INTRODUCTION
As we come to Romans 14:13-23 we realize that the subject is the same one Paul addressed in Romans 14:1-12: how to we respond to, think about, and treat other Christians who disagree with us on not totally clear matters of the faith, or matters where the Bible is silent?
The specific issues Paul was dealing with were matters of food, drink, and observance of days. Paul knew that some believers in Rome were acting superior over the choices they’d made about what food was proper to eat and what days were important to observe and were passing judgement on or despising those who had different beliefs.
In 14:1-12 Paul exhorted believers to change their toward those with whom they disagreed. In 14:13-23 he directs us to change our toward those with with whom we disagree..
What we must not do, 13
Don’t put in front of a brother or sister.
Cause stumbling, 13 (a cause for making a misstep)
(MULTILINE)
Don’t put in front of a brother or sister.
Create a hindrance, 13 (an action leading to temptation)
(MULTILINE)
What should guide our actions, 14-15
Not but what our brother or sister believes should guide our actions, 14
When it comes to food and drink Paul is certain nothing is inherently .
Yet, if a person for them it is.
(MULTILINE)
, not self-interest must determine what we do, 15
First, notice the effect our actions can have on others:
Cause others to be , 15 (be emotionally distressed, saddened)
others, 15 (bring about ruin)
So, what should we rely on rather than our own opinions to guide our actions?
. Remember: love does no wrong to our neighbor (Romans 13:10).
Why we should choose actions that protect others, 16-18
Choosing actions that protect others:
prevents what we consider to be ‘good’ from being spoken of, 16
won’t cause us to on any of the good parts of the Kingdom of God, 17
gains God’s and wins the of others, 18
What we should be pursuing, 19
Instead of pursuing our own freedom:
Pursue what
Pursue what helps
Final instruction, 20-21
In brief:
Specifically:
We should not through selfishness behavior destroy God’s work, 20a
We should not lead a brother or sister to stumble by our behavior, 20b-21
Final explanation, 22-23
Some beliefs are better kept to ourselves. 22a
It’s a blessing to fully believe that what you are doing is right. 22b
When someone does something they are not certain is right, it is sin for them, 23
CONCLUSION
Paul has been taking us on a bit of a course on Christian maturity. The mature Christian is willing to put other’s sensitivities and convictions before their own freedom. He or she is willing to do without if it will prevent a brother or sister from falling or will help build up that brother of sister.
Application:
Verse 13: decide not to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of my brother or sister.
This means deciding to surrender my freedom for the sake of others who may not feel free to do what I feel free to do.
This decision is once-for-all, followed by altering our actions whenever that is needed.