Romans Chapter 14

BIBLE PASSAGE

ROMANS CHAPTER 14

Do Not Pass Judgment on One Another

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. 3 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. 4 Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.

5 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. 6 The 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. 7 For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. 8 For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. 9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.

10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; 11 for it is written,

“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,

and every tongue shall confess to God.”

12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.

Do Not Cause Another to Stumble

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.

SYNOPSIS

Romans 14 addresses tensions between two groups of believers in Rome, referred to as the "weak" and the "strong" in faith, primarily concerning Jewish religious observances like dietary regulations and holidays. Paul's approach in this chapter can be divided into two main sections. First, he urges believers not to judge one another based on their adherence to dietary rules, emphasizing that both those who eat particular foods and those who abstain are honoring the Lord. Second, Paul cautions against adopting practices that might cause problems for other believers, reminding them that meals are about the values of the kingdom of God rather than just clean or unclean food. The chapter provides general rules for managing different opinions about indifferent things, aiming to preserve Christian love and unity within the church. Paul emphasizes that each person should be fully convinced in their own mind regarding observances of days or dietary practices, as long as they do so to honor the Lord. The apostle's guidance in this chapter is seen as crucial for resolving conflicts and maintaining harmony in Christian communities.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

1. Paul teaches that believers should not judge each other over disputable matters (v. 13). How can you be more understanding and gracious toward others who hold different convictions in areas of Christian freedom?

2. Romans 14:19 calls us to pursue peace and mutual edification. What is one way you can encourage unity at Emmaus, even when differences arise?

3. What steps can you take to cultivate an attitude of humility and love towards those you might disagree with in non-essential matters?

4. How can we personally practice welcoming those who hold different beliefs within our church community?

PRAYER SUGGESTION

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the unity I have with other believers through Jesus Christ. Help me to show grace and understanding toward those who may have different convictions, remembering that we are all seeking to honor You. Guard my heart against judgment, and instead, teach me to love and encourage my brothers and sisters in faith.

Lord, I desire to be a peacemaker within my church and community. Show me ways to build others up, rather than allowing disagreements to cause division. Let my words and actions reflect Your love and bring unity to those around me.

Help me to live with faith in all that I do, seeking to honor You with my choices. Guide me to walk in Your truth, always trusting that Your way is best.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.