Romans 14:18-23

 

Romans 14:18-23

Food Will Not Stop the Church

 

Rom 14:18  For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. 

Rom 14:19  Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. 

Rom 14:20  For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. 

Rom 14:21  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. 

Rom 14:22  Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. 

Rom 14:23  And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. 

      1.      A Believer Filled with the Holy Spirit is Pleasing to God and Man – vs. 18

a.       A Servant of Christ produces the fruits of the Holy Spirit because he is walking in the Spirit

                                                              i.      Galatians 5:22-23 

b.      A servant of Christ is pleasing to God

                                                              i.      Ephesians 5:9-10 

c.       A servant of Christ is pleasing to man

                                                              i.      1 Timothy 1:8-11 

          2.      A Believer is to be Dedicated to Building of the Church – vs. 19

a.       Are you a peacemaker in the church or does controversy seem to follow you around?

                                                              i.      Ephesians 4:3-6 

b.      Are you filled with a desire to see others grow in their maturity in Christ?

                                                              i.      Ephesians 4:11-16 

             3.      A Believer Must Understand both Sides of a Divisive Controversy and Yet Know Their Own                    Position – vs. 20-21

a.       Some things to remember from Romans 14:

                                                              i.      Food will not stop the church – vs. 20a

1.      Matthew 16:18 

                                                            ii.      A Christian is not contaminated by the external – vs. 20b

1.      Matthew 15:11   

                                                          iii.      If something offends your conscience than you must renew your commitment to stay away from it – vs. 20c

1.      1 Corinthians 8:9-12 

                                                          iv.      Be cautious that the exercise of your liberty does not offend others – vs. 21

1.      1Corinthains 8:13 

           4.      Advice for the Stronger Brother – vs. 22

a.       Feel free to enjoy your Christian liberty privately

                                                              i.      1 John 3:21 

b.      Be sure that your freedom never becomes and obstacle to your growth or the growth of others

                                                              i.      1 Peter 2:16 

          5.      Advice for the Weaker Brother – vs. 23

a.       If you are unsure about an issue that is commonly viewed as a Christian liberty, err on the side of caution, and do not participate

b.      Remember whatever you do should be honoring to God

c.       If you feel that something you are doing is not honoring to the Lord, do not sin against God and your conscience

                                                              i.      2 Timothy 2:1-6