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Whatever is Not From Faith is Sin
Bible study on faith and sin.

Paul taught the Romans to deal with matters of liberty concerning the eating of meat upon this principle: "But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin" (Rom. 14:23).

All Christians must live by this principle: Whatever is not of faith is sin. Does this mean that we can just conjure up what is right and wrong in our own minds based upon personal opinions? Does this mean that there is no divine standard of right and wrong? Certainly not.

Romans could be called the epistle of faith. Paul begins and ends the epistle stating that we must be obedient to the faith (Rom. 1:16; 16:26). And throughout the epistle, Paul teaches us that we must walk by faith (Rom. 1:17) and that faith comes by hearing God's word (Rom. 10:17).

Therefore we quickly learn that faith is not based upon mere human wisdom but upon God's word. Peter said: "If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God" (1 Pet. 4:11). And later he said: "Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue" (2 Pet. 1:2-3).

Faith comes from hearing God's word in which is revealed everything we need to know about life and godliness. Therefore, Paul said: "But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed" (Gal. 1:8). And the apostle said: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

Now, what does Paul mean by saying, "whatever is not from faith is sin?" The apostle means that we must go to God's word, learn His will, and live according to His will. Thus, we live by faith. And we must be confident that everything we do is according to God's will because he said: "he who doubts is condemned" (Rom. 14:23).

Paul sums up this matter saying: "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him" (Col. 3:17). And he said: "Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil" (1 Th. 5:21-22).

Now think about yourself. Have you gone to God's word to test the things that you are doing? Are you fully convinced that you are living according to God's will? Are you doing things that might be wrong?

Remember, he who doubts is condemned because whatever is not from faith is sin.