Are the “weak in faith” a privileged class?
The issue presented falls, at the best, in the category of disputed matters faced by weak in faith. Weak in faith, these days, have grown into a formidable force; there exist churches of the “weak in faith” as well!!!
Coming to the treatment of “Weak in Faith” in NT (Refer - Romans 14):
Churches will have a combination of believers from different backgrounds, different maturity and knowledge levels. Some will be weak and some immature. Anyways, weak and immature shall not be the leaders and decision makers.
“Weakness in faith” is not to be used as an excuse for demanding others to forsake their liberty in Christ Jesus. Some intend to take others captive and deny them their freedom under the guise of exercising their right to be “weak in faith”. None has any right to be “weak in faith”; or waiting to “stumble”.
Romans 14 present before us a few “specimens” of issues faced by believers of differing convictions like food, special days, festivals, other observances etc. What is presented is not an exhaustive list of probable causes.
Adducing to these specimens, Paul enunciates the “Principle” of conduct for settling the probable distress believers may encounter. It also shows to all concerned parties as to how they ought to act with regard to “all” similar issues and questions.
The underlying intention of Apostle Paul is to dispel all the contentions among believers by dealing with such issues in kindness, charity, consideration and in the end: to produce and maintain peace. If we honestly apply these principles, that will settle most of the controversies and differences among believers and churches.
Paul proceeds telling everyone that:
1. We have no right to "judge" another believer, for he is God’s servant 14:3
2. We must deal with all disputable matters conscientiously
3. There should be kindness and charity; 14:6
4. We must stand at the judgment-seat of Christ to give an account "there"
5. We shall not usurp the function of judging;
6. There is really nothing unclean of itself;
7. Christianity consists in more important matters than "these disputable” issues
8. We should follow after the things of peace, etc.
The principle of Romans 14 applies to all "similar" cases of difference of opinion about rites, ceremonies, non-essential teachings, and disputable matters
This is not given to use the “weak brother”; “weak in faith”; “stumbling block”; “distressed brothers” argument as a ploy for demanding submission to our sinister motives or interference in the life of others.