Romans 14
Notes
Transcript
Paul’s message dealing with criticism among the congregation with varying views of matters of indifference
Paul’s message dealing with criticism among the congregation with varying views of matters of indifference
Some in the church believed they were not permitted to eat meat while others in the church believed it to be of no consequence as there is nothing unclean. That being the case, they are not to look down on or criticize those younger in faith who chose not to eat meat which violates their conscience. So not only should the stronger in faith condemn their brothers and sisters in Christ for not eating meat, but they too should choose not to eat meat in their presence lest they cause their brother or sister to stumble.
Let our acts be of faith and not a violation of our conscience
Using the example of meat, Paul is stating that a young believer should not be criticized, nor should they criticize the strong in faith for choosing to eat meat. Paul takes it further though and says the weak in faith should not just start eating meat because others do so if it violates their conscience as that would be sin not being an act of faith.
Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him.
One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.
Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean.
The congregation is to be unified in faith
Again though, Paul spends most of his time encouraging the strong in faith to look at the weak in faith with hearts of love
Moo, D. J. (2014). NT331 Book Study: Paul’s Letter to the Romans. Lexham Press.
Romans 14:21–23 “It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.”
But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.
Conclusion verse
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.