Thesis: To teach the hearer the importance of love based tolerance in areas of opinion, in other words, where the Lord hasn’t legislated (Rom 3:27; 8:2, 4, 7; 1 Cor 9:21; Gal 6:2; Heb 8:10; 10:16; Ja 1:25; 2:8, 12; Isa 2:3).
Text Rom 14:1-23
Introduction,
In today’s lesson we will be looking at the 14th chapter of the letter to the Roman Christians, in this chapter Paul, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit deals with some problems that may have been causing divisions among Christians at that time.
The specific area being discussed is that of matters of opinion (areas where God has not set forth law); and also it is important to note that this chapter deals with “one man” “one person” (v 2, 5), not a group of Christians, nor a congregation.
For there are some areas where “individuals” are given liberty, by God, in order to grow into the mature imitator of Christ that He would want us all to be.
It should be noted also that this chapter is misused by many in order to propagate error in areas where God indeed has declared His will, and thereby attempting to loose where God has not loosed, therefore to attempt to wrongly apply this passage to non-Christians, or to apply this to congregations or larger groups (modern day religious bodies) rather than individuals would be incorrect.
This chapter also helps us keep the proper perspective towards matters of opinion (to one’s self), and also it teaches us not to bind, where God has not bound, in other words to exercise tolerance, mercy.
This chapter can be summed up in the adage spoken in the times of restoration of NT Christianity earlier in this country’s history . . .
“In matters of faith, “unity,” in matters of opinion, “liberty,” and in all things “charity,” (agape; love).
Therefore we will break down this lesson thusly . . .
1) Each one shall give an account (Rom 14:1-12)
2) Don’t toss stumbling blocks (Rom 14:13-22)
3) When in doubt, don’t (Rom 14:23)
I. EACH ONE SHALL GIVE AN ACCOUNT (Rom 14:1-12)
A. (v 1)
Rom 14:1 As for the one who is weak in faith (lit. “the Faith”; KJV; YLT; LITV) , welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.
All believers are to be accepted into fellowship, even if they are weak in the faith. (We need to understand that all followers of Christ have problem areas, yet they admit them, confess them, they are forgiven them, and by the power of God fight against them, but practicing sin without struggling against that sin through the power of the gospel is wrong, continuing in an adulterous marriage, or in a homosexual relationship, or in thievery, or in drunkenness and such like, and not turning from them, confessing them as sin, and fighting against them does not fall into this category, those that do such love and practice sin and are not children of God but rather children of the devil as seen in 1 Jn 3:4-10,
1Jn 3:4 Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.
1Jn 3:5 You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin.
1Jn 3:6 No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him.
1Jn 3:7 Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous.
1Jn 3:8 Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.
1Jn 3:9 No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed (Lk 8:11) abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God.
1Jn 3:10 By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.
But just because one is a new convert or is weak in “the faith” (the article in is the Greek, as seen in YLT; LITV; KJV) is no reason to neglect such a one, a major purpose of fellowship between Christians is edification; this enables the weaker brother to grow.
Yet we are not to accept these into fellowship for the reason of contending with them over matters of opinions, to dispute over doubtful things, in areas where God has not given law by command, example, or necessary inference (such as the plan of salvation, the organization, the work, and the worship of the church, the holy lives God expects us to live).
The purpose of this section of Scripture is to lay down some principles that would make it possible for Christians of all backgrounds to live and grow together in harmony, in our text this probably refers to Jews and Gentiles, whose lifestyles were miles apart.
B. (v 2)
Rom 14:2 One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables.
The eating of “anything”, or “all things” here could refer to things prohibited under the law of Moses (such as the eating of pork, rabbits, camels, fish without scales, eagles, ravens, ostriches, etc.; Lev 11; Deut 14), or this could be a reference to the eating of meats offered to idols, which were commonly sold at the market place after they have been used in heathen religious ceremonies, which many would believe themselves defiled if they ate (Ex 34:10-16),
Exo 34:10 And he said, "Behold, I am making a covenant. Before all your people I will do marvels, such as have not been created in all the earth or in any nation. And all the people among whom you are shall see the work of the LORD, for it is an awesome thing that I will do with you.
Exo 34:11 "Observe what I command you this day. Behold, I will drive out before you the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites.
Exo 34:12 Take care, lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land to which you go, lest it become a snare in your midst.
