Romans 14:1-12
Q.1. What should our attitude be towards those who have different preferences? Why? Does God give us flexibility in the way we treat special days and foods? – (Rom.14:1-6)
Paul had expounded the basis of justification by faith. He then turned attention to principles of conscience. He addressed the issue of varying opinions, convictions, and preferences. He described some as weak in faith because they have a sensitive conscience in areas not specifically addressed in the Bible (Rom.14:1; 1 Cor.8:7). Paul’s whole summation was that a person without scruples in a practice, should be sensitive to others, and actually defer to their weaknesses. The examples Paul used are as follows:
⦁ Eating meat offered to idols (Rom. 14:1-4;20-21; 1 Cor. 8:1-13; 10:23-33)
⦁ Consecrating certain days to God (Rom. 14:5-6)
⦁ Abstaining from some drinks (Rom. 14:17, 21; 1 Cor. 10:31-33)
These matters of conscience are heightened by our differing nationalities, cultures, families, personalities, and temperaments. Some are concerned to protect themselves and others from the dangers that arise from certain activities. Others are concerned to keep the Gospel unencumbered by unhelpful rules and restrictions. This can be a minefield. Paul urged us to accept others, regardless of their interpretations, to – 1 accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions … 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 (Rom.14:1 & 3). We are not to judge or condemn other believers. Paul appealed for us to leave the judgment to God, and asked – 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 (Rom.14:4). The decisions we make concerning these activities need to be motivated by a desire to glorify God with our lives. These issues are personal, and – … Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind (Rom.14:5)
Q.2. To whom are we ultimately responsible for the exercise of our convictions? Why is condemning others foolish? How will remembering the Judgment Seat of Christ change us? – (Rom.14:7-12)
Paul reminded us all, regardless of convictions, that since coming to Christ we no longer belong to ourselves but to the Lord (Rom.14:7-9). Our major preoccupation should be a concern to live a life that pleases God – 10 … 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 (Rom.14:10-12). Paul was exhorting his readers to keep living for Christ Who redeemed us. Other scriptures inform us about the Rapture that is followed by the Judgment Seat of Christ, and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (1 Cor.3:10-15; 2 Cor.5:10; 1 Thes.4:13-18; Rev.19:7-9). Our concern should be to be able to present to God a heart of love for Him, and of wisdom and devotion.