Constable’s chapter summary:
“In Romans 14:1 to Romans 15:13, Paul gave special attention to the problem of knowing how to live in Christian freedom. This section of Romans deals with Christian conduct when God does not specify exactly what we should do in every situation (cf. 1 Corinthians 8). In such cases some Christians will do one thing and others another, both within God’s will. How to handle these situations is the focus of this section.
“Paul moved on to discuss a problem that arises as the dedicated Christian seeks to live within God’s will in the body of Christ (Romans 12:3-21) and in the body politic (ch. 13). As Christians, the 613 specific commands of the Mosaic Law no longer govern our conduct (Romans7:6; Romans 10:4), but the principles that Jesus Christ and His apostles revealed do (cf. chs. 12-13). How then should we deal with conflicting applications of these principles? How should we conduct ourselves when our interpretation of God’s will differs from that of another believer? Paul explained how believers can disagree on nonessentials and still maintain unity in the church.”
Romans 14:1-4 (WEL) Welcome him who is weak in the faith, but not for a judgmental confrontation. 2 For one believes that he can eat anything, another, who is weak [in faith], eats herbs. 3 Don’t let him who [feels free] to eat [anything] despise him who doesn’t, and don’t let him who doesn’t [feel free] to eat [some things], judge the other, for God has welcomed him. 4 Who are you to judge another man’s household servant? He is approved or condemned by his own lord. Yes, he will stand, for God is able to make him stand.
V1 Welcome him who is weak in the faith, but not for a judgmental confrontation.
We are to welcome, be happy, when we meet fellow believers. Our purpose must not be to condemn for something that is questionable. If someone willingly lies, then we must confront them to correct them, informing them of the truth. If someone comes to the fellowship, they may have the marks of sin on their body. We shouldn’t shun them because they need to hear the Gospel and see the Christian life, too. Have mercy on them, but don’t let them take advantage of you.
Things that are not specifically disallowed by God shouldn’t be judged by our own standards and convictions. Paul gives an example. We are to test all things (1 Thessalonians 5:21) and judge according to God’s standards. We are to understand the motives and heart of a person. Maybe they are deceived and need teaching.
V2 For one believes that he can eat anything, another, who is weak [in faith], eats herbs.
Can one eat meat? What if it is pork? What if all meat is to be avoided? When I meet some fellow Christians who are vegan, I am not supposed to taunt them, condemn them, or make fun of them, because that might damage their faith. This works both ways.
There is always the possibility that one seeks to manipulate another Christian by telling them to stop eating meat (in this case) because he is the weaker brother. This is also wrong.
V3 Don’t let him who [feels free] to eat [anything] despise him who doesn’t, and don’t let him who doesn’t [feel free] to eat [some things], judge the other, for God has welcomed him.
The Greek word despise is G1848 ἐξουθενέω exouthenéō, which means to look down on, think they are stupid, etc. This also works both ways. We are not to be arrogant that our conviction or freedom is the correct view when the Bible does not condemn or forbid.
V4 Who are you to judge another man’s household servant? He is approved or condemned by his own lord. Yes, he will stand, for God is able to make him stand.
Condemning another believer for something not condemned by God is wrong judgment. God is not pleased with such judgment. If God doesn’t specifically forbid, then we must not either. God is the judge. See Psalm 9:8 and Acts 17:31.
How do we handle another who does condemn us in something not forbidden? Don’t eat or do that in front of them, but continue to be free. We are not to get into arguments over such things, just walk away.
We learn:
- How to handle different personal standards of conduct.
- How to accept those who disagree over principles not specifically forbidden.
Questions:
- How do you handle someone who acts that way towards you?
- How do you handle someone with whom you disagree?