Day 16
Today’s reading: Romans 13:8-14:23
Convictions
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Convictions 〰️
Reflections
Over time, various cultural traditions have seeped into the church and treated as doctrines. In reality, many of these traditions—or the absence of them—have no bearing on our salvation. Today, there are debates within the church over issues like “tattoos or no tattoos?” and “alcohol or no alcohol?” Like Paul, I won’t attempt to answer these questions definitively. However, the core message here is this: Whatever you choose to do, as long as it is not in direct violation of God’s Word, do it with faith, conviction, and as an act of worship to the Lord.
A key question to ask ourselves is, “Does this honor and please God?” Our ultimate purpose is to glorify Him in all we do. There is something deeply significant about willingly giving up a permissible activity as an act of devotion to God—not because it is sinful, but simply out of love and reverence for Him. Rather than endlessly debating the doctrinal correctness of such choices, what matters is a heart that is fully convinced, unwavering in its convictions, and committed to pleasing God above all else.
The message of Christ is one of free will. Conforming to outward religious practices without genuine conviction leads to hypocrisy, which God detests. Jesus made this abundantly clear in His many rebukes of the Pharisees. True worship is not about rigid adherence to human traditions but about a sincere, personal pursuit of God’s will in every aspect of our lives.
Study Questions
What does it mean to be “weak in faith” according to Romans 14:1? Is this a negative, positive, or neutral condition, and how should stronger believers respond?
The Greek word “krinō” is translated as “judge” in this passage. What does it mean in this context?
What does it mean that “everything that does not come from faith is sin” (Romans 14:23)? How should this principle shape our daily decisions as believers?
What did you learn about God’s nature, His ways and His will from today’s reading?
Highlight
“ 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
