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Romans 14:1-6 Not hindering the way of a brother

Good morning brothers and sisters,

During sermon yesterday I mentioned Martin Luther's approach to prayer in the letter to Master Peter.  I still have much to learn, but hope that we can learn and grow together.

In the Beloved

Jeff 

Using Luther's "wreath of four strands" from A Simple way to Pray Instruction, thanksgiving, confession, petition.  Goal is a heart warmed and inclined to prayer.

Instruction - textbook - what do these 4 verses teach me about what God expects of me?

Not to pass judgment on one another any longer by deciding not to hinder the way of a brother.  Paul gives an example of food.  I think of "pass judgment" as a mental or verbal activity, but "not hindering" is a physical activity.  What I think or say about a brother or sister will show up in the way I treat them.  God is extremely interested in how we live with each other.

Note of reminder - Faith and practice.  Paul develops theological argument and then the practical.  Focusing exclusively on one or the other is wrong.  Only those who have been justified by faith can be expected to live this way.  Faith and practice must go together.

Thanksgiving - hymnbook - The sustainer of the cosmos cares about relationships between individuals.  There are no insignificant people in the household of faith.

Confession - confessional. - denying the link between thoughts and actions within the life of the members of the body.  Help me to see where I have hindered the path of a brother or sister.  Change my heart.

Petition - prayer book -  Establish the link between sound doctrine and godly living in the body at Salem.

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