5.9. SERVING SO AS NOT TO STUMBLE (Romans 14:13-23)

Romans 14:13 "... but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way."

Romans 14:14 "I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean."

"This refers to foods not permitted by the law (Leviticus 11 ). Though these restrictions no longer applied (Romans 14:20 ), some immature believers still applied them to their own lives. The mature brother is exhorted to abstain from those foods and also from wine, so as not to be a hindrance to his less mature brothers (Romans 14:21 ) Abstention, though one may personally think it unnecessary, is better than placing temptation in a brother's way". Ryrie

Romans 14:15 "Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died."

"The word "apollumi" used here in the sense of causing ruin or downfall. A misuse of freedom may "tear down" 'kataluo' God's work in a fellow believer (Romans 14:20 ), rather than "build up" 'oikodomee' that person (Romans 14:19 ). Let us not flaunt our freedoms in front of others of weak conscience, who may be torn down by our actions rather than being built up spiritually. How can you tell when to give up a freedom? There are no rules. But Jesus is Lord and He lives. Ask Him!" Richards

Romans 14:17 "for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."

There can be no disputing over the positive aspects of the kingdom - let us not be emphasising natural kingdom questions like "What shall we eat and what shall we drink?" Major on harmonious spiritual realities of the kingdom - righteousness in Jesus and through Jesus. Peace of conscience and peace experimentally through the Prince of Peace reigning in our lives. Joy that is real - independent of happenings - because it is joy in the Holy Spirit. Those who live out these kingdom realities are well pleasing to God and respected by men (Romans 14:18 ).

Romans 14:23 "But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin."

"Anything done to violate the faith principle by which one is saved, and by which he lives (Romans 14:17; Hebrews 10:38 ) is sin. One must know beyond all doubt or hesitation in his mind that what he allows is in perfect accord with the Word of God before he acts." Dake

In acting out of consideration for our weaker brother we should never compromise on righteousness by faith.

Christ was willing to set aside his rights to save us. We should be willing to go to the utmost limit of self-denial (Romans 15:1-4 ). "For even Christ did not please Himself" (Romans 15:3 ). With such an example (Psalm 69:9; Philippians 2 ) we should not find it hard to restrict ourselves for the good of others.

The Lord is glorified in us when we, like Jesus, receive and build up the weak. (Romans 15:5-7 ). To build others up in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus, and help them grow in Him - brings glory to the Father and the Lord Jesus.

Christ's unconditional love in us His people, will help us to welcome one another just as He welcomed us (Romans 15:7-12 ). We are to accept all fully, completely because we are valued for ourselves. This true accepting will result in the weak becoming strong and then there will cease to be disputable things. We in turn will be filled with joy and peace, and abounding in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. This is the prayer (Romans 15:13 ) sure of answer because it is God's intention for us.

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. What stumbling block was Paul speaking about that could cause a weaker brother to stumble (Romans 14:13-15 )? What is the principle you should be willing to practice ?

2. What are the kingdom realities you should major on (Romans 14:17 )?

3. Do you demand your rights, or surrender them in the interest of others (Romans 15:3 )?