Romans 14:13-18 (WEL) Therefore, we can’t condemn one another anymore; instead, condemn this: not to put a stumbling block or offending thing in [his] brother’s way. 14 I know and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus that nothing [is] unclean in itself, but to him, who considers something unclean, then to him, [it is] unclean. 15 If your brother is troubled because of your food, you are not living according to love. Do not destroy him, for whom Christ died, with your food. 16 So then don’t let your good be evil spoken of, 17 For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 He who serves Christ in these things [is] well pleasing to God and approved by men.
V13 Therefore, we can’t condemn one another anymore; instead, condemn this: not to put a stumbling block or offending thing in [his] brother’s way.
We must not do or say something that would damage one’s faith in Jesus.
The Greek word condemn is G2919 κρίνω krino, which means to make a decision. This means there is a decision maker, a judge for example, thus, it is a verdict. We cannot invent ourselves to be a judge in this matter who makes a verdict of condemnation. We have the Law of Christ (Galatians 6:2) to guide us. If it is against God’s laws then we must avoid and condemn, but otherwise condemnation is evil. Verse 13 itself is one rule in the Law of Christ.
The thing we are to condemn is not to discourage or damage someone’s faith in Jesus.
V14 I know and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus that nothing [is] unclean in itself, but to him, who considers something unclean, then to him, [it is] unclean.
Paul feels free to eat pork and other foods not kosher. Compare Peter in Acts 10:9-16. That doesn’t mean he did, but he knows and was persuaded by Jesus Himself that it is OK to do. If someone else feels condemned and would lead to a damaged faith, then he will not do it.
The Greek word for persuade is G3982 πείθω peitho, which means to be convinced by someone or something. The persuader is the Holy Spirit of God (John 16:8).
Wuest (Word Studies) adds: “Paul’s reasoning had gone on through a process to a point where it was complete, with the result that he had come to a finished persuasion that was permanent. He stands persuaded. He could not be budged from his conviction, so sure was he of the truth of the matter.”
V15 If your brother is troubled because of your food, you are not living according to love. Do not destroy him, for whom Christ died, with your food.
The Greek word for troubled is G3076 λυπέω lupeo, which means to be made sad, sorrowful in a good sense (empathy) or bad sense (grieved because of one’s actions). We are not to cause others to feel troubled or grieve unless it be regarding their errors/sins. This is a law of the Law of Christ. The reason is doing so causes the actions to not be motivated by love.
The Greek word for destroy is G622 ἀπόλλυμι apollumi, which means everything from render useless to murder. I have met some believers who have a damaged faith who more or less quit the Christian faith. Wuest (Word Studies) adds: “To tamper with conscience, it is here implied, is ruin: and the selfish man who so uses his Christian liberty as to lead a weak brother to tamper with his conscience is art and part in that ruin.”
This doesn’t mean that he is no longer a Christian and going to hell. It does mean rendered ineffective and passive in the Christian faith.
V16 So then don’t let your good be evil spoken of…
Not eating kosher is OK; it is good, but if it destroys or damages someone’s faith then it is evil, and the person causing this will have to give an account to the Lord Jesus of his/her actions.
V17 …For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
What are some traits of God’s kingdom? It is not what we eat or drink. It is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
These are some character traits of God’s kingdom. God never decrees sins. What glorifies God and causes us to glorify God is the joy we receive from righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Compare Galatians 5:22-23.
In the Holy Spirit means in and by His presence.
Righteousness is thoughts, desires, words, and deeds when we are in accordance with God’s laws.
Peace is a state of mind and life even if in conflicts and troubles.
Joy is the emotion of feeling good, satisfied, and peaceful; it is an attitude of thankfulness. See John 15:9-11, Acts 13:52, and Galatians 5:22.
V18 He who serves Christ in these things [is] well pleasing to God and approved by men.
There are two great blessings from obeying God: 1) God is pleased with us and 2) people and society are also pleased.
We learn:
- Not to damage another’s faith.
- To live by God’s laws is pleasing and a blessing to people and God.
Questions:
- Are you or have you damaged another’s faith?
- Are you living by the Laws of Christ?