Welcome to the Bible study on the book of Romans, Chapter 14.

Verse 1: “Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.”

In this verse, Paul is encouraging believers to accept those whose faith is weaker without getting into arguments or debates over secondary or non essential issues. The focus should be on love and unity within the body of CHRIST.

Verse 2: “One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables.”

Here, Paul is addressing a specific example of disputable matters, in this case, dietary choices. He is highlighting the diversity of beliefs within the church and the need for tolerance and understanding towards those with different convictions.

Verse 3: “The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for GOD has accepted them.”

Paul emphasizes the importance of not looking down on or judging others based on their differing convictions. Instead, believers should recognize that GOD has accepted each of them, regardless of their personal preferences or practices.

Verse 4: “Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the LORD is able to make them stand.”

Here, Paul reminds believers that ultimately, each person will answer to GOD for their own actions and decisions. It is not our place to judge or condemn others, as they are accountable to GOD alone.

Verse 5: “One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind.”

Paul addresses the matter of observing certain days as holy or set apart. He encourages each person to be fully convinced in their own convictions, without imposing their beliefs on others.

Verse 6: “Whoever regards one day as special does so to the LORD. Whoever eats meat does so to the LORD, for they give thanks to GOD; and whoever abstains does so to the LORD and gives thanks to GOD.”

Here, Paul emphasizes that whatever choices believers make, whether in observing certain days or dietary practices, should be done as unto the LORD and with gratitude.

Verse 7: “For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone.”

This verse serves as a reminder that as believers, our lives and actions are interconnected, and we are called to consider the impact of our choices on others in the body of CHRIST.

Verse 8: “If we live, we live for the LORD; and if we die, we die for the LORD. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the LORD.”

Paul highlights the overarching principle that as Christians, our lives are ultimately lived for the glory and purposes of the LORD, and our unity and love for one another should reflect that reality.

Verse 9: “For this very reason, CHRIST died and returned to life so that He might be the LORD of both the dead and the living.”

Paul points to the significance of CHRIST’S death and resurrection, highlighting the lordship of JESUS over all believers, regardless of their differing convictions or practices.

Verse 10: “You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before GOD’S judgment seat.”

Paul continues to challenge believers to refrain from judging or looking down on others, as ultimately, all will stand before GOD’S judgment seat and give an account for their actions.

Verse 11: “It is written: “‘As surely as I live,’ says the LORD, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge GOD.’”

Paul quotes from the prophet Isaiah to emphasize the universal lordship of GOD and the future acknowledgment of His authority by all people.

Verse 12: “So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to GOD.”

This verse serves as a sobering reminder that every believer will individually stand before GOD and give an account for their lives and actions, reinforcing the idea that it is not our place to judge others.

Verse 13: “Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.”

Paul encourages believers to refrain from passing judgment on one another and instead focus on avoiding actions that could cause others to stumble in their faith.

Verse 14: “I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the LORD JESUS, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean.”

Paul shares his personal conviction that nothing is inherently unclean, but acknowledges that individuals may have differing beliefs about certain things. He emphasizes the importance of respecting each other’s convictions.

Verse 15: “If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom CHRIST died.”

Paul underscores the principle of love and consideration for others, cautioning believers against causing distress or harm to fellow believers due to differences in convictions.

Verse 16: “Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil.”

Here, Paul warns against causing others to view something as evil or harmful based on our own actions or choices, urging believers to act in a way that promotes unity and mutual respect.

Verse 17: “For the kingdom of GOD is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

Paul refocuses attention on the central elements of the kingdom of GOD, highlighting the importance of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, rather than getting caught up in disputable matters.

Verse 18: “For anyone who serves CHRIST in this way is pleasing to GOD and receives human approval.”

Paul affirms that those who prioritize righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit are pleasing to GOD and will also receive approval from others as they seek to live in harmony and unity.

Verse 19: “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”

Paul urges believers to prioritize efforts that lead to peace and build up one another, rather than engaging in arguments or actions that could cause division or harm within the body of CHRIST.

Verse 20: “Do not destroy the work of GOD for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble.”

Paul emphasizes the importance of not causing harm or hindrance to others for the sake of personal preferences, stressing the need to consider the impact of our actions on fellow believers.

Verse 21: “It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.”

In this verse, Paul encourages believers to prioritize the well being and spiritual growth of others over their own desires, urging them to refrain from actions that could cause harm to fellow believers.

Verse 22: “So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and GOD. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves.”

Paul advises believers to hold their personal convictions about disputable matters between themselves and GOD, rather than imposing them on others. He also highlights the blessing of maintaining a clear conscience in these matters.

Verse 23: “But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.”

Paul concludes by pointing out that actions which are not done from a place of faith are considered sinful. He reinforces the importance of living out one’s convictions in faith and with a clear conscience.

Let us Pray:

Dear LORD, almighty HEAVENLY FATHER, We come before You today with hearts full of gratitude for your infinite love and grace. As we reflect on the words of Romans 14:1-23, we are reminded of the importance of treating each other with love and respect, even when we may have differing opinions. We pray for the strength to live in unity and not pass judgment on one another. Help us to remember that each of us is accountable to you, and it is not our place to judge the beliefs or actions of others. Grant us the wisdom to understand that what is important is to live in faith and love, seeking to build one another up rather than tear each other down. We ask for your guidance as we navigate the differences that exist in the body of CHRIST. Help us to honor and glorify You in all that we do, and to live in such a way that reflects the love and grace that you have shown us. May we seek to pursue peace and mutual edification, rather than causing division or offense.
We also pray for the strength to live by our convictions, while also being considerate of the convictions of others. May we seek to do all things for your glory, and to recognize that our ultimate allegiance is to you dear LORD, almighty HEAVENLY FATHER. We thank You for Your marvelous, righteous Word, which serves as a guide for our lives. May we always turn to it for instruction and encouragement, and may it shape our hearts and minds to be more like CHRIST. We pray all these things throughout the mighty, glorious, fulfilling name of JESUS CHRIST. Amen!