Exo 34:13 You shall tear down their altars and break their pillars and cut down their Asherim
Exo 34:14 (for you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God),
Exo 34:15 lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and when they whore after their gods and sacrifice to their gods and you are invited, you eat of his sacrifice,
Exo 34:16 and you take of their daughters for your sons, and their daughters whore after their gods and make your sons whore after their gods.
But we need to understand that we are not under Moses, but Christ (Mt 28:18; Col 3:17; Gal 5:4), Paul stated that the eating of certain foods does not defile us in the sight of God (1 Cor 8:4-8) . . .
1Co 8:4 Therefore, as to (concerning) the eating of food offered to idols, we know that "an idol has no real existence," and that "there is no God but one."
1Co 8:5 For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many "gods" and many "lords"—
1Co 8:6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.
1Co 8:7 However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled (Ex 34:15).
1Co 8:8 Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do.
Our Lord put it this way (look at Mk 7:14-23) . . .
Mar 7:14 And he called the people to him again and said to them, "Hear me, all of you, and understand:
Mar 7:15 There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him."
Mar 7:17 And when he had entered the house and left the people, his disciples asked him about the parable.
Mar 7:18 And he said to them, "Then are you also without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him,
Mar 7:19 since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled?" (Thus he declared all foods clean.)
Mar 7:20 And he said, "What comes out of a person is what defiles him.
Mar 7:21 For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery,
Mar 7:22 coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness.
Mar 7:23 All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person."
Or it could be that this (Rom 14:2) could have reference to the creation account in Gen 1:29 . . .
Gen 1:29 And God said, "Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food.
And it wasn’t until after the flood that those that called upon the name of the Lord were allowed by God to eat flesh, God told Noah in (Gen 9:3-4) . . .
Gen 9:3 Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything.
Gen 9:4 But you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood.
Christ came and brought many of God’s laws back in place as they were from the beginning of creation, such as the marriage laws (Mt 19:8), this may have led some to think that it would be pleasing to God to also go back to the eating of plants only, as seen in the early Genesis account, but the entirety of Scripture (the sum of God’s word) teaches that God is glorified by the spiritual sacrifice of thanksgiving given before the eating of all things, meats included (1 Tim 4:4-5; Ps 50:23) . . .
1Ti 4:4 For everything (every creature) created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,
1Ti 4:5 for it is made holy by (through) the word of God and prayer.
Psa 50:23 The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!"
Therefore we probably should consider the command to eat “plants” only in the Genesis account to be temporary, linked to the fact that the fear of mankind was not yet put in animals (looking forward to their stay on the ark), through the foreknowledge of God, to protect them from man until that time came and was accomplished.
Note that “one (or “weak) person” (Rom 14:2) is being dealt with here, the vegetarian is described as “weak” in (the) faith because of this misconception, this section of scripture deals with the individual as opposed to a group of Christians (congregation), it is important to note that the bible makes this distinction, and it is a biblical concept, not everything that an individual does is acceptable for a congregation to do, God has given leniency for individuals to grow unto maturity, those that propagate God’s will (congregations) are expected to be mature already (spiritually speaking), again there are those that use this section of scripture to justify the practice of sin, this has nothing to do with that, but rather speaks of the eating of foods and observance of days by “individuals.”
C. (v 3)
Rom 14:3 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 (received) welcomed him.
The gospel does not forbid the eating of plants only, when this person believed and obeyed the gospel from the heart, God accepted Him as Abraham’s seed, an heir according to the promise (Gal 3:29). And also the one that understands more fully the truths of the gospel is also accepted by God, there is no command in the gospel that requires individuals to eat meat.
Thus let not these 2 brethren despise nor judge one another for over these matters of opinion, but rather understand that we are all in differing points of growth in the gospel, and allow for God to give that growth.
D. (v 4)
Rom 14:4 Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own (lord) master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
God has given no rules for His servants in this matter, and the servants are only accountable to the Master, therefore the Christian who requires that his brethren conform to “his” opinions is in fact making “himself “his brother’s master, and we have but one Master, and that is Christ (Mt 23:10).
And if these both remain faithful from the heart to the laws which God has given within the gospel, they will be able to stand in the Day of Judgment, regardless of what they do in matters opinion, outside of the areas of His legislation.
E. (v 5)
Rom 14:5 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.
