Thomas, yes, no one can eat their way to heaven or deserve salvation because of how they eat. However, a fully informed SDA will eventually separate themselves from the SDA church if they refuse to comply with the counsels regarding diet and health reform contained in the SOP. By the way, deliberately eating something diseased and unhealthy is a sin. Paul wrote, "He that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin."

But perhaps in Rome it was particularly the Jewish Christians who had a hard time persuading themselves that they need no longer observe the Jewish festivals. Paul here is saying, Do as you please in this matter; the important point is not to judge those who view the matter differently from you. Some Christians, apparently, to be on the safe side, decided to observe one or more of the Jewish festivals. Paul’s counsel is, Let them do it, if they are persuaded they should.

Thomas, no, I do not use the Sabbath sermon time to slam sin. Instead, I use it to make living a victorious life in Christ seem wonderful and desirable. Every once in awhile someone criticizes me for dwelling on victorious living rather than focusing on Jesus Himself. Have you ever tried focusing on Jesus while preaching a sermon without including what Jesus was saying and doing while He was here in the flesh? Jesus didn't focus on Himself; instead, He worked very hard to help others live victoriously. That was His focus, His mission, His message. Focusing on Jesus, therefore, must necessarily include what He focused on, namely, victorious living.

PS - I talk to people about overcoming unholy habits and embracing holy ones in private or during small group discussions. Do you think that's a good idea? Or, do you think preachers should slam sin during the Sabbath sermon?

Daryl, yes, there are SDA's who believe God requires us to observe certain feast days. However, I'm not sure that's what Paul is addressing. I suspect he's referring to fasting days.