Devotional Questions:
Romans 14:1-12
“If we are to understand the point of this section as a whole, we must recognize that the phrase ‘whose faith is weak’ has a special nuance in this context. ‘Faith’ refers not directly to one’s belief generally but to one’s convictions about what that faith allows him or her to do. The weak in faith are not necessarily lesser Christians than the strong. They are simply those who do not think their faith allows them to do certain things that the strong feel free to do. What Paul wants the strong to do is not simply extend grudging tolerance to the weak, but to welcome them (the verb proslambano, used here, means to receive or accept into one’s society, home, circle of acquaintance). They should not allow differences over ‘disputable matters’ to interfere with full fellowship in the body of Christ.”[1]
- The Christians in Rome passed judgment upon one another over “disputable matters” such as the eating of meat. Name some “disputable matters” of our day that have caused Christians to be un-accepting and judgmental of one another.
- What are some “disputable matters” in my life that has caused me to fight wrong battles with other Christians?
- Why must Christian freedom be understood in the context of “we belong to the LORD?” What kinds of abuses can this lead to if not properly understood?
Romans 14:5,12
- Reflect on the words: “Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind” (v.5); and “each of us will give an account of himself to God.” (v.12). Think about the degree to which God calls me to take ownership over my own convictions and decisions, and assess the degree to which I do things out of being “fully convinced in [my] own mind.”
Romans 14:13-18
“The strong are not wrong to think they have freedom to eat whatever they want. Rather, they are wrong for using that freedom without regard to the effect it may have on their weaker brothers and sisters – people for whom Christ died. The strong need a reordering of priorities, in which kingdom values take precedence over selfish interest and pleasure.”[2]
- What lesson is here about a life of voluntary self-limitation as a basic duty of Christian love?
- What are some permissible things which, given the call to be mindful of other believers, I need to personally limit or eliminate?
Romans 14:19-21
- Reflect on v.19 as a general rule of life. In what specific way can I increase my effort “to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification” with people in my life?
[1] Douglas J. Moo. “Romans,” The NIV Application Commentary. (Zondervan, 2000) 448.Douglas J. Moo. “Romans,” The NIV Application Commentary. Zondervan, 2000) 448.
[2] Douglas J. Moo. “Romans,” The NIV Application Commentary. (Zondervan, 2000) 460.Douglas J. Moo. “Romans,” The NIV Application Commentary. Zondervan, 2000) 460.
Commentary:
v.2 “The weak eat only vegetables, probably so that they avoid the risk of eating unclean foods (cf. Dan 1:8, 10, 12, 16).”[1]
v.3 “The strong are liable to ridicule and mock the weak with their delicate conscience. Conversely, the weak are prone to pass judgment on those who feel the liberty to eat anything. The weak must not stand in judgment, for God has accepted the strong believer.”[2]
vv.10-12 “The strong should not despise the weak, and the weak should not judge the strong, for everyone will stand before God, who will judge all on the last day. The future day of judgment is prophesied in Isa 45:23. Every person will give an account of his life to God at the judgment. Though justification is by faith alone, what Christians do will affect God’s evaluation of their service to him and the rewards they will receive (cf. 1 Cor 3:10–17; 2 Cor 5:10).”[3]
v.14 “At the Jerusalem council (Acts 15), the Jewish church in Jerusalem asked the Gentile church in Antioch not to eat meat that had been sacrificed to idols. Paul was at the Jerusalem council, and he accepted this request not because he felt that eating such meat was wrong in itself, but because this practice would deeply offend many Jewish believers. Paul did not think the issue was worth dividing the church over; his desire was to promote unity.”[4]
vv.20-21 “Sin is not just a private matter. Everything we do affects others, and we have to think of them constantly. God created us to be interdependent, not independent. We who are strong in our faith must, without pride or condescension, treat others with love, patience and self-restraint.”[5]
“In conclusion, we need to say again: The need to limit the expression of our liberty out of love for God and fellow believers is the key principle in this chapter. Our culture insists on rights, and it is easy for Christians to bring that attitude into the church. But the spiritual health of the body is far more important than our rights. The freedom God has purchased for us through his Son is a precious gift, but it is a freedom to live as God wants, not as we want. Luther put it well in his famous comment on Christian liberty: ‘A Christian man is a most free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian man is a most dutiful servant of all, subject to all.’”[6]
[1] English Standard Version Study Bible, study notes (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008) 2180.
[2] English Standard Version Study Bible, study notes (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008) 2180.
[3] English Standard Version Study Bible, study notes (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008) 2181.
[4] Life Application Study Bible, study notes (co-published by Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan; Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House, 1991) 2054.
[5] Life Application Study Bible, study notes (co-published by Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan; Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House, 1991) 2054.
[6] Douglas J. Moo, Romans, Life Application Bible Commentary CD (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale, 2000).