07/27/2020
How much time do we spend in the grey area between what is sin, and what is not? When we are in doubt as to whether something is sin or not, how do we approach that thing, or action? Well, this was a trick question because in fact there is no grey area when it comes to sin. If we doubt then we have no faith, and if we have no faith then it is sin to us.
“...For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.”
Romans 14:23 ESV
I used to play football, and I was a fullback, which meant that I did a lot of blocking, but occasionally ran with the ball as well. The interesting thing about playing this position is that it requires absolute confidence while running the ball, and perfect execution when blocking. There is no grey area there. When you are supposed to block a particular man you must do so without fail, and at just the right time, or the play being run is a bust. On the other hand, if you are running with the ball there is a very specific gap that, if all the blockers do their jobs, will open for you. There can be no hesitation because an opening will appear and then close in a second. In this way, you are running towards the backs of several players with no room between them, when suddenly, for a brief instant, the gap appears and you quickly squeeze through. You must have faith that it will appear. If you doubt it for an instant then you are inclined to hesitate, and if you hesitate then the play is a bust, and you are tackled. Our faith is like this; when we are resisting sin we must do so perfectly, or we fail, and so do those who depend on us. If we are advancing God’s work like a ball carrier, and begin to doubt, then our timing is imperfect, and His plan falls apart. In that moment we find that we are not doing His will, and we have slipped into sin.
Our opening scripture was a portion of Romans 14:23, but now let’s read the entire verse...
“But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.”
Romans 14:23 ESV
Paul is talking here about food laws, and is settling a discussion regarding what is acceptable by God, and good for us to eat, as opposed to what is sinful to eat. His conclusion is this... if you have any doubt in your mind then don’t eat it.
At first blush this sounds like he is taking the easy way out, but here is the truth that he is trying to convey. It might be perfectly alright to do something, but if in your heart and mind you remotely feel it could be sinful, then by your faith you are going against God if you do it. The fact remains that it is alright, but by believing you might be committing a sin then your faith has convicted you, and you should not proceed. So, regarding food, Paul says this…
“I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean.”
Romans 14:14 ESV
So... some denominations might feel that simply going to a football game is a sin, but in another it is believed to be perfectly acceptable to God. So which is it when we ask ourselves who is right? Paul gives us this answer... if in your heart you have doubt regarding the righteousness in going to the game, then for you it is a sin. It doesn’t matter that there is no mention in God’s Word of it being a sin, because if you are not convinced of this in your heart, and can’t see it as being alright, then to you it is indeed sin. in this way both are right, but both could be wrong as well...
“Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.”
Romans 14:13 ESV
God’s Word is perfect, so consider this... if it says we are not to lust after another person’s spouse then that is exactly what it means, and there is no denying that, but is it a sin to give that spouse a hug by way of customary greeting when you meet them? Well, there are two issues here. First, if in your heart a simple customary hug feeds your lust, then for you it is a sin. Secondly, if that hug makes your own spouse jealous, then you are placing a stumbling block in their way, and again we realize that by so doing we have caused them to sin... and thus so have you. Sin is a double edged sword and can cut either way as we swing it.
“For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died.”
Romans 14:15 ESV
So is there a grey area of sin here? No, I think not. If our spirit and faith isn’t comfortable then do not challenge God by continuing on in whatever we are doing, but determine what God’s desire is by searching His Word, and praying, lest we sin. And, on the other hand, if once we determine something to be acceptable before God, we find that we are harming the faith of others by doing it, then again do not challenge God by causing His other children to fall into sin according to their faith. Lead them gently through scripture to understand it as you do, or abstain altogether when in their presence, lest we Cause them to sin, and by so doing, sin ourselves. In this way, don’t Attempt to walk in the grey areas of sin, because they do not exist. Walk in the light, and be righteous in all your ways... harming no child of God as you we do so.
“It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.”
Romans 14:21-23 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Holy Word that is perfect, and that teaches us how to walk in your light while avoiding sin. Thank you Father for opening our eyes to the double edged nature of sin, and how our actions can harm the faith of others, even when we are in the right, and how important it is that we all remain without sin together. Help us Lord to realize that when we force our understanding of what is good to eat on another, that we are doing so out of our own pride and vanity, and that unless scripturally unsound and sinful, we are not only harming them in their faith, but ourselves as well. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who comes before all things, and all desires. Great are you in your tolerance as we struggle to understand your Word, and patient are you as you lead us to properly apply that Word to our lives. Praised be your name for your Son Jesus who has conquered sin, and your Holy Spirit that leads us into understanding. We worship you together, but we each understand you at our own pace. Help us Lord as we grow in you, and teach those among us, who know you more completely, not to harm the infant faith of those who are yet to realize what is right and wrong in your sight. Guide our hearts to do only what our spirits, and faith understand without doubt, and in this way keep us in your will always. Merciful are you, and amazing is your grace that saves those of great spiritual stature, just as you save the children in faith alike. Give the giants of faith a gentleness of touch so that the least in your kingdom are not harmed by them, and prepare us all a place at your table forevermore... feeding each by your hand, and according to what they can consume.
“So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.”
2 Timothy 2:22-26 ESV
Rich Forbes