1. Deals in matters of a very private nature. Congregational matters are out of the picture.

a. Does the issue involve only a private practice?

b. Is more than one person necessarily involved?

2. These private matters are not inherently sinful practices; "nothing is unclean in itself" (vs. 14). Matters involving sinful practices (as God defines it) are not in the picture.

a. Does the issue involve something that God defines as sinful (e.g., fornication)? If so, it is not in the context of this passage.

b. Is it something over which 1) the strong brother can be Biblically sure in his practice, and 2) the weak brother is not convinced in his mind?

3. These are matters that can be done or not done "for the Lord" (vv. 7-9).

a. Is the practice something that can be done "for the Lord"?

b. Is the practice something that can be refrained from "for the Lord"?

4. Judgment belongs to the Lord (vv. 10-12). These are matters for which neither party can be condemned by each other.

5. When matters are personal, these should not be forced upon others so that they become stumbling blocks (vs. 13).

a. Hence, these are matters that are not being taught for others to engage in.

b. Nor are they being flaunted in front of others.

6. Both parties are accepted by God in either practicing or not practicing these matters (vv. 4, 18).

7. One must develop his or her own convictions before the Lord.

Doy Moyer