Romans 14

Grace and peace,

As we get into Romans 14, the memory passages are:

Romans 14:1-2, 6,17,20 (ESV)
¹ As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. ² One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables.
6The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. 17For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 20Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats.

The outline theme is Righteous Liberty in Christ.

In chapter 14, Paul tackles issues concerning 'one who is weak in faith'. Basically, a believer and follower of Christ who holds themselves to dietary or ceremonial rules. These could be carried over from Judaism or other previous convictions, and are not 'unclean in themselves' (14).

Paul begins with a warning, 'Welcome those who are weak in faith, but not to argue with them about their scruples; to try to make them more like you'. Within the body there may be people who only 'eat vegetables' (2) because of some conviction. We don't know why Paul chose vegetables in this case, but the point is that a Christ-follower feels compelled to abstain from meat and those who are 'free' to eat anything must not judge or look down upon them. The reason is just; 'God has welcomed him' (3). Neither party (the weak in faith or the strong) are allowed to judge or despise the other. For "who are you to pass judgment" on a fellow servant of the Lord? (4). Verse 5 changes from food to observance of special days. Some people put more importance on certain days than others do.

Verse 6 is key; if you observe a day, honor the Lord; if you eat, honor the Lord and give thanks; if you abstain, honor the Lord and give thanks. Whatever you do, always, honor the Lord.

Verses 7-11 remind us of our standing in Christ. None of us live or die to ourselves; we live and die to the One who lived and died for us. And it is not our place to pass judgment on each other in the body. For we will all stand before God, at the judgment seat, and be judged for what we have done in Him. We will each 'give an account of [ourselves] to God'.

The alternative to judgment and condescension in the body is this; 'walk in love' (15). Don't pass judgment, decide not to make a brother stumble by what he thinks is unclean, and do not let eating grieve your brother. He end this passage with a troubling, challenging statement; "By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died' (15). "Destroy" here is the same word used in 1 Corinthians 8:10-12. Its definition contains harsh language of eternal destruction and consequence. This is difficult to understand fully, but the message is clear; your actions affect people, BE CAREFUL!!!

Verse 17 focuses us back on the main issue; "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit".

If you serve Christ, you are acceptable to God and approved by men (18). In Christ, we should pursue peace and mutual edification. In our obedience to God we should not hinder or destroy His work by imposing our conviction about eating or abstaining on others in the body. 'Destroy' in verse 20 is more the idea of dissolving or subverting. Peace and unity are the calling of the body of Christ. Legalistic impositions challenge the work of unity.

The conditions are that everything must be done to honor Him, and done in obedience to Him. For one must have full faith in what he eats or abstains from. No rationalization of man stands; it must be under conviction from God.

How does this affect my worship?
Verses 6 is a timely reminder of 'whole-life' worship of God. While acts of worship must be intentional and purposed, our whole life is to honor Him. Whether we observe a special day or not, whether we hold to dietary scruples or not, we are always to honor the Lord and give Him thanks.

How does this affect my discipleship?
I was convicted in this study by verses 10 and 12. I don't think enough about standing before God at the judgment seat. This is different than the judgment of my soul between eternal blessedness and punishment (for that is secure, as I am 'hidden with Christ in God' Col 3:3). This is the seat that all Christ-followers will stand before and be judged for our service and obedience. We will 'give an account' of ourselves before God. While my commitment to follow Him and make disciples is out of love and obedience, I must never forget that I will give an account for my faithfulness and how I walk. We must always strive to honor Him, obey Him, and worship Him fully...to the end of the age.

May you walk in love toward your brothers and sisters,

Ethan