Romans 14 — Grow Together in Christ
Introduction: Paul addressed the need for believers to accept each other and avoid disputes and criticism over differences in their traditions. He emphasized that all believers serve the Lord; therefore each person must have a clear conscience before God about the manner of their worship. All believers are servants to the Lord, who therefore is their master, and judgment belongs only to him. This chapter of Romans is in my own paraphrase, to some extent in an amplified style, prepared by examining several translations, and with some use of Greek and Hebrew lexicons.
NOTE: Verses in the comments are from the 1769 King James Bible.
A — Don’t Argue over Religious Traditions
Romans 14 “1 Accept those who are still growing in the faith, and don’t argue about traditions that they view as essential. 2 Some believe they may eat all foods without restriction, while others may believe they are required to eat only vegetables. 3 Those who don’t follow dietary restrictions should not look down on those who observe them; and those who do observe dietary restrictions should not condemn those who are free from such regulations: for God has accepted both. 4 Who are you to judge another man’s servant? Each one will be accepted or rejected by their own master. Yes, they shall be established: for God as their master is able to assure that they stand firm… 7 For none of us lives to our self and none of us die to our self. 8 For whether we live, we live to the Lord; and whether we die, we die to the Lord: therefore in either case we belong to the Lord.”
Comments: Paul wanted believers who practiced many Jewish traditions, and those who did not feel bound by them, to accept each other in the Lord. Those who hold on to tradition should not condemn those who don’t; and there should be no attitude of superiority in those who don’t feel bound by traditions. The apostles at Jerusalem had already sent a message to Antioch because Gentile believers were being told they must be circumcised (Acts 15:22–29). Over the centuries traditions have continued to be a matter for our attention as there are many differences within nations, languages, and even church denominations. Believers have been given liberty in Christ Jesus, and Paul advised that every believer should follow their heart with a clear conscience as they live each day as servants of the Lord. As long as we are alive we belong to the Lord, and when we die we will still belong to the Lord.
B — Don’t Judge One Another
Romans 14 “9 Christ died, and rose from the dead, and lives again for this very purpose that he might be Lord both of the dead and the living. 10 So why do you question and condemn another believer, or even view them as inferior? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written, as I live, said the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God… 13 Therefore we must not make judgments about one another any more: but each one of us should determine not to put a stumbling block in the way of another, or give them some reason to waiver in faith… 17 for the kingdom of God is not identified by food and drink; but by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For the one who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God, and has the approval of men.”
Comments: Christ conquered death by his own resurrection so he is Lord over believers who have already died, as well as those presently alive. Isaiah 45:22–23 states: “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. I have sworn by myself… That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.” So instead of making judgments about one another, each one should be careful about things we do that may be a stumbling block to another believer. The Lord Jesus spoke a parable about the necessity of humility to receive approval that comes only through the mercy of God (Luke 18:9–14). Jesus also taught that things we eat are not inherently unclean — what defiles a man comes from the heart (Matthew 15:17–18). The essence of the kingdom of God among believers is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
C — Pursue Peace and the Edification of Others
Romans 14 “19 Therefore determine to earnestly pursue the things which bring about peace, harmony, and agreement to allow us to edify, build up, and enrich each other. 20 Don’t destroy the work of God by disputes and debates about foods. Indeed all things are pure; but it is an evil thing to eat something that knowingly brings offense. 21 It is genuine and commendable not to eat meat or drink wine, or anything else that will trip up another believer by offending, and thus weaken them. 22 But have your assurance about these things in the sight of God. You will be blessed if you don’t cause arguments by the things that you accept. 23 If you waiver and hesitate about foods then you are worthy of criticism, because your stand is not of faith: for whatever is not of faith is sin.”
Comments: Since we don’t live only for ourselves, harmony and mutual growth in the Word of God should be a main goal for our interactions with other believers. This includes not only avoiding arguments about restrictive practices to honor God, but also avoiding unnecessary offense to other believers by our own positions. Whatever traditions you follow, be sure in your own heart that your position is acceptable in the sight of God, because whatever is not of faith is sin. Paul gave similar guidance to the Corinthians: 1 Corinthians 10:31–33 “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.”
Reflections in Prayer
Lord, I want to be sensitive to the way you have opened salvation in Christ around the world with a degree of freedom for believers to follow cultural practices that can be dedicated to honor your name. Guide me to leave judgment to you about the practices that I do not follow; and help me to be careful that the ways in which I express my faith do not offend other believers. I pray that each believer will sincerely realize that we don’t live for our self interests, but we live for you and belong to you, Lord, and should therefore give thanks to you always. I believe that Christ died, and also rose from death to make his mercy and grace available to believers of all ages. The Holy Spirit guided Isaiah to assure us that the one true God is the sole judge and everyone will stand before his judgment seat. We could never take the place of God to judge who truly believes. Lord, please impress upon my heart whenever I am with other believers to earnestly pursue the things which bring about peace, harmony, and agreement that we may edify, build up, and enrich each other. I want to be assured that my pathway of faith is acceptable in the sight of my God as I continue to search the scriptures. I pray that I will keep in mind that whatever is not of faith is sin. Amen.
Published 15 July 2016