Today’s passage: Romans 14:13-23
Helpful thoughts:
- There is a major shift in focus in verse 13. We are to put off thinking of our judgments of others and to put on thinking of how we can encourage them (Or refrain from discouraging them) in their faith.
- The statement that “Nothing is unclean in itself” is written in the context of this passage related to eating different foods. There are no “unclean” foods.
- But, if I am convinced that a certain food is unclean, and I eat it, I have sinned. In violating my conscience, I have chosen to reject God’s authority (Even though my understanding is off).
- Or, if I know that someone I am dining with is convinced that a certain food is unclean, I would be sinning by eating it in front of them.
- Paul includes the drinking of wine with this principle in verse 21.
- The overarching principle in this passage is not what we can or cannot get away with eating or drinking…but to love one another.
- Everything is clean. But eating and drinking selfishly, or in violation of yours or another’s conscience is not loving.
- So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Questions to consider:
- This is a great passage to help us take an honest assessment. Ask yourself this question: Am I more prone to think about why others are doing what they are doing, or am I more prone to think about what I can be doing to help others? What would growth look like according to the Word of God?
- How does the focus on loving the family of God change our perspective on passages like this? If I want to argue about eating, or drinking wine, or any other activity that people debate about, and if I am having that argument to justify what I can do (If my attitude is more, “Stop telling me what I can or can’t do. I don’t care what you think”), what am I missing?
- On the other hand, if my conviction does not line up with the truth of Scripture, what would be the most godly response? Should I maintain a conviction that goes beyond God’s written revealed will and demand that others do the same? How would truth and love guide me from that perspective?