Romans 14 Stumbling

Romans 14 is a good chapter that distinguishes between things that are kingdom related and things that aren't. Foods and holidays are not kingdom related so we have freedom to choose personally and to make value decisions. Within our decisions is the element of never casting a stumbling block in front of others.

That is something that would cause them to lose faith and ultimately be lost. Whatever decision we make concerning a food or holiday, it must be with others in mind.

The problem is that our view of losing faith may not be broad enough. Because many things can cause our loss.

1. It could be losing faith in God as a whole.

2. It could be losing faith in Christ.

3. It could be losing faith in the church.

4. It could be losing faith in the Bible.

5. It could be losing understanding of baptism.

6. And a slew of other things, like being brought together with the wrong teachers or church organizations.

7. Just the decision to drink wine or eat meats can cause others to be lost.

8 Marriage to non COC spouses can lead to relationships where a person eventually doubts the truth.

9. Maybe thinking it is ok to partake in idolatry.

Rom 14:21  It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor to do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or becomes weak. 

Everything we do or approve must be done judiciously.

Both eating meats and drinking wine can bring us into union with false religion. False religions used wine in their services, it may not even be talking of drunkenness. Many false Christian sects drink wine at their parties so that wine may lead a person into union with their theology. A wedding where wine is served is a great opportunity to fall in love with their social environment and eventually lead someone away.

Catholic parties are set up that way.

It is common today for preachers and elders to declare many things are ok in moderation.Yet, that isn't what this says. Paul wouldn't drink at all if folks would be . All things are clean, but all things are not ok. A blanket statement that moderate drinking is ok is foolishness.

stumble

offended

made weak

The blanket statements that moderate drinking is ok has led many young ladies to embrace men that drink, and they are forever pulled into that environment. Many marry outside the faith and their children end up unfaithful. They are led to 'eat and to drink with the drunken'.

I recently found a faithful Christian lady saying she would accept a moderate drinker as a husband, this would pull her into that environment. The only way she would move in that direction is if church leaders or acquaintances pulled her in that direction. She is in great danger of losing her steadfastness. Ten years earlier she likely would have never entertained such.

Rom 14:22  Do you have faith? By yourself, have it before God. Blessed is he that does not condemn himself in what he approves. 

Things we approve openly can lead to our condemnation.

Drinking

Mixed marriages with other faiths

Changes in worship

All can condemn us if our approval caused others to be lost. Use your approval judiciously.