In Paul’s letter to the Romans and his first letter to the Corinthian church, he spends a significant amount of time addressing what he calls disputable matters—those behaviors and choices that aren’t clearly spelled out in Scripture.  For many lead pastors, this arena demands much of their attention and energy. In today’s episode, we’ll unpack three key questions to ask—and answer—when it comes to navigating disputable matters.

Examples of “disputable matters.”

1. Food and Drink – Romans 14:2–3, 20–21
2. Special Days and Holidays – Romans 14:5–6
3. Personal Convictions and Conscience – Romans 14:22–23

Three Questions to Help:

• The upward test – Does God’s Word clearly speak to the matter?
  • Where God’s word is clear, we are clear. Where it’s unclear, we work out our response between us and God.
• The inward test – Is there a sense of conviction inside you concerning the matter?
  • 1 Corinthians 10:23: “Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is beneficial.” Ask: “Is this beneficial or constructive for me/you?”
  • 1 Corinthians 6:12: ” All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.” “Is this mastering me?”
• The outward test: Will this have a negative effect on the people God’s sent me to serve?
  •  Am I acting in love?
  • Romans 14:15: “if your brother is distressed . . . you are no longer acting in love.”

Takeaways:

1. Don’t judge other believers over secondary issues.
2. Follow your conscience before God – just ensure your conscience isn’t seared.
3. Act in love, not just freedom.
4. Unity matters more than being “right.”

“The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17)