October 25, 2018

Tradition or Biblical Mandate?

Romans 14:1–4

Kelly McKey
Thursday's Devo

October 25, 2018

Thursday's Devo

October 25, 2018

Central Truth

At times, we can find ourselves in God’s seat, judging another believer for doing things differently from us. Let’s leave the judgment up to God and instead encourage one another to continue pursuing God’s Word and ways together. Be informed by God’s Word, not the world’s (or our own) “wisdom.”

Romans 14:1–4

Do Not Pass Judgment on One Another

As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master 1 14:4 Or lord that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.

Footnotes

[1] 14:4 Or lord

Dive Deeper | Romans 14:1–4

Are there some traditions or beliefs that you continue to hold onto, even after coming to know Christ? Maybe you think it is disrespectful not to get dressed up for church or not to take your hat off before you pray. Or maybe you recite a memorized prayer before a meal or bedtime. Or are you on the other end of the spectrum, laughing at those who think you have to be married in a church to have God present? Are you eager to prove them wrong and argue with them about what the Bible has to say about things? Do you judge other believers for doing something differently from you? 

Paul is writing to the Roman Christians, urging them to accept one another in order to preserve the love he earnestly sought to exhibit. Within the church there were converted Jews who were faithful in practicing their laws about handling and eating meat. As converted Christians, these Jews still felt like they were being disobedient by eating meat. On the other hand, you have converted Gentiles and believers who understood that God had “declared all foods clean” (Mark 7:19) and practiced that freedom by eating meat guilt-free. Those who were “weak” in their faith would judge those who were eating the meat as though they were careless or disobedient. Vice versa, the “strong” in their faith were being prideful and looking down upon those who did not understand or practice their freedom.   

Paul asks, “Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another?” It is God’s job to judge, and only God can see what is in a person’s heart. “For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) “But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” (Hebrews 3:13) As believers, our heart’s desire should be to do what glorifies God the most. Enjoy your traditions, but understand what the Bible actually says about them.

This month's memory verse

18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

– Romans 12:18

Discussion Questions

1. Do you find yourself being critical of other believers? 

2. Are there some traditions or false beliefs that you continue to hold onto even after coming to know Christ?

3. Are your beliefs rooted in God’s Word or in your past experiences?

4. Are your traditions for traditions’ sake or because you believe them necessary for biblical obedience?