February 3, 2014
MAY YOUR ACTIONS AND REACTIONS BE TO LOVE OTHERS. IT IS NOT ALL ABOUT YOU.
Romans 14:13-23
Collin Cummings
Central Truth
Our society today has blinded us from the sinful nature of judging others by encouraging it. This passage starts with: "Therefore let us not judge one another anymore" (Romans 14:13a, NASB). God already knows that we are judging. God knows us better than we know ourselves.
Key Verse | Romans 14:19
So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. (Romans 14:19)
Romans 14:13-23
Do Not Cause Another to Stumble
13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. 14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. 16 So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
20 Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. 21 It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. 1 14:21 Some manuscripts add or be hindered or be weakened 22 The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. 23 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. 2 14:23 Some manuscripts insert here 16:2527
Dive Deeper | Romans 14:13-23
Let's talk television for a second. American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance, TMZ, and anything that has the word "Housewives" in the title. What is the common theme? Watching others on TV for "humilitainment" solely to improve a viewer's self-worth is judgment. In Romans 14, Paul encourages us to set aside our judgmental actions and even the enjoyment of a temporary luxury we desire if it impedes someone from coming to know God. Paul's conclusion -- whatever is not of faith is sin (Romans 14:23b).
If you are the stumbling block (verse 13) in someone's way, then you need to recognize that and fix it. If you are in a position to anticipate an issue -- mines in a minefield -- that would be an stumbling block for a friend, your job is to not only help redirect, but also move the mines!
When someone makes a mistake, do not be self-righteous, yell, or get upset at them. Show them love, be the first to deny yourself something, offer assistance, and help them up. Show humility. Show God's light through your actions every day, all the time, right now.
I know you have probably heard this a thousand times: "What would Jesus do?" This time really think about it. If a friend came to you after a big break up of a bad relationship, how should you react? Here's a hint: Do not say "I told you so!" Act in love.
Discussion Questions
1. Do you have friends who have a stumbling block ahead of them?
2. Is that stumbling block you and something that you are involved in?
3. How can you help them remove that stumbling block?
4. Can you remove it this week? Should you text them right now?