Romans 14:1-15:13 - Study

1. How has the author organized this passage? Please a) show the structure in sections with verse references and b) explain what strategies you used to see this structure. c) What is the emphasis revealed by the structure?

What is Right For One Person, can be wrong for another. Therefore, do not despise or judge those smaller matters as we all have to come before God. (Verses 14:1-14)

Everything is made clean because of what Christ has done and how He has fulfilled the old testament. However, some are not convicted of that truth yet and that is okay. If they are convicted to not eat certain foods, don’t eat it around them. Otherwise you could cause them to do something they believe is a sin or make them stumble in other areas. (Verses 14:13-23)

In Whatever we do, we should serve one another so all of us can ultimately glorify God (15:1-13)

What is the emphasis revealed by the structure?

The structure reveals a movement from individual conscience to corporate unity:

First, we are accountable to God alone for personal convictions (14:1–12).

Second, love requires that we limit our freedom for the sake of others (14:13–23).

Third, Christ’s example and the Scriptures call us to mutual edification and unity, especially between Jews and Gentiles (15:1–13).

2. How does the context inform the meaning of this passage? Please consider: a) the literary context (passages before and after the passage), b) the historical context (circumstances of the author’s audience), c) the cultural context (details relevant to life as it was lived in this place at this time), and d) the biblical context (citations/allusions or historical connections to other books that the author is making). Please list only those that are relevant to the meaning of the passage.

Literary Context: The passage before refers to the liberty we have regarding our citizenship under rome. In spite of persecution, we are still required to submit to the authorities and called to live a life that stands out: Humility, love, joy, peace, and patience.

The passage after then is the closing, greetings, and a reminder for unity, obedience, wisdom, the victory in Jesus Christ, the mystery of the gospel now made known.

Historical Context

Tensions between Jewish and Gentile Christians in Rome: The church in Rome was likely composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers. After Emperor Claudius expelled Jews from Rome (~49 AD), Gentiles may have taken leadership roles. When Jewish Christians returned (~54 AD), conflict arose over customs like food laws and sacred days (e.g., Sabbath, kosher dietary restrictions).

Paul is addressing division over “disputable matters”—issues not essential to salvation but significant enough to cause division. This background helps explain the call for mutual acceptance and restraint in exercising freedom.

Cultural Context

The Jews had different dietary restrictions according to the Torah.

Idol Meat and how that was used to be sacrified to idols

Bibilcal Context

Paul quotes old testament passages to show two inclusion of the gentiles was always the plan. But then he also points to Christ as the ultimate one who has fulfilled the plan and set the ultimate example

3. What is the main point the author is arguing to his audience (in one short sentence)?

In matters of personal conviction, pursue unity by giving up your rights in love to build up one another in unity, just as Christ did,

4. How does this passage connect to the gospel of Jesus Christ? What part of the gospel is in view?

This passage shows how the gospel not only justifies individuals but creates a unified, Christlike community. Jesus did not please Himself but bore our reproach (15:3), modeling sacrificial love. His death fulfilled the law, freeing us from ritual restrictions (14:14), but His resurrection formed a new people—Jew and Gentile together—who glorify God with one voice (15:6, 9). So, the gospel in view is both Christ’s self-giving love and the formation of a diverse, united people of God.

This connects uniquely by showing that:

The freedom Christ secured is not for self-indulgence but for mutual upbuilding.

The goal of the gospel is not only forgiveness, but a worshiping family of reconciled people, living in harmony despite differences.

5. What is the main point you will argue to your audience (in one short sentence)?

Because of Christ, have grace for one another in the differences of secondary convictions for the sake of glorifying God as one.

6. What applications will you make? Consider both Christians and non-Christians.

Be willing to have conversations. Don’t avoid disagreement—lean in with humility, grace, and a desire to understand.

Always be able to listen. Many believers will have different definitions of modesty, food and drink, sabbath days, schooling, worship styles, politics, and entertainment. Listen without jumping to judgment.

Pray with everything you do. Without prayer and the Spirit’s help, how are we to maintain unity in our differences?

7. What is your sermon title and your preaching outline?

Grace In the Grey

What’s Right for one, can be wrong for another (Verses 14:1-12)

Everything is Clean but within Context (Verses 14:14-23)

Put Others Before Yourself (Verses 15:1-13)

Gospel Connection: The Gospel Allows Us to Live in Harmony, despite the differences.

Talk, Listen, and Pray