Romans 6-9: Week Twelve

Key Text

Romans 14 ESV

1 As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. 2 One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. 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 welcomed him. 4 Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. 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. 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. 7 For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. 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. 9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. 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; 11 for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” 12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. 13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. 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.

Exegetical Overview

Contextual Analysis

Historical and Theological Context

The Epistle to the Romans, written by Paul around A.D. 57, is a foundational Christian text addressing the diverse community of believers in Rome, composed of both Jews and Gentiles. During this period, Rome's Christian community faced tensions surrounding the integration of differing cultural and religious practices. These tensions were often centered on issues like dietary laws and observance of holy days.

Significance of Addressing Jewish and Gentile Believers

Paul’s epistle aims to unify these distinct groups under the common banner of faith in Christ, stressing that salvation is through faith alone, not cultural or ceremonial practices. By addressing both groups, Paul emphasizes the inclusivity of the gospel and challenges the prevailing Jewish ethnocentrism and Gentile alienation. This context is crucial for understanding Romans 14, which addresses disputes over "disputable matters" such as dietary restrictions and the observance of special days.

Verse-by-Verse Exegesis (Grouped)

Romans 14:1-23 (Selected Verses)

Romans 14:1–3 ESV

1 As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. 2 One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. 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 welcomed him.

: Paul urges the acceptance of one another, specifically instructing the strong (those who do not observe dietary laws) not to despise the weak (those who eat only vegetables). The key term here is "προσλαμβάνεσθε" (proslambanesthe - accept), emphasizing an attitude of welcoming and non-judgment.

Romans 14:5–6 ESV

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. 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.

: Discusses differing views on sacred days. Some esteem all days alike, while others hold some days as sacred. Paul's central argument is that each should be fully convinced in their own mind and act out of honor to the Lord. The term "κρίνει" (krinei - judges) is used here to discuss personal convictions.

Romans 14:10–13 ESV

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; 11 for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” 12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. 13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.

: Paul warns against judging one another, particularly concerning matters of personal conviction that do not affect one's salvation. He introduces the concept of God's judgment seat, reinforcing that judgment belongs to God alone, not to fellow believers.

Romans 14:17 ESV

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.

: "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit." This verse shifts focus from external practices to internal spiritual realities.

Romans 14:22-23

: Ends with an appeal to the conscience. The term "μακάριος" (makarios - blessed) appears, highlighting the peace that comes from a clear conscience before God.

Themes and Concepts

Major Themes

Judging Others: Critically, Paul addresses the judgment within the community, emphasizing that judgment should be left to God.The Kingdom of God: Spiritual matters, rather than dietary or ceremonial laws, are central to life in the Spirit.Living to the Lord: Every action, whether eating, drinking, or observing holy days, should be done unto the Lord.

Dynamics of "Weak" and "Strong"

Paul's distinction between "weak" and "strong" believers serves as a framework for understanding how diverse practices can coexist within a single faith community. He advocates for tolerance and support for the "weak" by the "strong," promoting unity and mutual respect.

Verse by Verse Exegesis

Romans 14:4 Text: "Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand." Exegesis: This verse challenges believers' presumption to judge others, using a metaphor of servanthood. Each Christian is a servant of Christ, not of other believers. Therefore, it is not the place of one believer to judge another since each will stand before their own master, Christ, who alone judges righteously. Paul reassures that the Lord is capable of upholding each servant, suggesting that God’s grace and power are sufficient to maintain the believer in faith. Application: Believers are reminded of their position as servants of Christ and are encouraged to leave judgment to God. This teaches humility and trust in God’s ultimate authority and justice. This detailed exegesis provides insights into the early verses of Romans 14, which set the tone for understanding how Christians are to live in harmony despite differences in personal convictions about non-essential matters. We can continue this detailed breakdown for the subsequent verses if you find it helpful. Romans 14:5

Text: "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."

Exegesis: Here, Paul expands the discussion from dietary practices to the observance of special days, likely referring to Jewish holy days such as Sabbaths and festivals. He recognizes the diversity in the Christian community where some, likely from a Jewish background, view certain days as sacred, while others, perhaps Gentiles, see all days as equal under the new covenant in Christ. Paul does not mandate uniformity in practice; instead, he encourages each believer to follow their own convictions, provided they are fully persuaded in their conscience that their practice honors God.

Application: This verse underlines the principle of personal conviction in matters of faith that are not essential for salvation. It teaches that believers should act according to their conscience and that differences in these non-essential practices should not divide the church.

