Romans 14

Picture the scene in Jerusalem, not long after the resurrection of Jesus, where a pivotal meeting is taking place. This is the first church council, a gathering that would come to be known as the Council of Jerusalem, and it's buzzing with a mix of anticipation and underlying tension. The burning question on everyone's lips: Should Gentile converts to Christianity be required to follow the Law of Moses, specifically to be circumcised, as Jewish believers do?

Enter Paul and Barnabas, fresh from their missionary journeys, where they've witnessed the Holy Spirit powerfully at work among the Gentiles. They've seen firsthand that faith, not cultural or ritual compliance, is the hallmark of a believer in Christ. Opposing them are certain believers from the Pharisees, insisting that the Mosaic Law is non-negotiable for salvation.

The debate is heated, with passionate pleas on both sides. It's a moment fraught with the risk of division, reminiscent of the disputes in Romans 14 over dietary laws and special days. Both situations are rife with 'disputable matters' that threaten the unity of believers from diverse backgrounds.

As the apostles and elders deliberate, it's Peter who rises to give a perspective that would resonate with the message of Romans 14. He reminds the council of the time when God used him to bring the Gentiles to faith, emphasizing that God did not discriminate between Jews and Gentiles but cleansed their hearts by faith. Peter's argument is clear: adding the burden of the Law to the shoulders of Gentile believers would not only contradict the evidence of God's grace but also undermine the doctrine of salvation by faith alone—a doctrine that Paul so eloquently expounds in Romans.

The council's ultimate decision? To not burden the Gentiles with the yoke of circumcision, but instead to advise them to abstain from certain practices out of consideration for their Jewish brothers—a decision that echoes the call in Romans 14 for believers to refrain from causing others to stumble.

This historic moment in the early church is a powerful illustration of the principle laid out in Romans 14. It shows the early church wrestling with how to uphold the unity of a diverse body of believers, a body that is called to live in harmony, esteeming others above themselves, and not allowing disputable matters to divide them. It's a beautiful picture of the church coming together, guided by the Holy Spirit, to affirm the essentials of the faith while allowing freedom in non-essentials for the sake of peace and mutual edification.

The Council of Jerusalem, as described in Acts 15, serves as a living tableau of the principles Paul later articulates in his letter to the Romans. Just as the early church leaders navigated the delicate balance between Jewish traditions and the freedom found in Christ, Paul, too, addresses a similar balancing act in Romans 14.

Romans 14 is nestled within the practical section of Paul's letter to the Roman church, where he shifts from theological exposition to practical application. The book of Romans systematically presents the Gospel, beginning with the universal need for righteousness, moving through the provision of righteousness through faith in Christ, and culminating in the implications of this righteousness for both Jew and Gentile believers. Romans 14 addresses the tensions between "weak" and "strong" believers regarding disputable matters, urging them to live in harmony and to refrain from judging one another over non-essential issues.

The main idea of Romans 14 is to encourage believers to live in harmony by respecting the differing convictions of others within the Christian community, particularly regarding disputable matters that do not compromise essential Christian doctrine. Paul emphasizes that all should act in love, aiming for peace and mutual edification instead of causing others to stumble over personal liberties.

In light of Romans 14's compelling directive, we find ourselves at the heart of a profound Christian ethic: the call to live in a manner that reflects Christ's selfless love. As Paul navigates the church through the complexities of communal life, he sets forth a clear mandate—our freedom in Christ is not a license for causing division but a responsibility to foster a spirit of unity. This unity is not marked by uniformity of belief in non-essential matters but by a mutual respect for the differing convictions held by our brothers and sisters in faith.

It is from this rich soil of understanding and respect that the proposition "You Should Esteem Others Over Yourself" blooms, encapsulating the essence of Christian living. It's an invitation to elevate the needs and well-being of others, to put their spiritual growth before our preferences, mirroring the humility and servant-heartedness of Jesus Himself.

This chapter addresses the relationships between "strong" and "weak" believers and discusses how to handle disagreements over disputable matters. The underlying principle is the consideration and respect for the convictions of others, especially those who are "weak in faith," without causing them to stumble. This is about putting the interests and wellbeing of others before one's own freedom or knowledge.

