Jul 19, 2020
Originally Presented: December 7, 2009
Scripture Reading: Romans 14:13-23
Romans 14 focuses on the response Christians have to each other when they differ concerning non-essential practical matters in their living. Regarding these matters, people usually fall into one of two categories: a more restrictive view and a less restrictive view. Early in the chapter Paul commands the more restrictive people (whom he calls 'weak in the faith') not to judge the less restrictive people; and he commands the less restrictive people not to regard with contempt those who are more restrictive. God accepts both kinds of people in this passage and accepts both kinds of behavior.
In the last half of the chapter we see another exhortation and another reason for obeying it. "Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this - not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way" (Rom 14:13). We must make sure that we are not flaunting our freedom before a brother whose conscience is offended in some matter, and thus encouraging him to violate his conscience.
Paul's reasoning here is compelling. "For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Rom 14:17). The kingdom of God is deeper and fuller than the practical issues that we sometimes make more important than peace with each other. This passage is clear to point out that more important than non-essential, practical issues themselves is the maintaining of peace and joy in the body of Christ. To put it in the terms of Romans 14, my brother's heart and my relationship to him are much more critical than whether or not I eat meat. "So then let us pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another" (Rom 14:17).