Romans 14:6

Text: "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; and the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God."

Exegesis: This verse reinforces the previous one by clarifying that whether one observes special days or eats certain foods, the critical factor is doing so in honor of the Lord, accompanied by thanksgiving. Paul points out that both actions can be expressions of faith and devotion when done with the right intention. The mention of giving thanks to God highlights a posture of gratitude which should permeate all such practices.

Application: The emphasis is on the motivation behind one’s actions. This encourages believers to examine their motives in their religious practices, ensuring they are done out of reverence and gratitude to God, not merely cultural habit or personal preference.

Romans 14:7-8

Text: "For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. 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."

Exegesis: Paul extends the argument to a general principle about Christian life and death. These verses emphasize that believers' lives are not their own; they live and die in relation to the Lord. This statement connects individual behavior (like dietary and calendar observances) to the broader existential reality that believers belong entirely to the Lord, in life and in death. This ownership by the Lord frames all decisions and actions within the context of divine accountability and purpose.

Application: This insight calls believers to live in conscious awareness of their ultimate accountability to Christ, affecting all aspects of their lives. It inspires a holistic view of discipleship where every action, big or small, is interconnected and significant to their spiritual service to God.

Romans 14:9

Text: "For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living."

Exegesis: Paul provides a theological basis for the believers' total allegiance to Christ, referencing His death and resurrection. Christ's triumph over death through resurrection establishes Him as the Lord over all—both the dead and the living. This lordship justifies why believers should consider themselves bound to Him in every aspect of life.

Application: Recognizing Christ as Lord over all life encourages believers to align their entire lives under His rule. This acknowledgment should unify believers, transcending their differences and fostering a community that reflects Christ’s lordship.

This deeper understanding of Romans 14 continues to build a framework for how Christians are to interact with one another in love and respect, despite differences in personal convictions on non-essentials. The focus remains on living a life that honors God in all aspects, recognizing Christ's ultimate authority. We can proceed with further verses if you'd like to continue this detailed examination. Romans 14:10

Text: "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."

Exegesis: Paul directly challenges the believers’ tendency to judge or despise each other over disputable matters. He reminds them that all Christians will stand before God’s judgment seat, implying that judgment of fellow believers is not their prerogative but God’s. This introduces a future accountability that should deter believers from passing premature judgments on each other.

Application: This verse calls for humility and caution in how believers treat one another, emphasizing the importance of leaving judgment to God, who alone can judge rightly and knows all circumstances.

Romans 14:11-12

Text: "For it is written, ‘As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.’ So then each of us will give an account of himself to God."

Exegesis: Paul quotes Isaiah 45:23 to underline the inevitability of divine judgment and the universal acknowledgment of God’s lordship. This prophetic reference serves as a solemn reminder that all individuals are answerable directly to God, not to each other. The emphasis shifts from community judgments to personal accountability before God.

Application: Believers are reminded to focus on their own spiritual condition and actions, preparing for the day they must account for themselves before God, rather than concerning themselves with judging others.

Romans 14:13

Text: "Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother."

Exegesis: Building on the previous verses, Paul exhorts the Roman Christians to cease judging each other and instead focus on promoting each other's spiritual well-being. The terms "stumbling block" and "hindrance" refer to actions that might lead fellow believers into sin or distress, particularly through exercising liberty in disputable matters.

Application: This encourages proactive love and consideration in the community, aiming to support each other’s faith rather than being a cause of spiritual faltering.

Romans 14:14

Text: "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."

Exegesis: Paul states his personal conviction, grounded in his faith in Jesus, that no food is inherently unclean, reflecting Mark 7:19. However, he recognizes that if someone believes something is unclean, for them, it becomes unclean. This acknowledges the power of conscience and personal conviction in determining one's actions.

Application: This verse teaches respect for the consciences of others. While one may understand Christian freedom more fully, they should not dismiss or violate the convictions of those who do not share that understanding.

Romans 14:15

Text: "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."

Exegesis: Paul warns that exercising freedom without regard to its impact on others is inconsistent with Christian love. The phrase "destroy the one for whom Christ died" underscores the high stakes of disregarding a fellow believer's conscience, suggesting that such insensitivity can spiritually harm or weaken them.

Application: This calls for a sacrificial love that prioritizes the spiritual well-being of others over personal freedoms, reflecting Christ’s own sacrificial love.