"You Should Esteem Others Over Yourself" not only aligns well with the content of Romans 14 but also encapsulates the chapter's call to Christlike humility and sacrificial love, which are central to the Christian ethic and reflective of Jesus' own teachings on servant leadership and self-denial for the sake of others (Philippians 2:3-4). Romans 14 shows several ways to esteem others over yourself:

1. By Accepting the Weak (Romans 14:1-4) Christ's life and teachings are the epitome of esteeming others over oneself, a principle vividly demonstrated throughout the Gospels and echoed in the Epistles.

In the Gospels, Jesus's ministry to those on the margins of society exemplifies this principle. He frequently reached out to the "weak" in terms of social standing, health, and sin. For example, He touched lepers, who were considered unclean and untouchable (Mark 1:40-42), and spoke with the Samaritan woman at the well, crossing cultural boundaries (John 4:7-26). Christ’s acceptance of children, who held little status in ancient society (Mark 10:13-16), further underscores His inclusive love.

Jesus’s parables also convey the importance of accepting and caring for the weak. The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) teaches that neighborly love transcends social divisions and requires active care for those in need. The parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:3-7) illustrates the value of each individual to God and the lengths to which He will go to recover one who is lost or weak.

Moreover, the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) pronounce blessings upon those who are poor, meek, and persecuted, indicating that the kingdom of God is open to those whom society might deem weak or insignificant. Jesus's beatific vision turns the world's values upside down, esteeming spiritual poverty, meekness, and mourning over worldly power and success.

In His teachings, Jesus explicitly commanded His followers to serve others and to adopt a posture of humility. He washed His disciples' feet, a task reserved for servants, as a demonstration of servanthood (John 13:1-17). He taught that "the last will be first, and the first last" (Matthew 20:16), and "whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant" (Matthew 20:26).

In the Epistles, Paul reflects on Jesus’s example to encourage similar behavior among believers. He calls Christians to have the same mindset as Christ Jesus, who, "being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant" (Philippians 2:6-7). This self-emptying, or kenosis, is at the heart of esteeming others higher than oneself.

Paul also exhorts the Galatian church to "bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2). This mutual upholding is a practical expression of loving one’s neighbor as oneself and illustrates the principle of accepting and supporting the weak.

The principle of esteeming others above oneself is, therefore, not merely a moral injunction but the very essence of Christ’s incarnation and atonement. His life was a mission of embracing the weak, and His teachings direct His followers to continue this mission by living lives marked by service, humility, and love. The Christian community is called to mirror this accepting love, thereby embodying the redemptive work of Christ in the world.

In Romans 14:1-4, Paul confronts a crucial aspect of Christian living: the interaction among believers who differ in their understanding of what behaviors are appropriate for those who follow Christ. The imperative at the heart of this passage is παραλαμβάνετε (paralambanete - "Accept"), which sets the tone for the entire discussion. This command to accept is not just a call to tolerate or endure others quietly but to warmly welcome those who are weak in faith into the community without quarreling over opinions (Romans 14:1). The 'weak in faith' here is not a pejorative label but a compassionate recognition of those who are yet to fully grasp the liberty found in Christ regarding non-essential matters, such as dietary laws or observance of special days.

Paul’s use of κρίνων (krinōn - "Let not judge") in Romans 14:3 is a powerful counterbalance to the natural human tendency to sit in judgment over others. This imperative carries an undertone of prohibition—believers are not to despise or pass judgment on one another over these disputable matters, recognizing that God alone is the master and judge of all. This aligns with Jesus' teaching on not judging others and is a practical outworking of love within the community.

The message is further reinforced when Paul admonishes the believers to not cause others to stumble. The use of οὐκέτι (ouketi - "No longer") signifies a cessation of a previous practice (Romans 14:13). The imperative is clear: stop judging each other and make a decisive effort to never be a stumbling block or hindrance to your brother or sister. This is a dynamic call to live out faith with a considerate awareness of others' consciences and limitations.

The crux of Romans 14:1-4 is about the delicate balance between personal freedom and corporate responsibility. Esteeming others over oneself means that personal preferences and freedoms should not become battlegrounds that divide the community. Instead, the call to accept the weak is fundamentally about nurturing a loving, patient, and humble community that reflects the self-giving love of Christ.

By accepting those who are weak, believers demonstrate the Gospel in action. They create an environment where all can grow in faith and understanding. This acceptance does not imply agreement on every issue, but it does require a shared commitment to uphold the unity and peace that Christ Himself established. In doing so, the community reflects the kingdom values of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, and each member is upheld and valued as part of the body of Christ.

