Welcome to the next Bible Study of Romans, Chapter 14:

Let’s reason and take an inspiring verse by verse look at “Romans 14:1-23”, followed with a Summary and Prayer.

This chapter of “Romans 14” addresses issues regarding the acceptance of one another within the Christian community, particularly concerning differences in dietary practices and observance of days.

Verse 1: “him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.”

Paul encourages the stronger believers to accept those who may be weaker in faith. However, he warns against engaging in arguments or debates that lead to uncertainty or controversy.

Verse 2: “For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.”

This verse illustrates the differing beliefs within the community. Some people have the faith to eat anything, while others, particularly the “weak” in faith, feel it’s necessary to restrict their diet to vegetables.

Verse 3: “Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for GOD hath received him.”

Paul emphasizes mutual respect. Those who eat should not look down on those who do not, and vice versa. GOD has accepted both, regardless of their dietary choices.

Verse 4: “Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for GOD is able to make him stand.”

This verse teaches against judgment, reminding believers that ultimately, each individual is responsible to GOD, their Master.

Verse 5: “One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.”

Paul acknowledges differing views on the observance of days (e.g., Sabbath). He encourages each person to be convinced in their own beliefs and act accordingly.

Verse 6: “He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the LORD he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the LORD; for he giveth GOD thanks; and he that eateth not, to the LORD he eateth not, and giveth GOD thanks.”

Both practices (observing certain days and not eating certain foods) can be done for the sake of honoring GOD. Each person’s intentions matter in their actions.

Verse 7: “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.”

Paul notes that our lives are interconnected; how we live affects others, and we should consider that in our actions.

Verse 8: “For whether we live, we live unto the LORD; and whether we die, we die unto the LORD: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the LORD’S.”

True believers belong to the LORD in life and death, emphasizing the importance of a shared identity in CHRIST.

Verse 9: “For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.”

The resurrection of CHRIST established His authority over both the living and the dead, underscoring His lordship.

Verse 10: “But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of CHRIST.”

Paul challenges the attitude of judgment among believers. Everyone will ultimately be accountable to CHRIST.

Verse 11: “For it is written, As I live, saith the LORD, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to GOD.”

This emphasizes GOD’S authority; one day, everyone will acknowledge Him, reinforcing the need for humility and respect among believers.

Verse 12: “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to GOD.”

Each person will have to answer to GOD for their own actions, enhancing the seriousness of judgment.

Verse 13: “Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.”

Paul advises against judging one another and instead encourages believers to consider how their actions might affect others, particularly in terms of faith.

Verse 14: “I know, and am persuaded by the LORD JESUS, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.”

Paul expresses his conviction that nothing is inherently unclean, but views differ, and those who see something as unclean should act according to their conscience.

Verse 15: “But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom CHRIST died.”

If exercising personal freedom causes a fellow believer to stumble or be distressed, it is unloving and contrary to the principle of love for others.

Verse 16: “Let not then your good be evil spoken of:”

Paul cautions that if our actions, while good in themselves, are misinterpreted or cause others to stumble, we need to reconsider how we act.

Verse 17: “For the kingdom of GOD is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”

The essence of the kingdom is not about dietary laws; it is about spiritual principles such as righteousness, peace, and joy that come from the Holy Ghost.

Verse 18: “For he that in these things serveth CHRIST is acceptable to GOD, and approved of men.”

Serving CHRIST by living according to these higher principles is what truly pleases GOD and earns the respect of others.

Verse 19: “Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.”

Paul encourages believers to pursue peace and mutual edification, focusing more on building each other up than on individual rights.

Verse 20: “For meat destroy not the work of GOD. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.”

Paul reminds them that the higher goal is the work of GOD, and being unloving or offensive in exercising freedoms can jeopardize GOD’S work.

Verse 21: “It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.”

It is better to abstain from certain practices that could lead a brother to stumble than to assert one’s rights without considering the implications.

Verse 22: “Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before GOD. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.”

Paul encourages believers to have private convictions before GOD, and those who act without personal condemnation find true happiness.

Verse 23: “And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.”

Acting against one’s conscience is a serious matter. If someone doubts their action is right and proceeds anyway, it leads to sin.

Let’s Summarize Romans, Chapter 14:

In “Romans 14:1-23“, Paul addresses the differences that may arise in the Christian community over dietary practices and the observance of specific days. He emphasizes the importance of acceptance, mutual respect, and love. Believers are reminded that their actions affect one another, and they should prioritize the edification of others over exercising their freedoms. The greater picture involves living in harmony, pursuing peace and righteousness, as the essence of the Kingdom of GOD is not about food or drink but about inner spiritual values. Ultimately, accountability lies with GOD, and each individual must act according to their own faith and conscience.

Let us Pray:

Dear LORD, almighty
HEAVENLY FATHER, we thank You for Your marvelous, righteous Word that guides us in our relationships with You and one another. Help us to embrace our differences and exercise love and grace towards our fellow believers. May we seek to build each other up in faith and honor You in all that we do. Give us the wisdom to discern how our actions affect those around us, and may we live in a honorable way that reflects Your infinite love and peace. Thank you dear LORD, almighty HEAVENLY FATHER.
We pray this throughout the mighty, glorious, fulfilling name of JESUS CHRIST. Amen!

Much LoVe, JoY, Peace and Blessings to You, through JESUS CHRIST, our almighty dear LORD, SAVIOUR and REDEEMER!