FURTHER ADMONITIONS TO STRONG BRETHREN (14:14-23)

Introduction:

Last week we began our discussion on how those who are weak in the faith and those who are strong in the faith are to treat one another. This morning we will see how Paul continues on this same topic and delves into the purpose as to why this is necessary as he gives further admonitions to strong brethren in verses 14-23 of chapter 14.

Romans 14:14–23 (ESV)

Romans 14:14–23 ESV

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.

A. DO NOT DESTROY A BROTHER FOR WHOM CHRIST DIED (14-18)

1. Food is harmless in itself, but we can misuse it to the destruction of the weak (14-16)

(14) it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean - Man may be in error, but it would not be proper for him to act in violation of what he supposes God requires

(15) … brother is grieved … you are no longer walking in love

(16) So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. - it is important what we do and say. We are called to a higher standard because we are in a higher place as Paul explains next...

2. The kingdom of God is more important than food and drink (17-18)

(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. - The kingdom of God is a Spiritual Kingdom, and though we have physical needs, they are not to be our focus.

(18) Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. - again we are being pointed to the object of our focus.

B. PURSUE THINGS WHICH MAKE FOR PEACE (19-23)

1. Build up your brother, don't destroy him over food (19-20)

(19) So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. - Do what you do as to the Lord(6-9)

(20) Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God

Everything is indeed clean, but... - the realization that clean and unclean is no longer an issue since the coming of the New Covenant

it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. - causing someone to violate his conscience is causing them to stumble.

2. Be willing to forgo your liberties for the sake of your brother (21)

…your brother to stumble (proskopto)– Lit: “causing your brother to sin”; This is Key in understanding when and when not to forgo your Christian liberties!

3. Appreciate the importance of a clear conscience in your weak brother (22-23)

(22) The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God - having you conscience clear between you and God

(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.

If we doing something that are consciences says is wrong, then we have willfully committed sin.