2. By Honoring Their Conscience (Romans 14:5-9)

In the New Testament, Jesus navigates the delicate balance between honoring individual conscience and confronting people with uncomfortable truths, demonstrating discernment in when to potentially cause offense and when to defer for the sake of another’s conscience.

In Matthew 17:27, we see Jesus's sensitivity to others' scruples when He instructs Peter to catch a fish to find a coin to pay the temple tax for them both, to avoid offending those who collected the tax. Although as the Son of God He was exempt, He chose to honor their practices to avoid causing unnecessary stumbling.

Similarly, in Matthew 18:7ff. and Luke 17:1-2, Jesus warns against causing "little ones" who believe in Him to stumble. The term "stumble" here is about causing someone to fall into sin or to lose faith, and Jesus highlights the seriousness of respecting the spiritual development and conscience of new or immature believers.

Contrastingly, Jesus did not shy away from causing offense when it was a matter of challenging harmful or hypocritical attitudes that were contrary to the heart of God's law. In Matthew 13:57 and Matthew 15:12, Jesus offends the religious leaders and His own hometown by speaking truth about faith and unbelief. In Luke 7:23, He pronounces a blessing on anyone who does not take offense at Him, acknowledging that His message and actions would inevitably challenge and disturb some.

The distinction lies in the purpose behind the potential offense. When it concerns the core of the gospel, the revelation of God's kingdom, or the exposure of hypocrisy and injustice, Jesus does not avoid offense. Here, the offense serves a prophetic purpose, calling people back to faithfulness and true righteousness. It confronts the conscience with the truth in a way that can lead to repentance and deeper understanding.

On the other hand, Jesus avoids causing offense in matters that are not central to faith and righteousness or when it would unnecessarily hinder someone's journey toward God. He esteems others over Himself by respecting their current position in understanding and practice, unless that position is in direct opposition to the kingdom values He came to establish.

This approach provides guidance on when it is appropriate to offend people's conscience: when it is necessary to challenge them towards truth, justice, and repentance. It is not appropriate when it would unnecessarily harm someone's faith or become a barrier to their growth in grace. Jesus exemplified this discernment, teaching His followers to be both gentle as doves and wise as serpents (Matthew 10:16), knowing when to be accommodating and when to firmly stand for the truth.

Romans 14:5-9 presents a profound message on the importance of honoring the conscience of fellow believers as a way of esteeming them above ourselves. The apostle Paul urges the Roman Christians to respect each individual's convictions, especially on matters that do not affect one's salvation.

In verse 5, Paul writes about differing opinions among believers on which days should be considered holy. He uses the imperative κρίνετε (krinete - "Decide"), instructing them to be fully convinced in their own minds. The focus is not on uniformity of practice but on the sincerity of individual conviction before God. Each person must follow their conscience, which is a sacred space where they discern God’s will. This individual discernment is to be respected, as it is performed unto the Lord.

Verse 6 continues with this theme, explaining that whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. This isn't explicitly imperative but carries the imperative weight of living in a way that acknowledges Christ's lordship over all aspects of life. The one who observes a special day does so to honor the Lord, just as the one who eats meat gives thanks to God. The key is that all actions are done in the presence of God and with a thankful heart.

In verses 7-8, Paul emphasizes that none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. Whether we live or die, we do so for the Lord. Here, the imperative is understood rather than stated. By living for the Lord, believers demonstrate that their ultimate allegiance is to Him, not to their own desires or the expectations of others.

Finally, verse 9 encapsulates the reason for this perspective: Christ died and returned to life so that He might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. This verse serves as the grounding truth for why believers should honor the conscience of others. It's because Christ's lordship encompasses all areas of life, including the individual consciences of His followers.

In honoring the conscience of others, we acknowledge the work of Christ in their lives and affirm their efforts to live in accordance with His lordship. It is a recognition that the spiritual journey is personal and that each believer is responsible to Christ, the ultimate judge and savior. By doing so, we not only build up the faith of our brothers and sisters but also create a community that reflects the sacrificial love and acceptance that Christ Himself has shown to each of us. It is an act of love that places the spiritual wellbeing of others above our own opinions and preferences, thereby fulfilling the law of Christ to love our neighbors as ourselves.

3. By Refraining from Judgment (Romans 14:10-12) When we look through the New Testament, we see Jesus navigating the complex terrain of human behavior with a keen sense of when to hold back judgment and when to deliver it. His interactions tell us so much about grace and truth.