Again, so no one misunderstands, this is talking about “one man (person)” the “individual” , if a Jew wanted to personally celebrate the Sabbath, to set aside Saturday as a day of meditation and prayer unto God, God would certainly not be displeased, it was probably hard for the ex-Jew after 1500 years to just quit observing this day, but again, this is the weaker brother (based on v 2), the one making distinctions, the hope is that after time, and study of God’s new covenant, he would understand the reason that God gave those laws in the old covenant and that they have been nailed to the cross and thereby grow into a more mature, knowledgeable Christian (2 Pet 3:18) . . .
2Pe 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and for ever. Amen.
Then there’s the case of the Christian that considers every day the same, thus he would not set aside any particular day for God, but rather every day was the Lord’s as far as he was concerned.
Keep in mind that the 1st day of the week has been ordained by God for the observance of the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7), and the collection for the saints (1 Cor 16:1-2), we assemble to do such, which is also a command (Heb 10:25).
Heb 10:25 not neglecting to (assemble) meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
But after the Christian’s obligation is met on that day, he could go to a job in order to support his family, or perhaps spend the rest of the day meditating upon the things of God; either of these positions are optional, and are pleasing to God.
But to bind one’s opinion on another here would be wrong, and what was considered right was to be fully assured in one’s own mind concerning these matters, this is a matter of conscience, each saint has to make up his own mind, and follow that decision based upon a clear conscience before God.
The same could be said about the observance of Christmas or Easter; many individuals in denominations have been observing these days all of their lives, and even as a religious function at their buildings of worship.
But after one becomes a biblical Christian, and recognizes the authority of Christ (Col 3:17) over all things to the church (Eph 1:22-23), coupled with the fact that the Faith was once for all time delivered in the 1st century (Jude 3), and the fact that He hasn’t authorized the celebration of these man made religious holy days, it is hard for many just to stop observing them.
And the Lord would not be displeased if upon those days an “individual” wanted to study, sing and pray about the Lord’s birth, or His resurrection, that would be an optional matter.
But to bring these man-made holy days into the assembly and force them upon people who follow scripture alone wouldn’t be right, for the Lord has already legislated what takes place therein, and to add to, or take away from, or go beyond what is written (1 Cor 4:6), would be a rebellious sin, a usurpation of His authority (Mt 28:18).
And to consider the religious observance of something like Christmas or Easter something that one “must” do in order to be a faithful (normal) Christian is wrong, and to judge one as incorrect for not observing such (which many do) and bring reproach upon them for not following the majority (which many do to the JW’s) is wrong and spoken against in Col 2:16-17,
Col 2:16 Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath.
Col 2:17 These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.
For again, as with the one who eats only plants, the one who observes special days is the one who is making distinctions, the one who is weak in the faith in this context (v 2), it is God’s will that all would grow into the mature, complete, perfected Christian through the study and application of God’s word, that sword of the Spirit (1 Pet 2:2) . . .
1Pe 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby:
F. (v 6)
Rom 14:6 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.
Here are these optional matters summed up, as long as the individual does these things to honor and serve the Lord, that He is not excluded from these things, they are acceptable.
Also consider that the Way, the Faith is for the most part personal, intimate, we assemble for a couple of hours a week, but we commune with God continually, day by day, hour after hour, minute by minute, and that is why this teaching is here (v 7-8) . . .
G. (v 7-8)
Rom 14:7 For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself.
Rom 14:8 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.
No Christian should consider himself his own master, or at liberty to direct his own conduct according to his own will, or his own ends, but rather to the Lord’s, the bible teaches that one who attempts to leave God out of any given area of their lives has indeed sinned (Ja 4:13-17),
Jas 4:13 Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit"—
Jas 4:14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist (vapor) that appears for a little time and then vanishes.
Jas 4:15 Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that."
Jas 4:16 As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.
Jas 4:17 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. (The “right thing to do/doing good” in this context is to humbly recognize God’s sovereign rule over His creation and thereby include God this business venture).
The bottom line is “we are the Lord’s” in everything! Or were not! (Isa 59:2) We are to give Him the glory in everything (1 Cor 1:31; 10:31), and give Him thanks for everything (Eph 5:20; 1 Thess 5:18).
In whatsoever matters that God “has” set forth laws, by Christ’s authority do we do them (Col 3:17a) . . .
