Romans 14:1-13a

Condemnation (1:18-3:20), justification (3:21-5:21), sanctification (6:1-8:39), and the story of Israel (9:1-11:36) are the issues which have, so far, comprised Paul’s letter to the Roman Christians. Each of these issues was meant to bring a fuller understanding of the salvation they had received through repentance and faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as payment for their sin (Romans 10:9-10). At the moment of faith, the Holy Spirit indwells the believer and begins the process of sanctification, which is resisting sin and following God’s ways. Although works play no part in justification (being declared righteous), good works are a natural result of receiving the righteousness of Jesus Christ (see Ephesians 2:8-10). In Romans 12, Paul began unveiling the character of those who have been freed from the penalty of sin (8:1-2) and made alive in Christ (8:11). Before we briefly review the changes which take place, we must realize that it is the Holy Spirit who uses the word of God to bring new attitudes and actions. Consistent time spent reading God’s word will allow the Spirit to change us (12:1-2).

So what changes will take place in our lives? Paul has already stated that we will serve God with our spiritual gifts (12:3-8), have right behavior (12:9-21), submit to government authority (13:1-7), love others (13:8-10), and resist the flesh while submitting to God (13:11-14). Now, in Romans 14 Paul provides another area of change – finding unity even though we are different. The church of Paul’s day was filled with Jews and Gentiles and they were very distinct in their traditions; in fact, they had very little in common. This sometimes caused division within the church because people from different backgrounds were being brought together through faith in Jesus Christ. Two diverse groups under one roof equals possible chaos. However, Paul reminded his readers that the church did not have to be divided and unity was attainable. But how could unity be tangible? Paul provides several governing principles to be applied.

The situation is this – mature Jewish believers viewed themselves as free from obeying the ceremonial points of the law (eating regulations, observance of certain days, etc.), which may have been offensive to a new (weaker, immature) Jewish believers. The more mature Jewish believers knew that the ceremonial law could not bring God’s favor; however, the weaker Jewish believers felt that they should still respect the ceremonial laws and were offended when those who were more mature did not follow it. This caused some controversy. The other situation is related to Gentile believers in the church. Since Gentiles came from a pagan system of beliefs and values, many of them had been involved in idol worship and offering meats to false gods as a form of worship. So, when they came to faith in Jesus Christ they were offended when more mature Gentile believers would eat meat which they purchased in the market even though it had been previously offered to idols. In both situations, Jews and Gentiles, the conflict was concerning the weak conscience of the immature believer. In anticipation that the weaker believers may not understand, Paul wrote these principles to guide those who were more mature in their faith.

First of all, Paul commands the mature believers to “receive [accept] one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things” (14:1). Those who were mature were not to cast judgment on those with a weaker conscience, but rather each should have respect for the other because God has accepted them both (14:2-3). John MacArthur gives insight into Romans 14:3, “The strong hold the weak in contempt as legalistic and self-righteous; the weak judge the strong to be irresponsible at best and perhaps depraved” (MacArthur Study Bible, p. 1720). This should not be. Paul writes that each person, whether strong or weak, should be guided by their own conscience (14:5) and be thankful to God for their choice in matters of conscience (14:6). Rather than spending their energy standing in judgment of others, they should recognize God as the final verdict on matters of freedom (14:7-13a). Again, Paul is not referring to issues which are clearly defined in Scripture (hatred, gossip, stealing, lying, rebellion, etc.), but issues which Scripture does NOT clearly define.

Every believer needs to personally learn how to have respect for those who come from distinct backgrounds and traditions. Our focus should be on those things which bring us together, not on issues which make us different.

Dear God, give me a respect for those who may think differently than me. May I show them love and acceptance in all things.