ROMANS 8:1 TELLS OF NO CONDEMNATION, BUT WARNS OF SELF CONDEMNATION -14:22

1. Salvation in Jesus Christ frees us from the Condemnation of God - 8:1, and we stand justified
2. But we are told that it is not good for us to condemn others by what we do - 14:21
3. And that "happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth" 14:22

For if we are active in doubtful areas- our own doubts will cause us unhappiness- 14:23

I.- THE FREEDOM OF THE CHRISTIAN Rom 14:17-19

The principle of personal freedom is declared in the scripture- given by God- & is eternal

A.- THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NOT PHYSICAL, TO THE LETTER OF THE LAW; BUT SPIRITUAL- LIFE GIVING

1. The entrance into the Kingdom is by faith, being born again, receiving new nature- not works
2. The Apostles settled the principle of freedom for the Christian- Acts 15:28,29 not ritual
3. Paul declares the theoretical principle of freedom- Rom 14:14-, Phil 4:13, I Tim 4:1-5

B.- THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS APPROVED OF MEN (V.18) AS WELL AS ACCEPTABLE TO GOD "Life, Liberty, pursuit  of happiness"

1. The principle of the Kingdom is freedom to "righteousness, and peace, and joy"
2. In Christ a person possesses these by faith (standing), & pursues by faith (State)
3. The Christian who does not pursue these, simply does not have happiness- Matt 6:33 -Seek 1st.

C.- THE CHRISTIAN IS TO FOLLOW AFTER THE THINGS WHICH MAKE FOR PEACE AND EDIFY ONE ANOTHER. :19

1. What is lacking that people today try to force others, and do not seek righteousness for self
2. Preachers become tormentors instead of peacemakers- & you go condemning instead of seeking
3. Christians eat each other- instead of edifying each other- each accusing other- children.

We are responsible to keep self right- not forever getting offended at others!

II.- THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CHRISTIAN Rom 14:20-21

We are free to choose right, and peace can be gained only by our carrying our responsibility

A.- A CHRISTIAN CAN GIVE OFFENSE BY A HARMLESS ACT, AND SO MUST JUDGE SELF AND CHOOSE NOT TO!

1. This meat Paul is speaking of was offered to idols- Cf. I Cor 8:1-13 If you love God-is known
2. There are many things that a Christian can do that will not really hurt themselves-but
3. No person who loves God would enjoy a freedom if it hurts another- Do it for fun- it's not fun -frustration?

B.- JUDGE NOT THE OTHER PERSON, BUT YOURSELF - IS YOUR QUESTIONABLE FUN WORTH IT?

1. Meat does not hurt, Wine-(purifier of water), Herbs v.2, Which day 5,6, -none forbidden by God
2. The temperate, kind, sincere man will not be hurt by any- but what of those who follow him?
3. Debatable-Sunday shopping & recreation, Pork, Sugar, Fashions, Some things are not debatable- Smoking, Dancing, Drinking- but be kind-

C.- THE RESPONSIBILITY TO GOVERN YOURSELF AND NOT BE CONDEMNED BY CONSCIENCE IS GREAT

1. Your Salvation is free- by faith in Christ- and is not affected by these-
2. But the salvation of others is by works- (yours)- and others are affected by what you allow.
3. Check your attitude carefully- then check your actions- seek Christlikeness in both!

A Christian has no right to skip along brink of hell, where followers will fall in!

III.- THE CONSECRATION OF A CHRISTIAN

"Whatsoever is not of faith is sin" and a Christian cannot be happy in any depth of sin!

A.- DO NOT ALLOW ANYBODY'S FREEDOM TO BE TAKEN FROM THEM, YOURS AS WELL AS OTHERS'

1. There are busybodies commanding to abstain from meat, marriage, and even enjoyment of life-
2. If you try to be guided by everybody's conscience- you will really be confused-
3. Get on your sweetest smile, and serve Christ no matter how much criticism comes your way.

B.- KEEP YOUR FREEDOM TO CHOOSE TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT, AND KEEP AN AGGRESSIVE WITNESS FOR CHRIST

1. Every misdeed we allow in our own lives takes time and energy from our witness and work
2. The best defense is a good offense- and if you are witnessing, and trying to win souls, you will find out what is doubtful.
3. If you are not witnessing, and soulwinning- you are stopped by your own inactivity-

C.-WHAT CAN YOU DO TO KEEP FROM CONDEMNING YOURSELF IN WHAT YOU ALLOW IN YOUR OWN LIFE?

1. Seek the leadership of the Holy Spirit- He will guide you faithfully-1 John 2:27
2. Seek the leadership of your own heart- not the old nature, but the new one- I John 3:20, 21
3. Be willing to bear the infirmities of the week, not to please self, but Christ-Rom 15:1

GOD WANTS OUR LIVES TO BE FULL - LOTS OF JOY, ADVENTURE, HAPPINESS -

1. Receive Jesus Christ as your savior, and the Lord will not condemn you-
2. Seek the Kingdom of God in your own heart, striving after Righteousness- & you won't be condemned.
3. If you govern yourself and love others to Jesus- you won't find many others condemning you