Col 3:17 And whatsoever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name (authority) of the Lord Jesus.
And in whatsoever matters God “has not” set forth laws, we are to give Him the glory (1 Cor 1:31; 10:31) giving thanks for everything (Eph 5:20; 1 Thess 5:18).
1Co 1:31 so that, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts (glories), (glory) boast in the Lord."
1Co 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Eph 5:20 giving thanks always for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;
1Th 5:18 in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Therefore in our whole earthly existence, we are to do so faithfully, with the Lord in view, including the Lord therein, always, everything “unto God” even dying (Rev 2:10b; Ps 31:5; Luke 23:46)
Rev 2:10b Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Luk 23:46b into Thy hands I commend my spirit:
For life nor death can cease us from being His (Rom 8:38-39; 1 Thess 5:9-10) . . .
Rom 8:38a For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, . . .
Rom 8:39b shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Th 5:9 For God appointed us not into wrath, but unto the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
1Th 5:10 who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
H. (v 9)
Rom 14:9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.
Christ died, and was raised again, to show forth His power over death, that’s what He meant in His statement to Peter in (Mt 16:18b) . . .
Mat 16:18b I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
We can also see this affirmed in Acts 2:27; Rev 1:17b-18
Act 2:27 For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption.
Rev 1:17b Fear not; I am the first and the last,
Rev 1:18 and the Living one; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive for evermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.
For even in the state of physical death, His imitators (faithful Christians) will be blessed, they have nothing to fear, as they await the Last Day, as affirmed in (Rev 14:13) . . .
Rev 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Blessed indeed," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds (works) follow them!"
I. (v 10-11)
Rom 14:10 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;
Rom 14:11 for it is written, "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God."
With Judgment Day in view, the question is asked “why do you judge your brother concerning matters of opinion?” “Why do you breed contempt in the realm of optional matters?” “Do you not know that whatever one sows they will reap?” “Are you willing to risk your very soul in this matter?” For it is written (Mt 7:2; Ja 2:13)
Mat 7:2 For with the judgment you (judge) pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.
Jas 2:13 For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
For there is but one Judge and Condemner (Rom 8:34), and that is Jesus Christ, Who is God’s appointed Judge (Acts 17:31), not you, thus don’t attempt to do His job, for whatsoever one sows they will indeed reap (Gal 6:7), but rather walk righteously, in faith working through love (Gal 5:6); in other words, live according to God’s commands based on faith (which comes from God’s word; Rom 10:17) and your love for God and others (Mt 22:37-39).
K. (v 12)
Rom 14:12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.
With these facts in mind, let us remember that matters of opinion are just that, the main point in these things is to glorify God through his Son, you can’t take the place of your brother at the Judgment, nor he you,
Therefore show tolerance in these matters, and look to yourself, and God, keep the logs out of your own eyes, and don’t be concerned with the specks in your brother’s, for each one of us shall give account of “himself” for the things done in the body, whether they be good, or bad (2 Cor 5:10), therefore let us follow the good words of the Lord as seen in John 21:22b (turn there) . . .
Joh 21:22b what is that to you? You follow me!"
In other words “stop worrying so much about others and imitate/follow Christ (1 Cor 11:1),Who was focused upon doing the Father’s will” (Mt 26:39) and Christ will then dwell in you, which is the hope of glory (Col 1:27).
II. DON’T TOSS STUMBLING BLOCKS (Rom 14:13-22)
A. (v 13)
Rom 14:13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or (occasion of falling) hindrance in the way of a brother.
A stumbling block is an enticement to sin, we need to be aware of our weaknesses and avoid things that might draw us into sin, and the same goes for our fellow Christians, instead of charging each other with apostasy because we don’t adopt each other’s opinions, let us charge ourselves to not put anything in the path of each other’s spiritual growth, or that which could result in the loss of one’s soul.
B. (v 14-15)
Rom 14:14 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.
Rom 14:15 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.
This looks back at v 2, this is addressed to the meat eater, he was correct in his position, he has the liberty in Christ to eat meats, if he believes it to be so; but the weaker brother, the plant eater must be kept in view, he may believe you are sinning when you eat meat.
Our eating of meats may entice him to defile his own conscience and thereby sin (v 23) and eat meats he believes to be unclean, this is exactly what Paul speaks of in 1 Cor 8:9-11 . . .
