Disputable matters in the Bible refer to issues regarding which Christians may hold differing opinions or practices, such as dietary laws or observance of specific days. Romans 14 emphasizes the importance of accepting one another and not judging based on these non-essential issues, highlighting love and unity within the faith community.
Scripture
As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.
2 One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables.
3 Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him.
4 Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
5 One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.
6 The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God.
7 For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself.
8 For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.
9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.
10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God;
11 for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.”
12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.
13 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.
14 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.
15 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.
16 So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil.
17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.
19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
20 Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats.
21 It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.
22 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.
23 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.
Disputable Matters in the Bible
The concept of disputable matters in the Bible primarily centers on the idea that not all issues in the Christian faith are of equal importance. These matters often encompass practices or beliefs that are not explicitly mandated by Scripture, allowing for personal conviction and cultural context to play a role. Romans 14 provides a profound framework for understanding this concept, urging believers to “accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters” (Romans 14:1, NIV). This passage encourages Christians to recognize that diversity in understanding and practice can coexist within the body of Christ while emphasizing the call to love and unity over division.
In addressing issues like dietary restrictions and observance of particular days, Paul underscores that these practices should not become stumbling blocks for others (Romans 14:13). Instead, believers are encouraged to act out of love and consideration for one another’s convictions, suggesting that the overarching principle should be to build one another up rather than to tear down through judgment (Romans 14:19). Through this, the broader teaching is that the Christian community is called to prioritize love, acceptance, and mutual respect, thereby fostering a spirit of harmony despite differing views on non-essential matters. Ultimately, this reflects the core tenets of the Gospel, where unity in Christ is paramount, and where freedom in non-essential practices should be exercised with awareness and sensitivity to the faith of others.
Beyond the immediate context of dietary choices and sacred days, the concept of disputable matters in Scripture has been echoed in other epistles, reflecting a consistent theme throughout the New Testament. For instance, in 1 Corinthians, Paul tackles issues related to the consumption of food offered to idols. He acknowledges that while believers possess knowledge about the inferior nature of these idols, not everyone has reached the same level of understanding. Paul advises the community to remain vigilant in exercising their freedom, ensuring they do not cause their “weaker” brothers to stumble in their faith. This highlights a key principle: that knowledge should be tempered with love and consideration for the consciences of others, thereby reinforcing the notion that unity and respect within the church body should take precedence over individual liberties.
Additionally, the letters to the Colossians and Galatians introduce other aspects of disputable matters, particularly concerning observance of the Law and certain religious rituals. Paul cautions against being drawn into legalism or allowing the imposition of human traditions to obscure the true essence of freedom found in Christ. He stresses that while certain behaviors may be permissible, they should not distract from the core message of the Gospel—salvation through faith rather than by works. In these contexts, the Apostle encourages believers to focus on the essentials of faith, urging them to love one another and prioritize spiritual growth over contentious debates. This continued emphasis on charity, understanding, and open dialogue speaks volumes about how early Christians understood their varied practices and beliefs as they navigated their faith amidst diverse cultural backgrounds. It reminds modern believers that while disputes may arise about lesser matters, they are called to navigate these differences with grace and humility, always prioritizing love and the call to unity in Christ.
The Importance of Unity in Diversity
Disputable matters in the Bible highlight the significance of maintaining unity within the Christian community despite differing opinions on non-essential issues. These matters often pertain to personal convictions, cultural practices, or interpretations of scripture that do not affect the core tenets of faith. Emphasizing love and acceptance allows believers to coexist harmoniously, fostering an environment where diverse perspectives can be shared without causing division.
The Role of Personal Conscience
Another broader meaning of disputable matters is the emphasis on individual conscience and personal conviction. The Bible encourages believers to seek guidance from their own understanding and relationship with God when navigating these issues. This underscores the idea that faith is a personal journey, and what may be acceptable for one person might not be for another. Respecting each other’s convictions promotes spiritual growth and accountability within the community.
The Call to Mutual Edification
Disputable matters also serve as a reminder of the call to mutual edification among believers. Engaging in discussions about differing views can lead to deeper understanding and stronger relationships within the church. Rather than focusing on winning arguments or proving points, believers are encouraged to build each other up in love, fostering an atmosphere of grace and support. This approach not only strengthens individual faith but also enhances the collective witness of the church to the world.
How to Embrace Grace and Unity as a Christian
Embracing grace and unity as a Christian is a transformative journey that begins with recognizing the unmerited love God has for each of us, despite our flaws and failures. It’s essential to remember that grace is not just a gift we receive but also a call to extend that same grace to others, fostering an environment of forgiveness and understanding. When we actively seek to unite with our fellow believers—celebrating our shared faith while respecting our differences—we reflect the heart of Christ, who prayed for our unity in John 17:21. Start by engaging in open conversations, listening with empathy, and serving alongside others in your community. As you cultivate relationships rooted in grace, you’ll find that unity flourishes, creating a powerful witness to the world of God’s love and mercy. Remember, it’s not about being perfect but about being willing to grow together in faith, love, and grace.
Bible References to Disputable Matters:
1 Corinthians 8:1-13: 1 Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up.
2 If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know.
3 But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.
4 Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “an idol has no real existence,” and that “there is no God but one.”
5 For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”—
6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.
7 However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled.
8 Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do.
9 But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.
10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols?
11 And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died.
12 Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ.
13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.
1 Corinthians 10:23-33: 23 “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up.
24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.
25 Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience.
26 for “the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.”
27 If one of the unbelievers invites you to dinner and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience.
28 But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience—
29 I do not mean your conscience, but his. For why should my liberty be determined by someone else’s conscience?
30 If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks?
31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
32 Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God,
33 just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.
Colossians 2:16-23: 16 Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath.
17 These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.
18 Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind,
19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.
20 If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations—
21 “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch”
22 (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings?
23 These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.
Romans 15:1-7: 1 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.”
4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus,
6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 9:19-23: 19 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.
20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law.
21 To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law.
22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.
23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.
Galatians 5:13-15: 13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.
1 Timothy 4:1-5: 1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons.
2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared,
3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,
5 For it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.
Titus 1:10-16: 10 For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party.
11 They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach.
12 One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”
13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,
14 not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth.
15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled.
16 They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.
James 4:11-12: 11 Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.
12 There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.