Romans 14:13-23
13 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. 14 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. 15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. 16 So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.
19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. 20 Do 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. 21 It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.
22 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. 23 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. (ESV)
Our passage is a particular application to the truth that ‘The just shall live by faith’ (Rom 1v17).
We are saved by Christ, not by cuisine – by faith, not by food.
- Caution to the Weak and the Strong.
Let us not pass judgement on one another. - The Council.
a. Do not make a brother stumble.
b. Do not make a brother stall. - The Caution to the strong.
a. Accept clean things.
b. Avoid contaminated thoughts.
c. Avoid cold-hearted tendencies. - The Council to the strong.
a. Disallow evil speech – never argue/fight about food.
b. Do edifying service –
(i) See the Kingdom – stop worrying about the politicians without being naïve. The kingdoms of the world will pass away, but the Kingdom of God will remain forever. Righteousness is to give to God and your fellow human beings what is due to them – loving Him above all and you neighbour as yourself.
Peace is serenity in the presence of hostility.
(ii) Serve the King – in righteousness, peace and joy.
(iii) Seek peace and edification.
(iv) Secure the Kingdom – helping people not to stumble (e.g. not ordering a beer in the presence of a rehabilitated alcoholic). - Live by Faith (knowledge, assent and trust)
a. Be humble – not flaunting your faith.
b. Be blessed – knowing that the just shall live by faith.
c. Be true – not doubting. Whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.
You are never more dangerous to other people than when you know you are right.
When you know you are right, step aside and ask the Lord to help you get over yourself and enable you to serve others with love.