Romans 14 Part 5
Romans 14 – Part Five
We have seen that judgment is the Lord’s purview and that no one will be left out. We have also seen that those who are in Christ are simply ushered into the kingdom. The account they give of themselves is simply that they are in Christ. Jesus is our advocate, and He will not forsake us or leave us as orphans. Our judgment was conducted and concluded at the cross. We were found guilty and sentenced to death. Jesus served the sentence in our place and let us go free.
We will pick up our study now with Romans 14:13 “13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.” Paul told the same thing to the fellowship of believers in Corinth. 1 Corinthians 8:9 (KJV) “9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.”
The Spirit of God within us calls us toward unity, peace, and bearing one another’s burdens. One aspect of the fruit He is producing in us is kindness. We are called to think of others. Philippians 2:2–7 (KJV) makes this point with great clarity. “2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:”
In many places we read that we are free. Jesus Christ has made us free. The Spirit if the Lord lives in us, and where the Spirit of the Lord in, there is freedom (see 2 Corinthians 3:17). Galatians 5:13 (KJV) tells us, “13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.”
Back in Romans 14:14-15 Paul continues. “14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
Another way of saying that is found in 1 Corinthians 10:23-33 (KJV). Stick with this and as you read it remember that while this talks about meat, it is helpful to us for a variety of daily issues that arise between us and others, whether believers or not. “23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. 24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. 25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, (the butcher’s shop or meat market) that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: 26 For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof. 27 If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. 28 But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof:”
(In other words, they have mentioned this as a way of ascertaining where you stand with regard to your faith—from their perspective. Today we might use alcohol or R-rated movies, or something else.)
Back now to 2 Cor.10:29 “Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience? 30 For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? 31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: 33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.”
Do you see that? Unbelievers, believers from different traditions, and the Church of God are all mentioned here. What the scripture is telling us is simply to bear the fruit of the Spirit that the Spirit of God is producing within us. To allow Him to express and manifest His life and His love through us in all things.
Back now in our Romans 14 passage and picking up at verse 16 we read, “Let not then your good be evil spoken of: 17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”
When this passage speaks of not allowing our good to “be evil spoken of,” it is not saying that we should defend the expression of our freedom in situations that cause others offense or cause them to stumble and question their faith—or ours. It is saying that we are not to flaunt our freedom and thereby open ourselves to being seen as hypocrites or liars. We are the righteousness of God is in our spirit, and peace and joy are the fruit of His Spirit in us. This chapter promotes peace, but it also promotes the joy of living in the freedom Jesus has given us. He set us free from the prison of worldly rules and regulations that appeal to the flesh and into His kingdom. But we have not been freed so that we can behave in unloving ways that do not take into account the sensibilities of others.
Galatians 5:1 (KJV) counsels that we “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Yet while all things are permissible, not everything edifies and builds others up.
