Romans 14:13-23
Q.1. How should we deal with matters of conscience? What basic principle should guide us? What is the main focus of the Kingdom of God? How can we gain the approval of God and people? – (Rom.14:13-18)
Matters of conscience affect believers differently but are real. Paul advised – 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 (Rom.14:13). His authority was based on Christ’s New Commandment, that requires us to be – walking according to love (Rom.14:15 c.f. Jn.13:34-35). This principle commands us to consider the welfare of our fellow believers and helps us to avoid hurting others because of our preferences (Rom.14:13-16). Paul reminded us of what belonging to Christ is all about. He stated that – the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom.14:17). Life is not about us, or our exercising our own liberties, but it is about spreading righteousness, peace, and joy. To serve Christ like this – … is acceptable to God and is approved by men (Rom.14:18).
Q.2. Why should we concern ourselves with the conscience of fellow believers? How will that change our own actions? Was Paul endorsing sinful behaviour by making it a faith issue? – (Rom.14:19-23)
Paul gave us good advice about how to express our convictions. We are to – … pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another (Rom.14:19). This will keep us from causing others to stumble, and from damaging God’s work by insisting on our own liberties (Rom.14:20-21). In fact, Paul suggested that it is better not to pursue our liberties, but rather to keep them to ourselves. He added – 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, hold as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves (Rom.14:21-22). Paul suggested that we should not breach our convictions or participate in doubtful activities. He concluded that – he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin (Rom.14:23). Our preferences and liberties always should be supported by the teaching of the rest of the Bible.