Romans: Walking in Love

Romans 14:13-23

There are certain core beliefs of the Christian faith that are non-negotiable. In the early church, these fundamental standards and interpretive framework were called the “rules of faith.” Here are seven beliefs that are not up for debate:

1. The authority of God’s Word.
2. The Trinity—God exists in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
3. The substitutionary atonement of Christ.
4. The Holy Spirit’s work in the believer’s life.
5. Christians are united in a local church.
6. Living holy lives conducive to sharing the gospel. 
7. God will judge the world and receive his own at the end of history. 

These principles of our faith appear in some form in every genuine Christian church and are included in creeds such as the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed. Additionally, the Lord's Prayer is considered part of the rule of faith, serving as a model for prayer and understanding our relationship with God. 

There are also what Paul has called “disputable matters.” Since all believers are part of the body of Christ, each of us brings different backgrounds, experiences, and preferences, which can lead many to hold strong convictions about specific issues. For example, many believers have firm opinions about alcohol, worship music styles, and interpretations of the end times. Paul makes it clear that these “disputable matters” should never cause division within the church. 

In Romans 14:1-12, Paul warns against judging fellow believers' convictions. In today’s passage, he shows how our views can affect other Christians. I will highlight four key principles from today’s teaching. 

1. Don’t knowingly cause other believers to stumble (Rom. 14:13-15).

Being part of the body of Christ goes beyond simply avoiding judging others for their beliefs. It involves obeying a biblical mandate to never “put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother” (Rom. 14:13). For example, you might feel comfortable having a glass of wine with your meal. However, if you have someone over who believes drinking is wrong, you are not “walking in love” if you serve wine despite their convictions (Rom. 14:14-15). Paul says, “By what you eat (or drink) do not destroy the one for whom Christ died” (Rom. 14:15b). 

2. Life in the body is bigger than “disputable matters” (Rom. 14:16-21).

Paul explains that the “kingdom of God” is not about debating “disputable matters," but about living a life that is right before God, demonstrating peace with him and others, and experiencing the joy that comes from the Holy Spirit (Rom. 14:16-17). Our freedoms should not disrupt the peace and joy of other believers. 

‘But hold on a second! Why should I miss out on wine with my dinner just because someone else has a differing view based on their background or experiences? Shouldn’t they be the ones to get over it!?’ 

Paul reminds us that it’s not about them; it concerns each of us and the bigger picture. “Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God” (Rom. 14:20). Even if you believe there is nothing wrong with having wine with a meal, don’t “drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble” (Rom. 14:21). Whoever humbles himself in these matters “is acceptable to God and approved by men” (Rom. 14:18). Our responsibility is to “pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding” (Rom. 14:19). 

This doesn’t mean you can never have wine with your meal. It simply means that when you're with someone who might be offended by wine, you shouldn’t do it.
 

3. Thank God for your personal convictions and freedoms (Rom. 14:22).

Again, we all have different backgrounds, experiences, and preferences. During your personal time with God, thank him for the freedoms you enjoy. Paul says, “The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God” (Rom. 14:22a). In other words, using the wine example, you should not try to persuade others that wine is acceptable for them to drink when they have strong convictions against it. 

The Holy Spirit will bring conviction when we sin. But when we live according to our convictions, we are blessed. Paul says, “Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves” (Rom. 14:22b). 

4. When in doubt, don’t (Rom. 14:23).

This is an insightful principle. Paul explains that a person who holds a certain conviction, even regarding “disputable matters,” must adhere to it. He states, “But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin” (Rom. 14:23). 

Again, let’s stick with the wine example to illustrate this. If I strongly believe I shouldn’t drink wine, but do it anyway, Paul says that action is a sin because it does not “proceed from faith.” The main idea is—when you believe you shouldn’t do something, avoid doing it. 

A personal relationship with God, by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, gives us a community of other believers to connect with and live life alongside. Part of spiritual growth is making sure our actions don’t cause other believers to stumble or sin. 

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on Romans 14:13-23. Consider your response to disputable matters.

Talking to God: Where might your personal freedoms unintentionally become obstacles for others in the body of Christ?

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Our upcoming study is The Revelation, beginning November 3. Please invite others to join us for this engaging nine-week series. I am excited about the topics we will explore in this prophetic book.