READ ROMANS 14:12-19
Have someone read the text aloud slowly to the House Church. Have a quiet moment for a minute after reading the passage so people can take time to reflect.

MAIN IDEA
The freedom that we have in Christ does not mean we can do whatever we want. Instead may we use our Christian freedom to please God and build up the church.

SUMMARY OF THE SERMON

• ACCOUNTABILITY BEFORE GOD (v. 10-12)

  • Christian freedom does not mean that we are free from accountability.

  • God is the ultimate Judge, and every believer will stand before Him to give an account of their own life.

  • We must not judge or look down on fellow believers over disputable matters where Scripture allows room for different convictions.

  • We can become so focused on the mistakes of others that we overlook examining our own lives.
    
    

• CONSIDERATION FOR OTHERS (v. 13-15)

  • Instead of judging one another, we should make every effort not to become a stumbling block to another believer.

  • Although something may not be inherently sinful, not everything is beneficial.

  • Sometimes if we carelessly exercise our freedom, it can cause another brother or sister to stumble in their spiritual well-being or pressure them to violate their conscience and convictions.

  • Christ died for our fellow brothers and sisters, therefore we ought to value their spiritual well-being more than insisting on our own rights.

  • Christian maturity and growth means willingly setting aside and restraining our freedom to protect and encourage other believers.
    
    

• PURSUIT OF PEACE AND EDIFICIATION (v. 16-21)

  • With our freedom, we pursue righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

  • Freedom is not the end objective, it is the opportunity to live with a purpose which is to please God and build up the body of Christ, the church.

  • Not every preference must be accommodated, but we should exercise our freedom with love and discernment for the genuine spiritual good of others.

  • Instead of asking “Am I permitted/allowed to do this?” - We should ask:

    • Does this please the Lord?

    • Does this provide encouragement to others?

DISCUSSION QUESTION
What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “stumbling block”? How can we exercise our Christian freedom while being mindful of how our choices may affect the spiritual well-being of others?