1Co 8:9 But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.
1Co 8:10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol's temple, will he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols?
1Co 8:11 And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died.
Or our eating of meats might bring him to murmur against us, and thereby sin (Ja 5:9) . . .
Jas 5:9 Do not grumble (murmur) against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.
Or speak evil against us, which is not allowed against any man (Tit 3:2), and perhaps he may die in these sins.
Tit 3:2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.
For Christ died that he may live, but instead you live, that he may die (spiritually)? Let it not be so! This is not a loving approach to others, we need to take care in these matters of opinion.
C. (v 16-17)
Rom 14:16 So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil.
Rom 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Therefore instead of exercising “our” rights to fulfill the wants of “our” flesh, which could result in the sin of our brother, instead we need to focus upon our “sacrifice” for “his” benefit, this is one of the main principles of the kingdom of God.
We should always be more focused upon the things above (things revealed by the Holy Spirit upon the pages of inspiration), which promote righteousness, peace and joy, for the kingdom of God is not about earthly things, but about heavenly things, the Way, the Faith is about preparing God’s people for that prepared place.
The order of our attention is to be . . .
1) God (Mt 22:37),
2) others (Mt 22:39; Phili 2:3-5),
3) ourselves last (Mt 6:19-33),
Because in God’s kingdom the first is last, and the last first, being the lowest for other’s sake is exalted.
D. (v 18)
Rom 14:18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable (well-pleasing) to God and approved by men.
For this is the type of person we ought to be, and in this manner we do serve Christ, and are pleasing to God, and are approved by all right-thinking men. Suffering, sacrificing in order that others may live, in this we are imitating our Master (Phili 2:3-5)
Php 2:3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility (lowliness of mind) count others more significant than yourselves.
Php 2:4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Php 2:5 Have this mind among yourselves, which (was also) is yours in Christ Jesus,
Paul put it this way in 1 Cor 10:32-11:1 . . .
1Co 10:32 Give no (occasions of stumbling) offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God,
1Co 10:33 just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.
1Co 11:1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
E. (v 19)
Rom 14:19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding (things whereby we may edify one another).
Therefore in matters of opinion (not matters of the faith, i.e. commands), give individuals room to grow, and keep in mind to “toss not stumbling blocks” and teach each other these principles, which emulate Christ.
F. (v 20)
Rom 14:20 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.
“All things/everthing is indeed clean” here has to be considered a limited statement, because the eating of blood is still considered a sin in the New Covenant (Acts 15:20, 29). Fornication (sexual immorality) also is considered to be a physical and moral uncleanness, which is prohibited (Eph 5:3), therefore we should only limit this statement to the immediate context, the eating of meats (as opposed to the eating no meats) does not make one unclean, Jesus stated in Mt 15:17-20a (turn there) . . .
Mat 15:17 Do you not see that whatever goes INTO the mouth passes into the stomach and is expelled?
Mat 15:18 But what comes OUT of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person.
Mat 15:19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.
Mat 15:20 These are what defile a person.
But if a man that thinks it’s wrong to eat meat, and does so despite his convictions, he does evil, and the one leading him into this also does evil, we are not supposed to be doing evil, but good, imitating Jesus (1 Cor 11:1).
G. (v 21)
Rom 14:21 It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.
Therefore the bottom line is, it is good to abstain from anything and everything that may cause one’s brother to stumble, don’t even go in that direction.
In fact to cause a fellow Christian to stumble in these sorts of matters is sin (1 Cor 8:10-12) . . .
1Co 8:10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol's temple, will he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols?
1Co 8:11 And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died.
1Co 8:12 Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ.
Many go to this verse to justify social drinking, when in fact the verse is teaching just the opposite, to abstain from drinking for other’s sake, not allowing it, a couple points could be made concerning such an assertion.
The water of that day and time (the 1st century) was bad, and the wine was considered strong (even though it was only 11-14% alcohol), the two were commonly mingled together, the wine somewhat purified the water, and the water diluted the wine in order that the partakers would not become drunk.
The wine “oinos” of the 1st century was almost always mixed (mingled) with water, even up to a 20 to1 ratio, this rule of thumb was followed by the godly and also those without God, the person that drank unmixed wine was considered a drunkard in that time.
