving the weaker brother for the purpose of judging his thoughts or sitting in judgment upon his opinions. The stronger brother should not aggravate the condition of the weaker brother by constantly raising issues that agitate them, ridiculing them, or trying to force their opinions upon them. He states: "You mustn't sit in judgment on them, and you mustn't foist your opinions upon them." The emphasis is on the manner in which discussions are conducted.
What principle does Lloyd-Jones suggest for why we should receive those who differ from us?
The preacher points to verse 3 where Paul says, "For God hath received him." Lloyd-Jones explains: "We are to receive this weaker brother in exactly the same way as God has already received him, and we have received him. We have been received by God also." The basis for our acceptance of one another is that God has already accepted us in Christ. This elevates the matter to a spiritual level—we should welcome one another because we are all part of God's family.
According to Lloyd-Jones, what are some principles for handling discussions about "indifferent matters"?
Lloyd-Jones provides several principles for discussions: 1. Never have a discussion merely for its own sake 2. Never discuss for entertainment or pleasure 3. Never enter a discussion to display yourself or your knowledge 4. Never discuss matters in a bad-tempered or uncontrolled manner 5. Understand the difference between a discussion and an argument 6. Always aim to know the truth better and help one another
What does Lloyd-Jones say is the essence of the art of teaching in these matters?
The essence of teaching according to Lloyd-Jones involves: 1. Realizing the position of those being taught and assessing their level of understanding 2. Not expecting too much from spiritual "children" or "babes" in Christ 3. Exercising patience, being ready to answer questions and repeat explanations 4. Demonstrating by example rather than just stating opinions 5. Showing and manifesting a loving interest in those being taught
How does Lloyd-Jones illustrate the dangers of handling disputable matters poorly?
Lloyd-Jones provides several illustrations, including young pastors who enter churches and try to change practices too quickly without understanding the people, and Christian newlyweds who create unnecessary conflict with non-Christian family members over wedding reception details. In both cases, he shows how right motives combined with wrong approaches can cause division rather than growth, emphasizing that patience and understanding are needed rather than dogmatic pronouncements.
What does Lloyd-Jones say about making non-essential matters conditions for church membership?
Lloyd-Jones strongly opposes making "indifferent matters" conditions for church membership. He states: "These matters, whatever else may be true about them, are not central, and they do not determine whether we are Christians or not." He notes that some religious denominations "make these things conditions of church membership" but argues that "the apostle in the first verse has told us that is patently wrong."
What is the ultimate goal in the way Christians handle differences about non-essential matters?
The ultimate goal is unity and growth in understanding. Lloyd-Jones points to Ephesians 4, noting that we need to grow "till we all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God." He explains that while differences of understanding exist now, we should be "pressing on" toward greater knowledge and unity, helping one another grow in love and understanding, rather than causing division over non-essential matters.
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.