Romans 14:13-16

 

Romans 14:13-16

Take Care that You Do Not Become a Stumbling Block to Others

 

Rom 14:13  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. 

Rom 14:14  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. 

Rom 14:15  But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. 

Rom 14:16  Let not then your good be evil spoken of: 

 

          1.      Let Us No Longer Judge Our Christian Brother – vs. 13

a.       In this passage Paul is speaking to the Christian who chooses to exercise their Christian liberty on a debatable issue. If you find yourself in this position Paul gives you some practical guidelines on how to deal with your brother in Christ.

                                                              i.      Stop judging him for what you think is legalism

1.      Standards and convictions are not legalism. You brother must believe the following otherwise he is not saved at all.

a.       His convictions do not save him

                                                                                                                                      i.      Romans 3:24 

b.      His convictions do not make him holy

                                                                                                                                      i.      Romans 8:11 

c.       Rather that his convictions aide him in his singular focus

                                                                                                                                      i.      1 Corinthians 9:27 

                                                            ii.      Instead of judging him, use your skills in critical thinking to answer the following questions:

1.      Is there something I have done that has caused my brother to stumble?

a.       Matthew 18:1-6 

2.      Is there a behavior I engage in that is causing my brother to fall?

a.       1 Thessalonians 5:14 

          2.      Be Sure of Your Position – vs. 14

a.       In the examples that Paul has sighted in this passage concerning food and days, Paul agrees with the position of Christians Liberty

                                                              i.      Acts 10:13-17 

b.      Paul’s position comes from the Lord Jesus and a fully persuaded mind

                                                              i.      Romans 14:5   

c.       Paul still wants to be sensitive to the struggles of others and realizes he needs to be patient with those he disagrees with

                                                              i.      1 Corinthians 10:23 

             3.      Walk In Love – vs, 15

a.       If you offend your brother in Christ with your Christian Liberty you are not walking in love

                                                              i.      1 Corinthians 8:12-13 

b.      How dare we destroy a brother in Christ for something so trivial as food

                                                              i.      Mark 7:14-23 

           4.      Be Sure Your Actions Do Not Bring Slander to the Name of Christ – vs. 16

a.       Be careful your Christian Liberty is not taken to such extremes that it makes it easy for others to talk badly of your behavior.

                                                              i.      Galatians 5:13 

                                                            ii.      1 Thessalonians 5:21-23