Happy is not condemning yourself in what you allow

[Kit Sober]

Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth -- Romans 14:22

This is one of those hallmark verses used to condone sin; however that's not what the verse is saying at all.

The wages of sin is death. (Romans 6:23)

If one does drugs, the body, including the mind which is part of the body, will be destroyed. If one commits adultery, pornography, etc. he or she will destroy their marriage and hurt many people. if one eats [too much] sugary foods and generally is out of balance in the food category (gluttony), obesity, diabetes and other bodily malfunctions will occur.

Happy, however, is he who allows what the Bible says to allow, moderation in all things, controlling of the mind and body, remaining true to the Biblical standard of relationships, etc.

A happy person is one who is not a hypocrite but practices what he or she preaches.

Of course, sin is our nature, but Jesus Christ has come that we might have life and have it more abundantly. For me, that means the Holy Spirit, the Comforter He left us, will help us on our way to the Father's heart by His gift of life.

And we have examples to follow in the world of men and women who have done so (to greater or lesser degrees) -- Billy and Ruth Graham, Oral Roberts, etc. I have known pastors and priests and many ordinary folk who do their utmost to live the Word they know, and they have been examples to me and given inspiration and hope to keep on keeping on in this way of holiness, which is really real. Some of these inspirational people are those I have met at the Greasespot Cafe, with many thanks.

[Steve Lortz]

"Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth." Romans 14:22b

Something didn't sit right with me when I first heard Wierwille teach on that verse in PFAL. How did it go? The problem is not with sinning itself, but with sin-consciousness, since sin-consciousness puts us out of fellowship with God? But the tape kept rolling, and I let it slide.

But now it is so easy to see how wrong Wierwille's interpretation was. The man is NOT happy because he can do anything he wants without regard to whether it is sinful... he's happy because he doesn't allow himself to do things that might bring him into condemnation.

Thus, once more, we find Wierwille turning the Word of God on its head and raping it.

Love,

Steve

[geisha779]

"Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth." Romans 14:22b

Something didn't sit right with me when I first heard Wierwille teach on that verse in PFAL. How did it go? The problem is not with sinning itself, but with sin-consciousness, since sin-consciousness puts us out of fellowship with God? But the tape kept rolling, and I let it slide.

But now it is so easy to see how wrong Wierwille's interpretation was. The man is NOT happy because he can do anything he wants without regard to whether it is sinful... he's happy because he doesn't allow himself to do things that might bring him into condemnation.

Thus, once more, we find Wierwille turning the Word of God on its head and raping it.

Love,

Steve

That verse is in the context of liberty and not doing the things we can do because it might cause another weaker brother to stumble. . . we can tend to set arbitrary standards for ourselves and others where there is no clear answer to what is prohibited. An example might be drinking.....there are some Christians I will not drink a glass of wine around....not because it is wrong to have a glass of wine....but because my wine drinking can become the topic of judgment.....or conversation or confusion for them. I give up that liberty for them. As I should, because I am to love them.

VP was correct that the problem is sin consciousness, but, not for those who do things in faith.....but for those who don't understand or have set a standard for themselves and others that they shouldn't set. What we can't do....is set arbitrary standards for things that are clearly prohibited. Just like VP did. Things like adultery, being drunk, lust, greed, and so on.

And to add.....there are some Christians I don't drink with, not because they would be offended, but because they don't stop at one bottle of Merlot, but can put away a few on their own. :)

Hope that makes sense.

Edited March 9, 2012 by geisha779

[Twinky]

RSV: "The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God; happy is he who has no reason to judge himself for what he approves."

That includes eating and drinking in a way that doesn't cause offence to others - over-indulging in wine, not drinking any wine at all; eating whatever is put in front of you, not eating any meat ...

The context is self-control - not self-indulgence. And definitely not using grace as a license to sin.

Think before doing whatever you do.

Is it a Godly way to live?

Is it the best you can do, right now?

If yes, don't condemn yourself if you don't do it right or perfectly.

Is it going to cause confusion or difficulties for someone else, if you can't explain to them?

If yes, don't do it then. Live care-fully.