Romans 14:16

Text: "So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil."

Exegesis: Paul advises that believers should exercise their freedom responsibly so that their good actions (like eating all foods) are not misinterpreted or criticized as evil due to causing offense or distress to others.

Application: The focus here is on maintaining a good testimony in the exercise of Christian liberty, ensuring that actions are both right and perceived as right.

Romans 14:17-19

Text: "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding."

Exegesis: Paul redefines the priorities of the Kingdom of God, shifting focus from external practices to the internal and relational qualities of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes that these spiritual qualities define acceptable service to Christ and foster community approval.

Application: Believers are encouraged to pursue actions that promote peace and build up the faith community, focusing on the higher goals of spiritual life rather than mere external observances.

Romans 14:20-23

Text: "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. It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. 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. 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."

Exegesis: These concluding verses of the chapter summarize and reinforce the earlier themes. Paul cautions against letting disputes over food damage God’s work among believers. He reiterates that while "all things are clean," the exercise of freedom should not lead others into sin. The final verse, "whatever does not proceed from faith is sin," serves as a guiding principle: all actions must be rooted in faith to be morally and spiritually sound.

Application: The teaching here is to live out one’s faith with a clear conscience, avoiding actions that might lead oneself or others into situations of spiritual doubt or struggle. This approach ensures that one’s practice of freedom does not harm the faith of others but is exercised within the framework of Christian love and responsibility.

Creating three sermons form Acts 14:

Sermon 1: Embracing Differences in Faith

Theme: Unity in Diversity

Title: "United in Diversity: Accepting Differences Within the Body of Christ"

Understanding Weakness and Strength in Faith

Sub Point: The definitions of "weak" and "strong" (Romans 14:1-2)

Sub Point: Respecting personal convictions (Romans 14:5)

Sub Point: Encouragement to grow together, not apart

The Call to Acceptance

Sub Point: Accept others as Christ has accepted you (Romans 15:7)

Sub Point: The role of acceptance in building church unity

Sub Point: Avoiding judgment and contempt (Romans 14:3)

Living for the Lord

Sub Point: Every decision as unto the Lord (Romans 14:6-8)

Sub Point: The impact of our actions on others’ spiritual journeys

Sub Point: Accountability before God (Romans 14:12)

Promoting Peace and Edification

Sub Point: Seeking the good of others (Romans 14:19)

Sub Point: Building a supportive community

Sub Point: The outcomes of peace and mutual edification

Sermon 2: The Kingdom Beyond Food and Days

Theme: Spiritual Priorities

Title: "Focusing on What Truly Matters: The Spiritual Over the Physical"

The True Nature of the Kingdom

Sub Point: Not about external rituals (Romans 14:17)

Sub Point: Righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit

Sub Point: The inward transformation over outward conformity

Personal Convictions and Unity

Sub Point: Respecting differing views on non-essential issues (Romans 14:5)

Sub Point: The importance of being convinced in one's own mind

Sub Point: Balancing freedom with responsibility (Romans 14:13-15)

Serving Christ in Freedom

Sub Point: Freedom as servants of Christ (Romans 14:18)

Sub Point: The balance of liberty and love

Sub Point: Ensuring freedom does not cause others to stumble

Guiding Principles for Christian Living

Sub Point: Acting from faith in all we do (Romans 14:23)

Sub Point: The significance of a clear conscience

Sub Point: Encouraging spiritual discernment and sensitivity

Sermon 3: Judgment and the Believer’s Conscience

Theme: Accountability and Conscience

Title: "Judgment and the Conscience: Walking in Wisdom and Grace"

The Role of Judgment

Sub Point: God as the ultimate judge (Romans 14:10-12)

Sub Point: Why we should not judge our brothers and sisters

Sub Point: The impact of judgment on community dynamics

Conscience and Faith

Sub Point: Acting in accordance with one’s faith (Romans 14:22-23)

Sub Point: The importance of a blessed (happy) conscience

Sub Point: Avoiding what troubles our conscience as a guide

Influence on Others

Sub Point: Being mindful of how our actions affect others (Romans 14:13-15)

Sub Point: The power of a positive example

Sub Point: Responsibility to support others in their spiritual walk

Principles for Peaceful Coexistence

Sub Point: Seeking peace and mutual edification (Romans 14:19)

Sub Point: Practical steps to live out peace in the community

Sub Point: Fostering an environment of growth and encouragement