The Rabbis and faithful Jews of that day would not pronounce the blessing (give thanks) over wine that was not diluted to a predetermined amount, we are in like manner commanded to give thanks for everything (Eph 5:20; 1 Thess 5:17-18), if we drink a beer, are we giving thanks for it? If not, why not? Anything apart from God is sin (Ja 4:13-17).
The Roman Empire recognizing the evils of alcohol ordered that many vineyards be burned to combat drunkenness of its subjects (does our country order the shutdown of breweries and distilleries?)
“Alcohol” is linked to over 90% of all crimes in this country and destroys numerous lives and families, therefore it is well known “evil” and Christians are to abstain from “every” form of “evil” (1 Thess 5:22).
The whole point of this verse is teaching abstinence, selflessness, promoting spiritual things, not physical vices, being Christians seeking heavenly things, imitating Christ; not seeking the things of the world, not imitating the god of this world (2 Cor 4:4) Satan,
We are to be “transformed” into one fit for Heaven, not “conformed” to the ways of the world (Rom 12:2), we are to separate from such things so God will be our Father and us His sons and daughters (2 Cor 6:17-7:1).
With these facts in view, one can see why Paul had to command Timothy to drink a “little” wine “oinos” for his health’s sake (1 Tim 5:23; possibly a reference to it being mingled with water), and not “alot”.
H. (v 22)
Rom 14:22 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.
Rom 14:22 As for the faith you do have, have it as your own conviction before God. How blessed is the person who has no reason to condemn himself because of what he approves! (ISV)
For the stronger brother that knew the truth concerning meats, and days, and so forth, let him be content with the knowledge that such practices are approved of God, without practicing it to the demise of others
For if we do practice it, and it hurts another, we do commit sin (1 Cor 8:12), and puts us in a very undesirable state, as affirmed by the Lord (Luke 17:1-2) . . .
Luk 17:1 And he said to his disciples, "(Occasions of stumbling) Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come!
Luk 17:2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to (stumble) sin.
Anyone with a clear mind can see the purpose of Christian liberty, it is to be given up, for others, “tossing not stumbling blocks” before others, but rather a helping hand.
The person that does this, will indeed be happy, fortunate, blessed in the Lord.
This word translated “happy” (ASV; NKJV) here is “makarios” and it is the same word translated “blessed” in the beatitudes in Mt 5, and probably would be better translated “blessed” here also (as in the ESV; ISV); it refers to one’s state in the final outcome, eternity,
Therefore we will be blessed with eternity if we consider others instead (ahead) of ourselves in the realm of opinion, which is the mindset of Christ (Phili 2:3-5), this is Christ in you, the hope of glory (Col 1:27).
III. WHEN IN DOUBT, DON’T (Rom 14:23)
A. (v 23)
Rom 14:23 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.
The conscience is a tender apparatus, it can be damaged, perhaps never to work properly again.
To violate our conscience is sin, because the righteous shall live spiritually “by faith” (Hab 2:4); apart from faith is spiritual death/sin/separation from God; it (the conscience) was given us by God, to work in conjunction with His laws (Col 1:16),
Col 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by (through) him, and for (unto) him:
And that includes one’s conscience.
But if we violate it, even when we are mistaken, we do sin, because we have to willingly override it, our inner person says “don’t do it” yet we say “I’m going to do it anyway” and when we do such we are hardening our hearts towards what we “think” to be God’s truths.
And when we do this, God’s mechanism (the conscience), is no longer as effective, whether it concerns the truth or not, therefore when we do such, we are in fact slowly putting to death a vital part of our spiritual being, without which we cannot come to true repentance, as is written in Mt 13:14-15 . . .
Mat 13:14 Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: "'You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.
Mat 13:15 For this people's heart has grown dull (hard), and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.'
Have you ever wondered why some people never come to repentance? Why they hear or read God’s truths but never turn toward them, but just stay the same, it is depicted in 1 Tim 4:2 . . .
1Ti 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; (KJV)
1Ti 4:2 through the hypocrisy of men that speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron; (ASV)
Therefore we need to understand that not only is God working to this day, but also Satan, God is opening people’s hearts, while Satan is hardening, searing people’s hearts, he is continually wrecking people’s hearts so that when the seed of the kingdom, which is the word of God (Lk 8:11) hits it, it will be of little or none effect.
This is why the scripture states in Pro 4:23 . . .
Pro 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life.
