If Therefore We Live or Die, We Are the Lord’s

This passage deals with the apostle Paul's letter to the believers of the church in Rome. At that time, Jewish believers who valued the forms and feasts of the Law lived alongside Gentile believers who enjoyed freedom in Christ, and they were in conflict over food and days. Paul urges them not to judge or criticise one another over such minor matters, but to embrace one another, since God has accepted each person.

The sermon emphasises taking care that the church is not divided between form and truth, weakness and maturity. It points out that even those who are strong in faith need the sacrifice and patience to limit their own freedom so as not to cause a weaker brother to stumble. It also warns how dangerous it is to quarrel in the church over political debates or matters of form unrelated to the gospel, and makes clear that God's Kingdom is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

On the day when we all stand before God's judgment seat, how will we excuse ourselves for having criticised and despised our brothers? The sermon closes by posing this question today: can we, who have become Christ's, live lives of patience and embrace rather than judging one another?