In the “Let’s Be Clear” series, we are teaching what the Bible clearly says on controversial topics regarding the Church today. The big idea for this series is this: Clarity is the answer to confusion.
In the Bible, we see that Jesus Christ Himself was not clever or coy. He was unambiguous about His identity and mission. Week eight unveiled the big idea that Unity in Christ is more important than uniformity of opinion.
Sermon Recap: Embracing Unity Amid Diversity
This week we delved into Romans 14:1-10:
“As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. 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.”
It’d be easy for us to look at the big idea this week and resound with an emphatic “amen.” Especially if we’re surrounded by people that share the same opinions. However, at Mercy Hill, our church is full of people with differing viewpoints on a wide array of subject matters. Beyond our church walls, we are immersed in a culture marked by division. The question arises: Can we disagree without dividing? What holds greater significance for us – His praise or our political affiliations?
In Romans 14, Paul emphasizes unity over uniformity, particularly in nonessential matters where believers may differ in opinion. Christians are not clones. We are not meant to be identical replicas; disagreements will naturally arise on cultural, political, and even theological fronts. The crucial point, however, is to avoid division and undermining the mission due to these differences.
While there are clear-cut, non-negotiable beliefs in our church – such as the creation by God, the unique design of men and women, Jesus as the Son of God, our service to a Trinitarian God, and the imminent return of Jesus – there exist nonessential matters where differing opinions are okay. For a more in-depth exploration of our foundational beliefs, click here to read the Baptist Faith and Message 2000.
Revisiting Romans 14:5, where Paul states, “Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind,” we find a call for personal conviction without imposing one’s viewpoint on others. This, as Pastor JD Greear aptly puts it, signifies spiritual maturity: “Spiritual maturity is not just developing strong convictions; it is learning to show restraint in the weight you give those convictions.” Whether Calvinist or Arminian, Republican or Democrat, pro-tattoo or against – can we worship together with those standing on the opposite side?
What I want you to see today is that our unity comes from our place in God’s service. Our opinions on nonessential matters should never overshadow our unity with fellow believers. Every believer is a servant of the Lord, accountable to Him. As Michael Bird eloquently puts it, “If God has justified them, they cannot condemn each other. If God has raised them up, they cannot put each other down. If they belong to the Lord, they belong to each other. If everyone calls him Lord, they must call each other brothers and sisters. If God has accepted them, they must accept each other.”
Application: Maintain Unity in the Church by Not Demanding Uniformity of Opinion
God roots our unity in the gospel, not in political affiliations, racial identity, or wealth class. In our sin, we deserved separation from God, but God, being rich in mercy, sent Jesus to die on the cross for us. Through faith in Him, we are reborn into His family and placed in His service. Our unity isn’t built on who is right, it’s built on who we serve!
Here are a few practical ways to maintain unity without uniformity:
1. Speak in a way that honors each other even when you don’t agree.
2. Watch out for how consuming your opinions are.
3. Practice unity in group.
When disagreements arise with fellow believers, let us remember that Jesus Christ shed His blood for that person, and just like us, they have a God-given mission! Let’s strive for unity in the Church on mission together as we collectively shine light into a dark and lost world!
-Andrew Hopper (Lead Pastor)
Watch the full sermon from week eight here!
Additional Resources:
“The Beauty of ‘Gospel Awkward'” by Trevin Wax
Conflict: A Redemptive Opportunity by Timothy S. Lane
Christ-Centered Conflict Resolution: A Guide for Turbulent Times by Tony Merida
The Mark of the Christian by Francis A. Schaeffer
