EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW

Romans 14:10-12 But why dost thou judge thy brother, or why dost thou set at nought thy brother, for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ? For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

People have opinions about everything. An opinion is a personal belief that is not based on absolute certainty or positive knowledge. It is what seems true, valid, or probable in one's own mind. An opinion is what one thinks; one's personal view of a matter. Opinions can evolve into ideas and conclusions that one, in error, may accept as truths, or doctrines. At this point they become facts or convictions,which may result in personaltruths, about which there is no doubt in the person's mind. When opinions become convictions problems arise. Why? Because my opinion may, and often is, different from your opinion. Arguments arise, with each side defending his or her opinion; controversy becomes bitter dissention, often resulting in quarreling, strife, and discord. Within the body of Christ in Rome, this seems to be exactly what took place. Preceding the lesson text, Paul infers that Jewish Christians, and Gentile Christians were dividing the body of Christ. Over what? Opinions!

In these preceding verses, two differing opinions were discussed - the eating of meats and the observance of days, were opinions became convictions, which resulted in dissention within the body of Christ. In verse six, Paul tells us that both opinions are meaningless. Neither side of the argument should ever be defended as scriptural truth. Doing so, will lead to real sins. Anything personal opinion that causes dissention within the body of Christ is sin. Unity is to exist within the church of Christ. Dissention over personal opinions also led to the unrighteous judgment of fellow Christians. This too, is sin, and is the topic of the lesson text. To lead us into the lesson text, consider what Paul wrote to the church at Colosse: Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ (Col. 2:16-17).

Paul tells us that both Jews and Gentiles believed, were converted, baptized, and were received, and accepted, by God into the body of Christ (Rom. 14:3). We are all one body; all are equal, and all belong to the Lord (Vs. 8). Therefore, to judge and condemn others over matters of opinion is sinful. In order to do so, one must assume the position of judge, for which their Creator never gave them such rights. There is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, and He reigns over the kingdom, His church, which was established by His death (Vs. 9). Within His kingdom, over which God made Him ruler, the right of judgment belongs exclusively to Him.

To make his point, Paul asks two rhetorical questions. Why dost thou judge thy brother? (And)...why dost thou set at nought thy brother? Why should one Christian condemn another for having an opinion that is different from theirs? And, why should one Christian consider the opinion of another to be at nought - that is, trivial and having no value or merit? The obvious answer is, they shouldn't; they mustn't; it is a sin to do so! The fact that it is sinful, all Christians are to remember, and never forget, that our hope of eternal salvation rests on the worthy judgment of our God, our Creator, and the Author of salvation. As members of His church, we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. To emphasize this fact, and to leave a lasting impression on our minds, Paul quotes the sentiment found in the prophesy of Isaiah 45:22-23. Paul writes, For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

On the Day of Judgment, all people of the world, including members of the body of Christ, will acknowledge, submit to, and prostrate themselves before the sovereign tribunal of our God and His Son, Jesus Christ. It is here that every one of us shall give an account of himself to God. It is here that our case will be heard, divine judgment will be rendered, the final verdict will be read, our fate will be determined, and we will either be, by the grace of God, given eternal live in heaven, or through God's justice, banished to eternal punishment in hell. Whatever that judgment may be, we are assured that it will be just and final. Remember, judgment within the brotherhood of Christ over matters of opinion brings about dissention and disunity. It casts a stumbling block in the path of a fellow Christian; it is to be avoided; it is sinful. Humbly bowed before our final Judge, without any doubt, He will hold us accountable for our actions.