Romans 14:1-13: Loving Christians with Different Ethical Standards or Convictions (part 1)

 Romans 14 (part 1)

The church at Rome had Jewish converts, Jewish proselyte converts, Gentile God-fearers, and Gentile pagan converts. The Jewish converts at Rome only ate kosher foods (Deut 14, Lev 11) that were declared clean by Jesus, and they participated in the Jewish feast days (the ceremonial purity laws and worship rules). The NT was not complete yet but would reveal that all foods were declared clean in the new covenant (Mark 7:15-19; Acts 10; Gal 2:11-18; 1 Tim 4:3-5) and that the ceremonial law has been fulfilled by Jesus the Messiah (Gal 3:21-29, 5:2-14). However, in pagan idol worship of demons and Satanic worship, the mixing of drinking blood (the cup of demons) with all forms of sexual immorality was and is practiced. The NT continued the prohibition of these practices (Mat 4:10; Luke 4:8, 10:27; Acts 15:20, 29, 17:16-33; 1 Cor 5:10-11, 6:9, 10:7, 20-21, 28; Gal 5:20; Eph 5:5; 1 Thes 1:9; 1 Pet 4:3; 1 John 5:21; Rev 2:14, 20, 21:8, 22:15). Thus, the use of meat sacrificed to idols also became an issue for Christian table fellowship between those with Jewish backgrounds versus those with a pagan background. In this one area of Christian standards, the “strong” are those who believe all foods are clean and the “weak” hold to unclean vs. clean foods, feast days, and the purity laws. In other ethical areas, these same people labeled here as “weak” may be the “strong” ones, and those here called “strong” may be “weak” in some other area of Christian ethical standards.

Principles to remember in Romans 14-15

·        Paul considers both the “strong” and “weak” people as true believers

·        Paul considers both groups to be practicing the unbiblical pattern of criticizing each other instead of showing love and concern

·        Paul agrees with the “strong” group doctrinally on this matter

·        Paul in practice lives like the “weak” group, but for different reasons than they do

·        Paul rebukes both groups for their improper handling of this issue

I. The description of the weaker and stronger Christians. vs.1-10

A. The “weaker” person is more rigid and rules-centered. vs.1-10

1. The weak one doubts in their faith and is uncertain about their Christian liberty.

2. The one who is weak in the faith eats only vegetables to prevent idolatry.

3. The weak one is judging the one eating meat.

a. He cannot be saved and eat meat.

b. He cannot be a committed believer and eat meat.

4. The weak one is observing the Jewish ceremonial feasts.

5. The weak one despises his brother because of his freedom.

B. The “stronger” person understands his/her liberty in Christ. vs. 1-10

1. The strong one is not kindly receiving the weak Christian.

2. The strong one seeks out the weak person to argue about ethics.

3. The strong one sees no restrictions on eating food of any kind.

4. The strong one is mocking the weak Christian.

5. The strong one does not observe the Jewish feasts.

6. The strong one despises the weak Christian because of his legalism.

7. The strong one theoretically understands Christian liberty.

C. Both the weak and strong Christians are behaving sinfully.

II.  The instructions given to the weaker and stronger Christians. vs. 1-10

A. The initial instructions to the “strong” Christians. vs. 1-3

1. You must change your attitude toward these other Christians.

2. You must replace mean rejection with kind reception.

3. You must not argue with weak Christians over their convictions.

4. You must not mock the weak Christians.

B. The initial instructions to the “weak” Christians. vs. 1-3

1. You must change your attitude toward these other Christians.

2. You must stop judging strong Christians for exercising their liberty.

3. You must stop avoiding and criticizing strong Christians.

C. General instructions to weak and strong Christians concerning food and days. vs. 4-13

1. Understand that every Christian answers to God alone (not you) for actions and attitudes regarding gray ethical areas. vs. 4

2. Every Christian is responsible to study, think, and develop personal biblical convictions for themselves and not for others. vs. 5

3. Every Christian is to make lifestyle choices in gray areas in ways they are sure will please the Lord and be part of their daily worship. vs. 6

4. Every Christian must understand that Jesus the Messiah rules over everything in our lives. He is Lord over all. vs. 7-9

5. Every Christian must acknowledge that God is the final judge over non-revealed issues (where there is no biblical command) and not man. vs. 10-12

6. Every Christian must stop judging other Christians concerning gray moral areas. vs. 13

a. Be concerned with edifying other Christians so that they can grow.

b. Do not be divisive over non-essentials (Bible is the authority).

c. Be concerned about your own attitudes and actions.

d. Do not cause another Christian to stumble and fall into a practice they consider sin by copying you. Your brother’s (or sister’s) spiritual welfare is more important than your Christian liberty.

[Modified from Richard P. Belcher, Sr. class notes, CBC 1985]