Holy Days and Holy Ways

INTRO

I. THE CONTROVERSY OVER DAYS (v. 5).

A. “One day above another.”

1) The Jewish connection. Festival days, fast days, new moons, and esp. the Sabbath, see Col. 2:16-17.

2) The early church worshipped on the first day of the week (Act 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:2).

B. “Every day alike.”

This probably represents the Gentile perspective. The Greek and Roman religions did not have special days each week set aside for the worship of their gods.

II. PAUL’S ANSWER (v. 5b).

A. He does not criticize those who observe special days. Contrast Gal. 4:9-11.

B. Let each be full convinced in his own mind.

“fully convinced” = to be completely certain of the truth of something, cf. Rom. 4:21.

Caution:

Application:

1) we must not impose our personal convictions on others.

2) Don’t go against your conscience.

III. THE THEOLOGICAL BASIS FOR PAUL’S ANSWER (vv. 6-9).

A. Each practice their convictions “for the Lord” (v. 6).

In other words, since these are not matters dealing with sin, Paul is satisfied that the motives of their hearts behind the behavior is good.

Note also they do it with a thankful heart.

B. The overriding principle of living and dying for Christ (vv. 7-8).

1) We are not to live for ourselves (v. 7).

2) We are to live for the Lord (v. 8).

Even in death, the believer is to die for the Lord.

3) Why? “we are the Lord’s.”

C. Christ is Lord over all (v. 9).

CONCLUSION