Fellowship by Faith pt. 2 - Romans 14:13-15:9

13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. 14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. 16 So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.

20 Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. 21 It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. 22 The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. 23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.

151 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

8 For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9 and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. 

1."Annoyance is the price you pay for community." Do you think that’s an accurate statement? How do you personally navigate that tension? 
2.Paul tells the strong to restrain their freedom for the sake of a tender brother or sister, even when they're right. Is there an area where you've had to hold a freedom loosely for someone else's sake? What did that cost you? 
3.RC Sproul called it "the tyranny of the weaker brother" when someone tries to make their personal conviction everyone else's law. Have you seen that happen — or done it yourself? What does it look like when a disputable matter gets treated as indisputable? 
4.It seems there can be a tension between living out the kingdom of God vs having the modern optimized, maximized life. Do you see that tension in your life and if so, where?
5.Mrs. Leonard's whisper — "I wish you were my little girl" — is offered as a picture of what it feels like to really be welcomed by Jesus. Have you experienced Jesus’ welcome? When/how?
6.How can the gospel make you and our community more welcoming?