Living the Gospel Freely -- Acceptable to God, Approved by Men

I. Identification of freedom problems.
     A. Groups
          1. The strong
          2. The weak
     B. Attitudes
          1. Contempt
          2. Judgmental

II. Instruction of freedom lessons.
     A. Stronger ought to accept the weaker – v. 1
     B. Realize God accepts both – v. 3
     C. All believers have the same Head – v. 4,8,9
     D. Be fully convinced in your mind – v. 5b
     E. We are inter-related in the Body – v. 7
     F. We are all accountable to God – v. 10-12
     G. Keep the proper focus – v. 17-19
     H. Make the proper choices – v. 20
     I. Remember our obligation – 15:1,2

III. Illustrations of freedom Grace.
     A. Jesus, our example – 15:3
     B. Unity of the Body – 15:5-7
     C. Teaching of the Word – 15:4, 8-12
     D. Power of the Spirit – 15:13

Next Steps:

• Think clearly and biblically about what is disputable!
• Make God and His kingdom priority over liberty!
• Keep Romans 15:5,6 the ultimate objective!

10 Biblical Questions to Ask & Answer!!!

• Expedience – will it be spiritually profitable? 1 Corinthians 6:12

• Edification – will it build me up? 1 Corinthians 10:23

• Excess – will it slow me down in the race? Hebrews 12:1

• Enslavement – will it bring me into bondage? 1 Corinthians 6:12

• Excuse – will it hypocritically cover my sin? 1 Peter 2:16

• Encroachment – will it violate my conscience? Romans 14:22,23

• Example – will it help others learn of Christ? Romans 14:14,15

• Evangelism – will it point others to Christ? Romans 14:16-18

• Emulation – would it be Christlike? 1 John 2:6

• Exaltation – will it glorify God? 1 Corinthians 10:31