Romans 14

[talitha]

Someone else remarked about this being the WWMC for Conservatives, and I agree with that. I was saying on another thread that we need in this forum to remember that we are a mixed bag - with different levels of conservatism and different definitions of the word "conservative". I believe that we need to read this scripture and keep it very much in mind as we consider how to answer one another.

(NASB) Romans 14:1 Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions. 2 One person has faith that he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats vegetables only. 3 The one who eats is not to regard with contempt the one who does not eat, and the one who does not eat is not to judge the one who eats, for God has accepted him. 4 Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. 5 One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who eats not, for the Lord he does not eat, and gives thanks to God. 7 For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself; 8 for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. 9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. 10 But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. 11 For it is written, "AS I LIVE, SAYS THE LORD, EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW TO ME, AND EVERY TONGUE SHALL GIVE PRAISE TO GOD." 12 So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God. 13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this--not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way. 14 I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 For if because of food your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy with your food him for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil; 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. 20 Do not tear down the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are clean, but they are evil for the man who eats and gives offense. 21 It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother stumbles. 22 The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. 23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.

 

[Macrina]

That's such a key passage.

Sometimes I think of Romans 14 when I think of a freedom I have in Christ which might hinder the Gospel. The greater freedom I have is to surrender my rights so that the Kingdom may grow.

 

[talitha]

Amen, sister!

 

[Greenthumb]

I was thinking about this passage the other day. I'm not very good at remembering where things are in the Bible. (Some better than others ), but the truths of them are locked away in my brain. Anyway...I like what Macrina said about us surrendering our rights. In our society everything is about my rights. No one else's matter. But shouldn't that be how we live our life as a Christian? Putting God first...then our fellow man? That is what Jesus did and we want to follow Him. And I also like that you underlined verse 19. That is one thing that I think is so very important for the Christian. It doesn't mean we become doormats, by any means, but we need to strive for peace in volatile situations and always, always build one another up.

 

[Criada]

Amen!

 

[catofhope]

Great scripture.

I agree, we need to celebrate and embrace our similarities.
And not judge/put down others that think differently.

Myself I am not a debater type.
I usually avoid controversal topics.

I think it is hard to expect everyone to agree about everything.

 

[talitha]

I was just posting something on my Wiki Poll thread - pleae visit that, by the way - that reminded me of this thread.

Another statement my pastor made is that we should protect each other's consciences. I am confessing that I have reacted defensively without thinking of the other person's conscience. Let's keep that in mind as we seek to 'speak the truth in love'.

blessings
tal

 

[faroukfarouk]

I think a deep, related point from Galatians is that the New Testament believer is not under the law. Grasping this would save a lot of arguments and problems.

 

[WannaWitness]

Here is what I get from Romans 14. It is basically saying that believers should not quarrel about "doubtful things" (as stated in the first verse) and respect fellow believers whose convictions are different in some way or another. It is not referring to things that the Bible clearly states are sinful, but rather the things (depending on one's interpretation of certain Scripture) that some would consider sinful, and others would not - and goes on to use the eating of meat and observing certain days as an example. But there are other issues that can be applied here. One thing that comes up a lot, in my experience, is the issue of what Bible translations to read or not read. People are all over the place on where they sit in regards to this. Some think that KJV is the only translation to read and study from (some even believing that one is not really saved if they read or even touch anything else), some think "anything goes", and then there are some who think other translations are okay, but caution should be used seeing that there are some weird and crazy ones out there. Other disputes are common, too, such as whether or not it is wrong for women to wear pants, wear makeup, or cut their hair, what kinds of music are okay for a Christian to listen to, whether or not to dance, to watch TV or movies, play games, study science and history, and the list goes on. People with differing convictions should respect one another and regard one another as brothers and sisters despite the differences.

Just my two cents here. I do not wish to debate, although I am aware there may be some here who will disagree (just so long as it is respectful).

God bless you all.

 

[talitha]

Wow, blast from the past!!

 

[Steve Petersen]

Imagine a congregation of both Jewish and Gentile believers.

Jewish law prohibited eating certain foods and wine from Gentiles on the assumption that at some point in its purchase and processing portions may have been offered to idols.

Jewish sensibilities DID allow them to eat uncut, raw fruits and vegetables provided by Gentiles.

I think this is the context of Romans 14.