I.        INTRODUCTION

A.      Our study of Romans now brings us to chapter 14, which continues the practical instructions that began in chapter 12.

B.      Let us consider the text on this chapter and then make a few applications in the concluding remarks.

II.      DO NOT JUDGE ONE ANOTHER IN MATTERS OF OPINION

A.      Paul introduced the subject of this chapter with a simple instruction requiring Christians to accept a brother who has weak beliefs in matters of opinion (Rom. 14:1-3).

                                                             1.      The first verse gives the context for all things that are considered in this chapter, which are matters of opinion.

a.       The words “opinion” (NASB), “scruples” (ASV), or “disputations” (KJV) come from a Greek word (dialogismos) that means “an inward reasoning, an opinion” (W.E. Vine).  This qualifies the instructions of this chapter as pertaining only to matters of opinion.

b.       The specific issues that are mentioned in this chapter are the eating of meat, the drinking of wine, and the observance of days.  These issues had arisen because of the various cultural backgrounds of the Christians throughout the Roman Empire.

c.        Nothing in this chapter excuses sin or forbids Christians from recognizing and reproving sin in one another.  These instructions pertain only to neutral, inconsequential matters.

                                                             2.      Notice that the instruction to accept a brother who is “weak in faith” does not necessarily mean that he is altogether a weak brother.

a.       The brother in Christ is to be accepted on the basis of being a fellow Christian.  “God has accepted him” (v. 3), indicating that he has faith in Christ, so other Christians are to accept him as well.

b.       The weakness in this brother is in a particular belief or opinion that he holds.

i.         The term “has faith” in verse 2 is from a single Greek word meaning “believes.”  It is the same word translated in John 3:16 as “believes” (John used this word 99 times compared to Matthew’s ten, Mark’s ten, and Luke’s nine).

ii.        Therefore, in some inconsequential matter, this brother has a belief that is poorly founded (lacks strength).  Otherwise, he may be quite strong in his beliefs.

                                                             3.      This instruction was expanded in verse 3 to instruct brethren on both sides of the opinion.  Christians are not to be completely controlled by one another’s weak beliefs.  There must be give and take on both sides.

B.      Furthermore, this passage declares that Christians are accountable only to their Lord and Master for their beliefs in matters of opinion and not to one another (Rom. 14:4-9).

                                                             1.      Christians have no right to judge (condemn) one another on these issues.

a.       The word “judge” in verse 4 is also found in verses 3, 5 (“regards”), 10, 13, and 22 (“condemn”).  It is the same word Jesus used in Matthew 7:1 when He said, “Do not judge lest you be judged.”

b.       It is inappropriate for Christians to assume the role of judge over another and pronounce a judgment that is contrary to his true Master’s judgment (“the Lord is able to make him stand” – v. 4).

                                                             2.      Rather, each Christian must answer to his Lord for his own beliefs.

a.       Christians are instructed to be “fully convinced” in their own minds about their opinions.

i.         The term “fully convinced” is also found in Romans 4:21 (translated “fully assured” in the NASB) regarding Abraham’s confidence in God’s promises.  This indicates the level of conviction required.

ii.        The impetus is on the believer to be responsible for his beliefs and opinions.  He must study and learn to form strong opinions rather than weak ones.

b.       Regardless of his opinion, the believer must carry out his conviction in service to his Master and Lord, Christ.  Christ earned that respect and right by His death.

C.      In truth, there is no reason for a Christian to judge his brother in these things, for God will judge him (Rom. 14:10-12).

                                                             1.      Notice the emphasis on “you” in verse 10.  The message is that even if a judgment needs to be made, “you” are not the one to make that judgment.

                                                             2.      Rather, it is God who will render judgment upon us all, and we will all give account to Him.

III.   DO NOT CAUSE A BROTHER TO STUMBLE

A.      Rather than judging a brother for his weak beliefs, Paul commanded that a Christian should determine not to cause that brother to stumble (Rom. 14:13-15).

                                                             1.      This reflects on one’s attitude.  If you know your brother has a weakness, then an attitude of love will lead you to help him deal with it rather than to judge him for it.

                                                             2.      Because of brotherly love, a Christian will go out of his way to not to cause his brother to sin.

a.       A “stumbling block” is a figure representing anything that leads one to sin.

b.       The example of food is presented.  Apparently, this was the most prominent matter of opinion causing problems for these early Christians (see 1Corinthians 8).

i.         Even though Paul knew that nothing was unclean, he had sympathy for his brother who still regarded some things as unclean.

ii.        The message is that a brother’s soul is more valuable than another’s liberty in matters of opinion (such as the eating of certain foods).

B.      If a Christian fails to act in love, then what is good for him may become evil (Rom. 14:16-21).

                                                             1.      At this point, let us consider the principle that is stated in verse 23: “whatever is not from faith is sin.”  A Christian sins by doing that which he doubts is right.  He violates his conscience.

                                                             2.      Therefore, if one causes a brother to stumble by influencing him to violate his conscience, he commits sin.

a.       Consider 1Corinthians 8:10-12 on this point.  Such is a sin against brethren and Christ.

b.       This is why “what is for you a good thing” may “be spoken of as evil” (v. 16).

                                                             3.      A loving Christian will gladly sacrifice worldly liberties because he realizes that “the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (v. 17).  See also 1Corinthians 8:13.

                                                             4.      The governing principle in these matters must be the pursuit of peace and edification.

C.      Finally, it must be acknowledged that the responsibility for one’s own beliefs and conscience falls upon himself (Rom. 14:22-23).

                                                             1.      As in verse 5, the impetus is placed on the believer to be responsible for his own beliefs.

a.       This chapter is not an excuse for a Christian to remain ignorant.  Rather, it simply instructs us how to deal with differences of opinion.

b.       Christians should always know why they believe as they do.  This is the conviction or assurance that they have before God that their belief is true.

                                                             2.      Verse 23 gives this guiding principle for the believer – if you doubt it, do not do it.

a.       It is wrong to gamble with one’s soul.  A brother who acts in doubt has chosen to disregard the possible offense toward God.  This in itself is an offense.

b.       Instead, Christians are to be convinced before God that their actions are correct.  This conviction can only come through an understanding of the word of God.

IV.    CONCLUSION

A.      The fourteenth chapter of Romans has been incorrectly used by some in attempts to justify many things that are not covered by these instructions.

                                                             1.      Matters that are clearly addressed in the word of God are not affected by these instructions.  Such issues are not left to our opinion.

                                                             2.      Christians are not instructed to accept someone who has a false belief on a matter of doctrine.

B.      We must be careful to apply this chapter only to matters of opinion as it was intended.

                                                             1.      We must not be too broad in our application, but we do not want to be too narrow either.

                                                             2.      Some modern matters of opinion that are governed by these principles are whether certain days should be observed (holidays, birthdays, etc.), whether the Lord’s Supper should be offered more than once on a Sunday, and whether a woman should wear a covering on her head during worship.

                                                             3.      Some issues are debatable and should be always be considered in view of the word of God.

C.      In our next and final lesson in Romans, we will consider a few more points on this subject and Paul’s concluding remarks.