The 911 Handbook
Study Guide Answers
Lesson 21/Chapter 19
When Opinions Differ: Is Right Ever Wrong?
Answers are written in italics
Read Romans 14:5
Disagreement Can Cause Division
What was the real reason why Fred couldn't get along with others?
He couldn't agree to disagree. The problem wasn't with others, but his own idealistic standards that no one could meet. He was looking for the perfect church, which doesn't exist.
What can this teach us concerning how to preserve unity?
We can only preserve the unity of the faith by giving freedom to others to disagree on certain issues.
How People Form Opinions
How did the way the Corinthians were raised affect their convictions after they became Christians? (1 Cor. 8:7)
They were raised sacrificing meat to idols. After they became Christians, they were convinced that eating meat sacrificed to idols was the same thing as idol worship. Paul informed them this wasn't true, but their beliefs came from their backgrounds.
Although it would be nice if everything we were taught growing up was correct, it is unlikely. After we mature, how should we sort through what we have been taught? (1 Thess. 5:21)
Our initial beliefs we formed as children need to be reexamined as we mature into adults. We should sort through what we have been taught, keep the things that are true and leave behind incorrect things.
What are some OBVIOUS things we were taught as children that we need to leave behind?
Easter bunny, Santa Claus, tooth fairy.
We get to heaven by being good.
"God helps those who help themselves" (not in Bible)
Wrong Ways to Handle Differing Opinions
Why can't people sincerely change their minds through being pressured?
Because you can't change a mind that doesn't want to be changed. A true change of mind must come from within, not from outside pressure.
What does legalism (man-made rules) do to make someone change his or her mind?
The Holy Spirit convicts of sin to bring people to true repentance. Legalism uses guilt trips, a counterfeit of conviction, by making people feel bad until they "surrender" to a mind change.
How to Handle Differing Opinions
First, Don't make a big deal over minor issues.
Explain what Jesus meant when He said the Pharisees "strain out a gnat and swallow a camel." (Matt. 23:24)
Gnats were small, unclean insects and the Pharisees shuddered at the thought of swallowing one. They would strain their wine through a cloth to make sure a gnat didn't get in it. Jesus said they swallowed camels, the largest unclean animals. By this He meant they strained at the smallest details of the Law but completely overlooked the more important issues.
How do we strain gnats and swallow camels today?
We strain out gnats and swallow camels when we miss seeing the big picture and start nit-picking the little things. We are wrong when we fight about minor issues and ignore the more important things.
Second, Accept one who differs, because God has accepted him.
What does it mean to "accept" the one who is weak in faith?
It means we shouldn't push people away because of their incorrect beliefs due to immaturity. We are to accept the immature Christian because God has accepted him.
Why would God accept someone who is weak in faith?
God accepts those weak in faith because He is more concerned about people than minor issues. Everyone is weak in faith immediately after being saved. God accepts us through Jesus Christ, not 100% correctness of beliefs.
Third, Be right in your heart, not just in your head.
Why does Paul say in Rom. 14:5-6 for each to be "fully convinced in his own mind"?
He says it because the heart of the worshipper is more important to God than how he or she does it.
Fourth, Don't violate your own conscience or your brother's conscience.
What does it mean to violate someone's conscience?
It means to force someone to conform to what they believe is wrong.
What responsibility does Paul put on the stronger brother? (Rom. 15:1)
The stronger brother must learn to tolerate the wrong convictions of the weaker brother.
What do the stronger and weaker brothers each need to grow in?
The stronger brother needs to grow in his love because he must tolerate the wrong opinions of the weaker brother. The weaker brother needs to grow in his knowledge because his beliefs are wrong.