Romans 14:19-23 (WEL) Therefore, let us follow things that result in peace and things that can build up each other. 20 Don’t tear down the work of God on account of food. It’s true that everything is clean, but even so [it is] wrong for that person who eats, who feels he is doing wrong. 21 [It is] right not to eat flesh or drink wine or [anything] that would cause your brother to stumble, be offended, or be weakened [in the faith]. 22 Do you have faith? Have it for yourself in God’s sight. Happy is the one who doesn’t condemn himself in what he has approved. 23 The one who eats with doubt is condemned, because [it is] not with faith, for whatever [is] not from faith is sin.
V19 Therefore, let us follow things that result in peace and things that can build up each other.
The Greek word for follow is G1377 διώκω diṓkō, which means to intently keep the eyes on a goal or object and follow it. Here it has the idea of (Thayer) “to seek after eagerly, earnestly endeavor to acquire.” God wants us to be serious about being at peace with one another and encouraging each other’s faith. Compare Romans 12:18, Psalm 34:14, Proverbs 3:30, and Proverbs 19:11.
V20 Don’t tear down the work of God on account of food. It’s true that everything is clean, but even so [it is] wrong for that person who eats, who feels he is doing wrong.
This is an issue of personal preferences and convictions. If someone’s faith is hurt or damaged, it might be lasting.
When I was a young Christian, one of my professors said something inadvertently that nearly destroyed my faith. I lost my fiancée, my desire to study, nearly lost my Bible reading desire, prayer, and wanting to live a Christian life. I drifted for a couple of years and eventually ended up in the military. About 3.5 years later, I heard a sermon that convicted me of my error, and I repented.
Now, years later, I would have advised myself to talk to the professor. If I was uncomfortable with that, then I would have talked with my pastor. Since then, I have tried to be careful in what I write and say. I’m not perfect and have failed, but my goal is to honor the Lord Jesus.
V21 [It is] better not to eat flesh or drink wine or [anything] that would cause your brother to stumble, be offended, or be weakened [in the faith].
The Greek word for better is G2570 καλός kalós, which means good, beautiful, pleasing, etc. English uses good, better, best. Since there is a contrast between doing and not doing something, the word would be better. God views our motives and actions. Not eating or doing something harmful to another’s faith is pleasing in His sight. Compare 1 Corinthians 8:9-13, Matthew 18:6.
The Greek word for stumble is G4350 προσκόπτω proskóptō, which means to bump against, stumble, trip, etc. Walking and path in Scripture often refers to a way of life. If a Christian is walking God’s approved way of life and stumbles. It means to leave that path briefly.
The Greek word for offend is G4624 σκανδαλίζω skandalízō, which means to place a hindrance or obstacle. Again, using the path analogy, it refers to slowing or stopping someone from advancing or growing in the Christian faith.
The Greek word for weakened is G770 ἀσθενέω asthenéō, which means loss of strength, so weakened, sick, feeble, etc. Here it refers to bringing about a weakened faith unable or unwilling to want to grow in the Christian faith. In essence, it is to make one just give up and not try any more.
Abstaining from something to make a fellow believer weakened in the faith is a sacrifice pleasing to God.
V22 Do you have faith? Have it for yourself in God’s sight. Happy is the one who doesn’t condemn himself in what he has approved.
If one has the faith, then go ahead, but always be aware of hurting another’s faith. We can rejoice, but encouraging our fellow Christian to grow and live the Christian faith is better.
V23 The one who eats with doubt is condemned, because [it is] not with faith, for whatever [is] not from faith is sin.
If some action or diet causes doubt, then don’t do it. If one is concerned about eating something being right or not, and then eats or does it, it results in sin and guilt. Why? Here is one example: we all know of those who believe drinking any type of alcohol is sinful. If that person visits your home, is offered a drink, and participates, they will feel guilty. This action committed by the guest is a sin.
If this happens, the offender could well be accused by God and charged with enticement to sin and even damaging someone’s faith.
Constable notes: “The weak brother, who eats something that he believes he should not eat, stands “condemned” by his own conscience and by God (cf. Gal 2:11). His action is contrary to what he believes is right. “Faith” here, as in verses 1 and 22, does not refer to the teachings of Christianity-but to what a person believes to be the will of God for him.”
We learn:
- Caring for our fellow Christian before ourselves.
- How to help our brother or sister.
Questions:
- How do you prevent stunting another’s faith?
- How do you build up another’s faith?