Romans 14:5-9 (WEL) Someone decides that one day is more important than another. Someone else decides that every day [is alike]. Each one must be fully convinced in his mind. 6 The one who considers one day [more important] considers it as the Lord’s, and the one who doesn’t consider one day [more important] considers it as the Lord’s. He who [feels free] to eat [all foods], eats for the Lord’s [honor] because he gives thanks to God. He who doesn’t [feel free] to eat [some things] does that for the Lord’s [honor] and gives God thanks. 7 None of us lives for ourselves, and no one dies for himself. 8 For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For this reason Christ died, rose, and lived again so that he would be Lord of both the dead and the living.
V5 Someone decides that one day is more important than another. Someone else decides that every day [is alike]. Each one must be fully convinced in his mind.
Maybe they worship on Saturday, Sunday, or some other day. They are convinced that their choice of a particular day is to be the day. But I choose a different day. Do we condemn each other? No. Either or all days make no difference, and we are not to condemn someone who differs. It also doesn’t mean that we have to “join” that group or condemn others..
V6 The one who considers one day [more important] considers it as the Lord’s, and the one who doesn’t consider one day [more important] considers it as the Lord’s. He who [feels free] to eat [all foods], eats for the Lord’s [honor] because he gives thanks to God. He who doesn’t [feel free] to eat [some things] does that for the Lord’s [honor] and gives God thanks.
If something is declared evil in the New Testament (Ephesians 2:20), then that is evil in God’s sight, and we must avoid it. If nothing is said, we must decide differently. Sometimes a principle is taught if something is God’s will or not. There are also examples of God’s people’s actions in life that God rebukes or God honors.
If nothing is said, they most likely, it is OK. Always pray to know God’s will (James 1:5).
V7 None of us lives for ourselves, and no one dies for himself.
We are a family. We are in this together. We are one body to work together, growing in faith and service.
V8 For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.
This is to be our attitude. May God’s will be done. We believers in Jesus alone for salvation are adopted children by God and servants of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are God’s family.
V9 For this reason Christ died, rose, and lived again so that he would be Lord of both the dead and the living.
The dead refers to those believers who have died. There is hope for believers of resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Jesus is Lord of the Church. Those who die go immediately into the presence of the Lord in heaven (2 Corinthians 5:6-8).
We learn:
- Some opinions are not of such importance that we disfellowship someone.
- We need leeway for differing opinions.
Questions:
- How do you handle questionable things?
- How do you handle questionable people? (Remember 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,
2 Corinthians 6:3 (EHV) We are giving no one a reason to stumble in any way, so that our ministry will not be blamed.