Sin, sinful,

[agedman]

The last part of Romans 14:23 states, “for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.”

How far do you take the meaning of this verse?

For me, it is a command, not a preference. Therefore, any thoughts, actions, motives, emotions, … that do not proceed as an act or expression of faith is sin and sinful.

I view such this way because reliance upon self in any thought, action, strength, … is robbing God of what rightfully is His honor.

The command is also reflected in 1 Corinthians: “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”

This command is not wearisome, but obligatory for: “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.”

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

God isn’t expecting extreme and extraordinary service…. Just reasonable service.

 

[Bible Thumpin n Gun Totin]

I take it as a command to realize that everything you do is only possible because of the blessings of God. I believe these verses are also paired with the numerous verses in the NT regarding a Believer's "Conversation" in the KJV, which is just "lifestyle".

I would say the idea would be "In all things recognize God as sovereign, and merciful, whether it be eating, drinking, relaxing, or working" or perhaps "Keep God in the forefront of your mind".

I think this can be hard for most people in today's lifestyles because of the disconnect between something as simple as our food/drink and our tables. When you're sitting in your kitchen looking out on your garden that has been dry for a week, you can appreciate the magnitude of blessing of a simple raindrop.

I took a gamble planting summer squash in early August, which is far beyond the latest planting date for our elevation. However, the Lord has blessed us with excess rain and hot sun and I have late squash growing now thanks to Providence. The country's entire food system depends on Him.

 

[Dave G]

The last part of Romans 14:23 states, “for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.”

How far do you take the meaning of this verse?

I take it as statement of fact, and that we as believers can often fall into periods where we do not believe Him at His words.

While we sin, we are forgiven...
But if we don't believe Him by faith, then we are sinning and should repent of it.

We are to walk by faith, and not by sight.

 

[Alcott]

The last part of Romans 14:23 states, “for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.”
...
For me, it is a command, not a preference. Therefore, any thoughts, actions, motives, emotions, … that do not proceed as an act or expression of faith is sin and sinful.

How is clipping your toenails an act or expression of faith? Blowing your nose? Swatting a fly? Eating a quart of saurkraut?

If such actions are sinful unless they proceed as an act or expression of faith, we need to know beyond question that they are.

 

[Dave G]

@agedman:

Also, I see that the statement at the end of the chapter ( that whatsoever is not of faith is sin ), is to be taken in context with all that came before it starting at Romans 14:1.

 

[agedman]

How is clipping your toenails an act or expression of faith? Blowing your nose? Swatting a fly? Eating a quart of saurkraut?

If such actions are sinful unless they proceed as an act or expression of faith, we need to know beyond question that they are.

If one is to take this Scripture as liberally as possible then it still leaves nothing done outside of faith is done without sin.

Using one of your examples, be thankful you still have toenails to clip, for “God is faithful even in our unfaithfulness.”

 

[Bible Thumpin n Gun Totin]

How is clipping your toenails an act or expression of faith?

Thanking the Lord that you have toes in which you have nails to clip.

Blowing your nose?

Thanking the Lord you have the breath of life to blow your nose.

Swatting a fly?

Thanking the Lord that you have flies in your house because he has blessed you with food.

Eating a quart of saurkraut?

Thanking the Lord for the rain and soil he blessed the farmer with to grow the cabbage for the Sauerkraut. We do that often here. Some folks have a cabbage plot and they make their own Sauerkraut.

We had 3 inches of water flood my basement the other day, and on that day I drove down to my pasture and the Lord blessed me with a beautiful sunrise. I've not run out of things to thank Him for yet.

In the case of the flooding, I was thankful it wasn't the sewer line that broke

 

[Alcott]

Thanking the Lord that you have toes in which you have nails to clip.

And if someone has no toenails, should be thankful for that?

Thanking the Lord you have the breath of life to blow your nose.

And thank him for all the snot?

Thanking the Lord that you have flies in your house because he has blessed you with food.

Then be thankful for fly swatters and fly paper, or destroy them?

Thanking the Lord for the rain and soil he blessed the farmer with to grow the cabbage for the Sauerkraut.

Don't forget the hogs and their contribution.

 

[tyndale1946]

And if someone has no toenails, should be thankful for that?

And thank him for all the snot?

Then be thankful for fly swatters and fly paper, or destroy them?

Don't forget the hogs and their contribution.

My Dad a godly Christian man long gone to be with the LORD, thanked the LORD every morning for waking up on the right side of the dirt... Before I forget it God bless the farmers and the harvesters too... Brother Glen

 

[Bible Thumpin n Gun Totin]

And if someone has no toenails, should be thankful for that?

Yes indeed, and if they have no toes they should be thankful. If they have no feet they should be thankful. Every living person should be thankful to the uttermost.

If they are alive in any fashion at all they should be thankful because our just position before the Lord is eternal damnation and torture in hellfire. Everything that is not eternal damnation is a Blessing.

Ontop of the temporary gift of our mortal lives, the Lord gave us His Son to make eternal life available to us.

"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience"

 

[tyndale1946]

Yes indeed, and if they have no toes they should be thankful. If they have no feet they should be thankful. Every living person should be thankful to the uttermost.

If they are alive in any fashion at all they should be thankful because our just position before the Lord is eternal damnation and torture in hellfire. Everything that is not eternal damnation is a Blessing.

Ontop of the temporary gift of our mortal lives, the Lord gave us His Son to make eternal life available to us.

"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience"

And with some of the comments on here and how others treat one another, we ALL need a little patience... Brother Glen