Romans 14:13-23

Main idea: The kingdom of God increases when we decide that our spiritual growth will bless others.

Our perceived spiritual maturity can prevent Jesus from being made known.

Romans 14:13–16 ESV

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.

A stumbling block is exactly what is sounds like. It’s an object that makes you stumble. Think about walking through a dark room and you step on a lego. Romans 14 is teaching us that sometimes Christians hinder other Christians. In this passage, Paul emphasizes a stumbling block as a person being seduced and falling into a trap. All of us should be grieved that older Christians (not age) can prevent Jesus being made known to younger Christians and non-Christians..

Our rules are never greater than the grace of Jesus.

Our decisions should never hinder spiritual growth.

Our actions should never be received as unloving.

Our words should never destroy what God has redeemed.

Our spiritual growth needs mutual edification in order to pursue holiness.

Romans 14:17–19 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. 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.

Since Paul is talking to believers about believers, righteousness is referring to our sanctification. Our process of becoming more like Jesus Christ. Our pursuit of holiness.

Peace and joy are fruit of the Spirit. The evidence that we are becoming more like Jesus Christ.

Of all that we decide is important, Paul just told us the kingdom is a matter of holiness and the evidence that we are pursuing it. Take other believers with you. Work to have a contagious faith. Those things happen with mutual edification.

Our spiritual maturity should easily make decisions so the kingdom of God increases.

Our freedom in Christ should never cause separation from Christ.

Our faith should drive our decisions. Galatians 2:11-13.

Philippians 4:8-9 is an ideal foundation for Christians relationships.

Romans 14:20–23 ESV

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.

Application:

Is there something in my life that is potentially stalling the spiritual growth of another believer?

Is there a private thing in my life that would damage the kingdom of God if it was made public?

What is your attitude toward mutual edification? Is there space in your life for other people to be right?

If the kingdom of God increases when we decide that our spiritual growth will bless others, there should be evidence.