Take the Samaritan woman at the well, for example. Jesus knows her life story—five husbands and the man she's with now isn't her husband. Yet, He doesn't condemn her. Instead, He offers her living water and talks about a worship that transcends location and tradition (John 4).

Then there's the woman caught in the act of adultery. The law was clear, but Jesus opts for grace. "Neither do I condemn you," He tells her, encouraging her to leave her life of sin (John 8:3-11). It's clear Jesus isn't ignoring her sin; He's prioritizing her restoration.

And yet, Jesus doesn't always hold back. He has some pretty strong words for the religious leaders—the Pharisees and teachers of the law. In Matthew 23, He calls them out for their hypocrisy. It’s not just a rebuke; it's a lament. He’s mourning the gap between their strict adherence to the law and their failure to grasp its heart—justice, mercy, faithfulness. It’s a powerful moment of judgment, but it's born of a deep longing for authentic righteousness.

Or consider the moment He makes a whip and clears the temple courts (John 2:13-17). This isn't a personal vendetta; it's a passionate defense of a space meant for prayer, not profit. And when He speaks of the cities that have seen His miracles but still don't repent (Matthew 11:20-24), His judgment is heavy, but it's because they've witnessed the inbreaking of the Kingdom and yet remain unmoved.

In conversation, I often reflect on how Jesus' responses aren't random; they’re deeply intentional. Where there's a chance for redemption, for turning back to God, Jesus meets people with open arms. But where there's obstinance, particularly from those who should know better, His words cut to the heart of the matter. It's this discernment that paints such a compelling portrait of who Jesus is—full of grace and truth. His approach beautifully balances the need for compassionate restoration with an unyielding commitment to the core values of the Kingdom of God. It’s a reminder to us that our interactions with others should be characterized by this same spirit—offering grace to the humble and standing firm on truth when faced with pride or deception.

The New Testament provides guidance on judgment within the Christian community, distinguishing between inappropriate judgment and necessary discernment.

For example, with regard to "disputable matters", Romans 14:1-13 instructs believers not to judge one another over matters of personal conviction that are not essential to salvation, such as dietary laws or observing certain days. The emphasis is on allowing freedom within the community for individual expressions of faith and conscience.

Again, in Matthew 7:1-5, Jesus cautions against hypocritical judgment. He uses the metaphor of removing the plank from one’s own eye before removing the speck from another's, highlighting the need for self-examination and humility, before engaging in correction. Likewise, James 4:11-12 warns believers against speaking against one another and judging each other, reminding them that there is only one Lawgiver and Judge.

On the other hand, in Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus provides a process for confronting sin within the community. If a believer sins, they are to be approached privately, then with witnesses, and if unrepentant, brought before the church. Likewise, Titus 1:9-14 calls for elders to hold firmly to sound doctrine so they can encourage others by sound teaching and refute those who oppose it. This implies a need to discern and correct false teachings that could lead the community astray.

In the same way, 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 deals with immorality in the church. Paul instructs the community to judge those within the church who are openly sinning, to the point of excluding them from fellowship if they do not repent.

The contrast lies in the reason and manner of judgment. Believers are cautioned against judging others on non-essential matters, recognizing the diversity of practice that can exist within the body of Christ. This type of judgment often comes from a place of pride and can lead to division.

However, the New Testament also acknowledges that there are times when discernment and even confrontation are necessary. When the health of the community is at risk due to sin or false teaching, believers are called to act. This action should always be done in a spirit of humility, love, and restoration. The goal is not to punish but to bring about repentance and maintain the purity and unity of the church.

In all instances, the underlying principle is love. Whether refraining from judgment or engaging in discernment and confrontation, the actions of believers should promote peace, edification, and the spiritual growth of the community, always pointing back to the grace and truth embodied in Christ.

In this context, Romans 14:10-12 presents a compelling argument against the judgmental attitudes that can arise in a diverse community of faith, especially in matters of personal conviction that do not compromise the core tenets of the faith. The passage begins with a rhetorical question, “Why do you judge your brother or sister?”—a question that serves as a rebuke to any believer who assumes the role of judge over another servant of God.

In verse 10, the Greek word κρίνων (krinōn) is used again, this time in a context that forbids judging one another. Paul emphasizes that we will all stand before the judgment seat of God, known as the βῆμα (bēma). This term, bēma, was commonly understood as a platform where a magistrate or ruler would sit to make judicial decisions. The implication is clear: the judgment seat is reserved for God alone, and no believer should presume to take that place in relation to another.

