Doubtful Things

The Scripture is quite clear on matters of morality and conduct.  There are many things that we are to DO.  Likewise, there are many things that we are NOT TO DO. But there are some things that are questionable.  We usually call these things DOUBTFUL THINGS.  In these areas, well-meaning and sincere Christians sometimes disagree.   Now I'm not primarily talking about doctrinal disagreements, but rather lifestyle issues.  Paul addresses this problem in two famous passages, Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8.

In 1 Cor 8 Paul addresses one doubtful thing- eating food offered to idols. In Romans 14 he addresses this as well as the observance of special days.  In both cases there were well-meaning Christians at the time who felt strongly that you should not eat food that had been previously used in idol worship.  They felt defiled when they would partake.  They also would be concerned when they saw others eating this so-called contaminated food.  Some would even be emboldened to eat themselves and their conscience would suffer.  A similar thing could happen with regard to observing certain days and their religious significance.

On these issues Paul sketches out several points to consider:

1. Some believers have greater knowledge than others about these things:

Therefore concerning the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that there is no such thing as an idol in the world, and that there is no God but one. For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him. However not all men have this knowledge; but some, being accustomed to the idol until now, eat food as if it were sacrificed to an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. (1 Cor 8:4-7, NASB95)

 

2. We should never be proud if we have greater understanding than others:

Now concerning things sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies. (1 Cor 8:1)

 

3. We should never judge one another for our convictions before God:

The one who eats is not to regard with contempt the one who does not eat, and the one who does not eat is not to judge the one who eats, for God has accepted him. Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. (Ro 14:3-4)

 

4. We should always bear with the weaker Christian and not place a stumbling bock in their way:

Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way. I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. For if because of food your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy with your food him for whom Christ died. (Ro 14:13-15)

 

5. We each should be fully assured in our own mind:

One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind. (Ro 14:5)

 

The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin. (Ro 14:22-23)

 

In 1835, Charles G Finney gave his "Lectures on Revival", challenging his listeners to put away all doubtful things. 

 

"Where a thing may be reasonably suspected as the cause of our falling into sin, it should be put away. It sometimes happens, that we are not fully aware of what the particular thing is, in our habits, which grieves the Spirit of God, and yet have some or much reason to suppose that it is the practice or indulgence of some particular thing. A doubtful thing should never be allowed." (Sermon: Preparation for Revival point #22)

 

In 1904, Evan Roberts, the young man greatly used in the Welsh Revival, would speak of four tenets or keys to walking in revival. These are helpful as we seek personal and corporate revival in our own lives. His simple outline spawned the Great Welsh Revival, where hundreds of thousands came to Christ, and which eventually swept the globe: 

 

• The past must be made clear by sin being confessed to God and every wrong to man put right.
• Every doubtful thing in the life must be put away.
• There must be prompt obedience to the Holy Spirit.
• There must be public confession of Christ.

So why do you suppose these great revivalists saw the need to address doubtful things?  Is it because of the damage these things can do?  Certainly.  When Romans 14:5 warns us that,  "Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind," we must obey.  And sometimes it seems easier to cut corners.  Our conscience may bother us about some habit we have developed, but instead of dealing with it, we rationalize.  "It's not that important, no one would really care, etc."  But we are still not fully assured, and that is the problem. 

 

When Ro 14:22 tells us, "Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves," it's quite revealing.  When dealing in a doubtful area, at first we may conclude that it is ok. Sometime later we condemn ourselves for the choice we have made.  In this way our conscience is hurt by our double mindedness.  The value of a clear conscience can hardly be overstated.  The Apostle Paul repeatedly exhorted his young disciple Timothy in this regard:

 

But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. (1 Tim 1:5)

 

This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight, keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith. (1 Tim1:18-19)

 

Often, the Holy Spirit prompts us to deal with a doubtful thing.  We must learn to listen to His voice and take action immediately.  Don't listen to your heart when it tries to rationalize.  Listen to the Holy Spirit and observe the commands of Scripture.  Put away all doubtful things.  You will find new joy and freedom, and a closer walk with Christ.