And how does Satan wreck people’s hearts, their consciences? In many ways,
Today a big part is the media . . .
i. Through ungodly music with ungodly messages being continually drilled into people’s hearts, you can’t go anywhere in public today without being onslaughted by a barrage of terrible messages through terrible music, at the gas stations, at the stores, on your car radio, everywhere. almost all one hears is based upon sexual immorality, selfishness, the love of money, the boastful pride of life, all these messages promote Satan’s will for mankind, which is damnation. People that have these things living in them are not fit subjects for the kingdom of God, and will not be able to enter into the eternal kingdom without some big changes taking place.
ii. Then there is mainstream television, I prefer to call is “hellevision”, you get about the same thing, but not only the audio, but also the video, instead of just hearing about sexual immorality, you get to see it also, half-dressed woman parading around as modern day prostitutes, showing their body parts to the whole world, that which God reserved only for her one scriptural lifelong husband. Then there is the promotion/normalization of sodomite and lesbian relationships, people involved in these things are mentally ill, they need help, there are many of these people in the ruling class of our nation, that is why there are so many problems in government, these people don’t even know what gender they are, they certainly cannot make correct decisions concerning others or a nation, also God has promised to incinerate those that live like Sodom (Jub 16:5-6), I certainly do not want to partake of that. And there is the growing usage of profanity, if you think you can be exposed to these things and believe it doesn’t affect you, you are badly mistaken, I have seen it myself in myself and others, if you hear it, it goes into you, it’s in there, waiting to be unleashed, you will at some point, at a time of weakness, when your defenses are down, repeat it, don’t fool yourself, that is the way God made us, right and wrong are always before us in this realm, and we are the children of whoever leads us, God or Satan, the gospel opens our eyes to these things and teaches us how to properly deal with them. And then there’s the violence, it’s just about as graphic and terrible as one can possibly imagine, these things destroy you from the inside out, and that’s why there seems to be so few that are truly godly among us.
iii. The same could be said about the internet and video games, these things are wrecking the hearts, the consciences of millions of people continually, from childhood to adulthood. These things are a source of much evil, but the bible says in 1 Thess 5:22 . . .
1Th 5:22 abstain from every form of evil.
iv. But do we? Do we think that we are wiser than God? Do you not see this is one way that Satan keeps us away from God and why our loved ones are without God and without hope in the world! Let us look at what Jesus says about these things, turn to Lk 8:5-15 . . .
Luk 8:5 "A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell along the path and was trampled underfoot, and the birds of the air devoured it.
Luk 8:6 And some fell on the rock, and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture.
Luk 8:7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up with it and choked it.
Luk 8:8 And some fell into good soil and grew and yielded a hundredfold." As he said these things, he called out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."
Luk 8:9 And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant,
Luk 8:10 he said, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God, but for others they are in parables, so that 'seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.'
Luk 8:11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
Luk 8:12 The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. (this is the picture of a hardened heart, a wrecked conscience, Satan does this today, at least in part through media wrecked hearts, media seared consciences)
Luk 8:13 And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away.(again the media along with other sources (friends, family, circumstances in this world; etc.) shapes our inner persons, which oftentimes being improperly shaped draws (tempts or tests) people through the sins of sexual immorality, drunkenness, the love of money, and selfishness, i.e. the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, this is a picture of a person who believes for a while but since he has not rooted himself in God’s word but rather in the ways of the world, allows himself to fall away from God and His will)
Luk 8:14 And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. (the fruit of the Spirit needs to be ripened, it needs to be perfected, matured, this is a picture of a convert that believes, but is stagnant in his or her growth because of these influences, generally speaking this is the one talent individual, who is cast into the outer darkness)
Luk 8:15 As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, (those hearts that have been kept with all diligence from corrupting influences), and bear fruit with patience (this person heard the word, believed it, didn’t fall away from it, and brought forth mature fruit through it).
Jesus states in the parable of the sower that the difference between the lost and the saved is a matter of the heart, one must have a honest and “good” heart, one that is in “good” working order, working as God has designed it to, Satan would prefer our hearts to be wrecked, our consciences to be seared, and that is what the parable of the sower is all about.
We need to exercise care in what we expose ourselves to, instead of things that promote sexual immorality, competitiveness, the love of money and selfishness, it should promote things approved in the sight of God, the apostle Paul put it this way in Phili 4:8-9 . . .
