Category Archives: Approval

Politician speaking at podium during community voting rights rally with crowd holding signs
Approval, Bible, Blessed, Conviction, Promises, Romans, Scripture

YOUR OWN CONVICTION = NO CONDEMNATION

ROMANS 14:22

“The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is the one who does not condemn himself in what he approves.”

Every political season we see politicians making speeches about what they stand for and what they believe. Most of them forget all about those convictions once they are elected. They say what they have to say to get elected but never truly held to it. I have known some politicians, however, in my lifetime who stuck to their beliefs. They were shunned by most of the other politicians and usually did not stay long in office. The pressure to succumb to the establishment became too great.

As we wind down this discussion of judging others in chapter 14, Paul writes something in today’s verse that really hit me. He wrote, “have as your own conviction.” That struck a nerve. My beliefs are my beliefs. I can’t be held liable for someone else’s beliefs. I have my own convictions. The Greek literally says, “hold before God.” That’s pretty powerful, don’t you think? If we believe something strongly and God approves that conviction, we have to stand by it. God does not condemn that and nor should we.

APPLICATION

We see a similar statement in 1 John 3:21 where we read, “Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God;” The last phrase of today’s verse tells us to be happy that God approves, so we cannot condemn ourselves. I know far too many Christians who beat themselves up constantly. They are trying to live for Christ, but with each shortcoming they heap tons of condemnation on themselves. How sad. Now, we should grieve our sins. There is nothing to celebrate about falling short. But we cannot beat ourselves up every time. We confess and move on, knowing that His grace is sufficient. Amen?

If you are sure of your choices and are sure those choices line up with God’s Word, walk in confidence. Paul says to be happy. The Greek word for “happy” is makarios.  HELPS Word-studies this word, “describes a believer in enviable (fortunate) position from receiving God’s provisions (favor) – which (literally) extend (make long, large ) His grace (benefits).” Literally, it means God has blessed you. God does not bless sinful decisions. He doesn’t bless things He knows are not good for you.

The truest test of our convictions is always if they line up with Scripture. As you develop your core convictions in your walk with Christ, first ask the Lord about it. Now, you have to listen to His voice to hear what He has to say. That is revealed most often through His Word. Someone said if you want to hear God’s voice, read His Word out loud. That’s been my go to for a long time and has never failed me. It won’t fail you either.

Father God, I am so happy (blessed) by You and am thankful how You have led me to my convictions.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Child wearing oversized men's shoes and a hat in living room
Acceptance, Approval, Bible, Romans, Scripture

ACCEPTED AND APPROVED

ROMANS 14:18

“For the one who serves Christ in this way is acceptable to God and approved by other people.”

A child always wants to be accepted and approved by their earthly father. They will do all sorts of things to try to win that. Some children will mimic their dads by wearing their shoes or glasses. They want to be like dad. Other children may grow up and go into the family business or the same career as their fathers just to try to get that acceptance or approval. I know I always wanted to make my dad proud of me. And I think I achieved that before he died. I sure miss my dad.

Aren’t you glad we are told exactly how to get our heavenly Father’s acceptance and approval? Paul tells us as we serve Christ (in the ways he just talked about in this 14th chapter of Romans) we are doing what He wants us to do. This phrase “is acceptable to God and approved by other people” means “the things which God delights in, and men are constrained to approve. (Compare Pr 3:4; Lu 2:52; Ac 2:47; 19:20).” (Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary). Let’s look at some of these verses just referenced.

APPLICATION

We are told in Proverbs 3:4, “So you will find favor and a good reputation in the sight of God and man.” You really need to back up and read verses 1-3 to get the full context of verse 4. Those verses read, “1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but have your heart comply with my commandments; 2 For length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. 3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.” The father is giving his son some instructions to earn this favor and good reputation.

Then we see in Luke 2:52 that was something that Jesus saw in His own life. “And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and people.” This was the end of the story about Jesus staying behind in Jerusalem and his parents finding him three days later in the temple. Don’t miss what verse 51 said – “and He continued to be subject to them.” Even Jesus obeyed His parents resulting in favor with God and people.

And we see this in the book of Acts with the early believers in Christ. Acts 2:47a says they were “praising God and having favor with all the people.” These followers of Christ continued to live in their communities and interact with others. Their communal spirit was recognized and acknowledged. We have that same responsibility today, don’t we? I am reminded of John 15:8 which says, “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.” Glorify the Father today!

Father God, I am so thankful You have accepted me and approve of me.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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