Verses 11 and 12 further reinforce this command by quoting from the Old Testament, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow to me, and every tongue will confess to God.” This declaration reminds believers that ultimate accountability is to God, not to human interpretations or convictions on disputable matters.

The passage culminates in verse 12 with a sobering reminder that each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. The verb λογον δώσει (logon dosei—“give an account”) carries the weight of personal responsibility. It’s not about defending our actions to one another but about answering to God for the way we have lived, including how we have treated our fellow believers.

In these verses, the overarching proposition that we should esteem others above ourselves by refraining from judgment is made clear. Esteeming others involves recognizing their direct accountability to God and honoring their spiritual journey. It requires humility to admit that we are not the ultimate judge of another's service to God and wisdom to understand that our role is to encourage rather than to critique. This approach fosters a community where believers can grow and thrive in their faith, unimpeded by the fear of condemnation from their peers, and inspired by the knowledge that they serve a God who is both just and merciful.

4. By Pursuing Edification (Romans 14:13-23)

Romans 14:13-23 carries a powerful message about the Christian commitment to mutual edification over self-interest, particularly in the context of the diverse convictions within the faith community. Paul begins this passage with an imperative, οὐκέτι (ouketi - "no longer"), commanding believers to stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, they are to make a decisive effort to not put any obstacle or stumbling block in another believer’s path. This isn't merely about avoiding harm, but actively seeking the good of others.

The conversation continues with an emphasis on the kingdom of God being about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit—not about eating and drinking. The Greek term διώκωμεν (diōkōmen - "let us pursue") in verse 19 calls believers to actively seek what leads to peace and mutual upbuilding. It's about fostering a community where everyone is encouraged in their walk with God, rather than being tripped up over non-essentials.

Paul pivots to the principle of οἰκοδομή (oikodomē - "edification") in this passage. The idea here is to build each other up, not tear down the work of God for the sake of food. In the spirit of esteeming others above ourselves, Paul points out that if food causes a brother to stumble, it is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that would cause a fellow believer to fall.

The crux of these verses lies in the delicate balance between liberty and love. While all things may be clean, it's wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. It’s about exercising freedom with sensitivity to the conscience of others. Our actions should be guided by love and the desire for others to grow in faith—not by our personal freedom to do as we please.

In this way, Romans 14:13-23 encapsulates the call to esteem others over ourselves by honoring their conscience and actively pursuing their edification. It's a passage that challenges us to consider the impact of our actions on the spiritual health of others, urging us to prioritize the well-being of the community over our individual preferences. This pursuit of edification is the mark of a mature faith that mirrors the selfless love of Christ, who set aside His own privileges for our ultimate good.

Invitation

Esteeming others over ourselves is not just a noble ideal; it's a practical expression of our faith, deeply rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. As we've seen in Romans 14, to walk in love means to forgo our personal liberties at times for the sake of another's spiritual well-being. This is the heart of the Gospel—the law of Christ, which compels us to bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of love. Let this invitation resonate within your heart: to live not for ourselves but for others, just as Christ lived not for Himself but for us. When we set aside our preferences to uplift a brother or sister, we are walking in the footsteps of our Savior, who set aside His glory to lift us from our sin.

In the same spirit, let us extend an evangelistic appeal that draws from this very principle of selfless love. The Gospel we embrace and proclaim is founded on the greatest act of self-giving the world has ever known—Christ's death and resurrection. He esteemed us over Himself, bore our sins on the cross, and rose again, offering us salvation and eternal life. If you're standing at the crossroads of decision, consider this unparalleled love. Trust in Christ for salvation, not as an abstract concept, but as a personal encounter with the One who valued your life above His own. By trusting in Him, you are not merely accepting a set of beliefs; you are entering into a life-transforming relationship with the God who esteems you so highly that He gave His only Son. Let this truth compel you to embrace the life He offers, a life marked by His resurrection power and the hope of eternal joy in His presence.

Bibliography

chatGPT. "The Call to Mutual Edification: An Exegetical Journey Through Romans 14", 2023.

Keywords

Romans, Romans 14, Edification, Conscience, Acceptance, Liberty, Unity

Description

Romans 14 counsels believers on the importance of respecting individual differences in matters of conscience and emphasizes edification over personal liberty to maintain unity within the Christian community.