Php 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Php 4:9 The things which you both learned and received and heard and saw in me, these things do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Therefore in these matters of opinion, and in fact in all things “when in doubt, don’t” for to do so, to go against your conscience is sin, and this type of sin could have eternal consequences.
Conclusion,
1) As we look at these matters of opinion, let us remember that they are just that, we cannot bind where God has not bound, nor loose where God has not loosed (Mt 16:19; 18:18) that which was settled forever in Heaven (Ps 119:89), there is but one Lawgiver, and Condemner, and that is Christ, and before Him shall “each one of us shall give account” (Rom 14:1-12), we are not to be judges in these matters, but rather servants.
2) And concerning our Christian liberties, they are basically given to us, in order that we can give them up, because of our love for God and others, therefore let us determine to “toss not stumbling blocks” (Rom 14:13-22) before others, but rather help them grow in the shadow of Christ’s love.
3) And lastly we must always consider and care for, and never violate our conscience “When in doubt, don’t” (Rom 14:23), even when it comes to matters of opinion, for do so such, could result in eternal damnation, being eternally without God, and without hope.
4) Let us also keep in mind that this passage concerns “one man” (v 2, 5), and the Bible does make a distinction between the responsibilities of the individual, and the church (the congregation), one is allowed matters of opinion, the other is bound strictly under the sovereign rule of Christ Jesus (Eph 1:22-23), or else will be in danger of losing her lamp-stand (candlestick; Rev 2:2).
5) And through God’s all sufficient word, specifically the NT, Christ does exercise His rule over all things (Mt 28:20; Acts 3:22-23) to His church (Eph 1:22-23; John 17:8, 14, 20), and that includes the manner in which one enters in His church, the kingdom, which is His body, it was revealed by the power of the Holy Spirit on that Pentecost day almost 2,000 years ago, and it is the same today . . .
One is to . . .
Hear the word of God (Acts 2:37; Rom 10:17)
Rom 10:17 . . . faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Christ).
This is how the Father plants His word within the good ground, the good, honest and open heart
Jesus said . . .
Mat 15:13 . . . Every plant which my heavenly Father planted not, shall be rooted up.
It must be God’s word planted, good seed, not weed seeds, not tares, which are the theologies of men
One is to . . .
Believe that Jesus is the crucified (1 Cor 15:1-3), resurrected (Rom 10:9) and Divine Christ (John 8:24); and believe that God rewards those that earnestly seek after Him (Heb 11:6), Christ is the firstfruits of the resurrection unto eternal life, we must believe that we will follow (1 Cor 15:23),
Belief (faith) is the point that we enter into the process of “being saved” (Lk 13:23; Acts 2:47; 1 Cor 1:18; 15:2; 2 Cor 2:15), the Lord put it this way in Jn 5:24 . . .
Joh 5:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me, has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
One is to . . .
Repent of sins, (Acts 17:30; Luke 13:3, 5) Jesus stated . . .
Luk 13:3 . . . except you repent, you shall all in like manner perish.
And He meant exactly what He said, repentance is a change of mind that results in a changed life.
One is to . . .
Confess Jesus as the Christ before men (Acts 8:37; Rom 10:9), the eunuch said . . .
“I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” So must you
One is to . . .
Be baptized (immersed), which doth also now save us (Mk 16:16; 1 Pet 3:21), and washes away our sins (Acts 22:16); immersed into Christ (Gal 3:27,) into the death of Christ (Rom 6:3) where His precious blood was shed (John 19:34), unto “eis” (for) the remission of sins. (Acts 2:38; 22:16); this is the point that one is to die to self and live unto God (Rom 6:3-11)
And finally one is to . . .
Live a holy life according to the gospel of Christ (1 Pet 1:15-16) . . .
1Pe 1:15 But because the God who called you is holy you must be holy in every aspect of your life.
1Pe 1:16 Scripture says, "Be holy, because I am holy." (GW)
Being perfected day by day, through study and application of God’s ever abiding word (Mt 5:48; Heb 12:23)
Putting off that old person, and putting on the new, being constantly in a state of spiritual growth,
Following the Holy Spirit delivered and confirmed word of God in order that you won’t have your name blotted
out of the Lamb’s Book of life (Rev 3:5), so that you may be granted entrance into the eternal kingdom of our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Pet 1:11).