ROMANS 14:1-15:13: Disputable Matters, Christian Freedom, and the Conscience
From Understanding Christianity by Sean D Cole
April 16, 2026
About this episode
Dr. Sean Cole discusses how Christians should navigate disputable matters and maintain unity despite differing personal convictions.
In Romans 14:1-15:13, Paul addresses the issue of disputable matters or issues of Christian freedom that are not specifically addressed in Scripture. Dr. Sean Cole teaches how we should relate to one another as believers in Christian unity when we disagree on non-negotiable dogmas or doctrines, but on preferences or personal convictions. A church can experience two extremes: One: Legalism —elevating non-essentials or preferences to the level of dogma and making them a test of orthodoxy and conditions of fellowship. Two: License —abandoning the clear teachings of Scripture for an “anything goes” attitude in church A healthy church needs to have a: Clear stance on issues of dogma Clear explanation of matters of doctrine, with some flexibility to disagree Non-judgmental, non-legalistic atmosphere when it comes to secondary issues and preferences Sean's new book, Compassionate Calvinism: Defending the Doctrines of Grace Without Being a Jerk, has been released. You can purchase it here: https://www.amazon.com/Compassionate-Calvinism-Defending-Doctrines-Without-ebook/dp/B0FZDNLGK4/ref=sr_1_1  …
People in this episode
Hosts: Sean Cole, Sean
Topics covered
- Christian freedom
- conscience
- disputable matters
- Christian unity
- legalism
- license
Keywords
- Romans 14
- dogma
- doctrine
- preferences
- secondary issues
Mentioned in this episode
Products: Compassionate Calvinism: Defending the Doctrines of Grace Without Being a Jerk
Books & works: Scripture, Compassionate Calvinism: Defending the Doctrines of Grace Without Being a Jerk, 40 Days in Philippians: Finding Joy in Jesus, Your Identity in the Trinity: Discovering God’s Grace in the Gospel
More episodes of Understanding Christianity
- ROMANS 16: Paul's Warning and Doxology · April 23, 2026
- Live Truthfully! MATTHEW 5:33-37 · April 22, 2026
- What God Has Joined Together, Let Not Man Separate: MATTHEW 5:31-32 · April 17, 2026
- ROMANS 15:14-33: Paul's Missionary Plans and Prayer Request · April 16, 2026
- ROMANS 13:8-14: Holy Living · April 15, 2026
- ROMANS 13:1-7: Governing Authorities · April 15, 2026
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