1. How does Paul's discussion on following authorities follow from his discussion on freedom?
2. How do we reconcile Paul's advice with leaders who are flawed?
3. Do you think your views mark you as a "weak" or "strong" brother?
4. On what issues do you find yourself in need to pull back from judgment?
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Paul has a pretty balanced view on freedom vs. submission to authority. He recognizes the sytems and people in place and acknowledges our need to submit to rules they have established--in fact it goes along with his exhortation to make every effort to live with one another in peace. If we allow our sense of freedom to go too far, we are stepping on other people's toes and beliefs, and contributing to chaos rather than order. Yet almost none of those things are absolutely dictated by God. What was considered "sacred" to some is not necessarily so because of God's order, but because of culture, tradition, expectations of other people. And yet God has also given us consciences that we should follow. So often our consciences work to help us judge others rather than soberly reflect our own need to change.
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