'Friendly fire' in the Church.
1. Disputable matters. There are central truths that define the Christian faith that we must all believe. (eg, Jesus, death, faith). There are secondary things (don't affect our standing before God), and lots of opinions about those secondary things. Paul gives 3 examples: (a) v2 Food (most meat were sacrificed to false gods). (b) special days. (v5) (c) wine (v21). Paul is clear (v14) all is OK - they are a matter of conscience. (v6). Salvation is not at stake. Perhaps today the list would be different, but equally disputed.
2. We don't have to agree on everything. v1-3. We sometimes set up rules for our own self-protection, but we must not insist that everyone must likewise conform to our rules. V19-21 - do what leads to peace and edification. Do not exercise our 'right' to be 'free'. The world's message is about 'me', the kingdom of God is about 'you' (v17).
3. When you disagree. (a) Inform your conscience (v5) - explore what the Bible says. (b) Be fully convinced (v5). (c) Keep it between you and God (v22). Don't make it a big thing. (d) Accept the other (v1, v3,4). (e) Consider the other - be sensitive to their feelings (v19) (f) In our discussion, check our motives.
