The following is the thirty-fourth week’s lesson. In these verses, Paul speaks especially to the strong Christian. In fact, one thing we notice as we work through these verses is that Paul does not say much to the weak Christian. The strong must always defer to the weak. The very nature of things says it cannot be the other way around. Join us again on June 29th as we continue consider how to accept one another and do what leads to peace as we serve the Lord together in his kingdom. (Romans 15).
Romans 14:13-23
13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way. 14 I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.
19Â Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. 20Â Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense. 21Â It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. 22Â Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. 23Â But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin. Â (NKJV)