Romans Chapter 14
Paul wanted the church to practice love and understanding towards one another. There had been quarreling over whether believers should eat certain foods that some considered to be unclean. While Paul had taught the young church that there was freedom in Christ, there were some who thought they had to abstain from certain foods. Paul considered this thinking as immaturity in the believer, but he also understood that condemning someone’s deeply held conviction would possibly crush their spiritual growth in Christ.
Both groups on either side of a conviction feel that the other group is wrong. The danger in passing judgement on a weaker brother (one who has not grown in spiritual maturity yet), is the possibility of turning that brother away from the faith. Paul reminds us that we will all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, and we will answer for the good works that we have done in His name. Instead of judging one another, we need to strive to love one another with the same grace God has shown to us.
Let's Reflect
1. According to verse 5 what was another area of contention amongst the early church?
2. The contention was so great in the church that Paul said they were passing judgement upon each other, and they were also showing what emotion toward each other? See verse 10.
3. In verse 15 Paul advises that standing on a principle of personal conviction and not allowing a weaker brother to have his or her own differing conviction could cause what to happen?
4. Paul said that if a brother in Christ has a deeply held conviction about (not eating a particular food), then we should not purposely eat that food in front of them. That kind of behavior is of no use, because the kingdom of heaven is not about what we eat or drink. What is the kingdom of God about? See verse 17.
5. The main point Paul is making in this passage is found in verses 18-19. What is it?
6. Paul clearly states that contention in the church over these types of convictions could cause what to happen? See verse 20.
7. There has been much discussion over the topic of Christians drinking alcohol. What does Paul say about drinking wine?
8. Paul ends the chapter with a word of advice for areas that we might consider gray areas. His advice is if there is something in your spirit that makes you question whether or not you should or shouldn’t do something, regard that thing as something that is not of faith. And if it is not a matter of faith and we go ahead and partake, then it is called what?
Devotionals
