By Robert E. Jackson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
Accepting
Romans 14:1–13
Stop Judging (1–4)
The church of Rome included both Jews and Greeks. Amazingly, people of various cultures, ethnicity, status and even genders worshipped together. However, this fact doesn’t mean that everything was always harmonious.
Paul discusses a conflict between the “weak” in the faith, probably converts from Judaism, and those “strong” in the faith, more likely the Gentile believers.
Those who were “weak” were not inferior Christians but believers who clung to their Mosaic dietary laws.
On the other hand, the dominant Gentile group celebrated its freedom to eat anything. This conflict is a matter of adiaphora or “gray issues” that are neither commanded nor prohibited in the new covenant.
Thus, Paul addresses both groups and urges them to change their attitudes towards one another: the strong must stop looking down on the weak, and the weak must stop condemning the strong. God is the judge.
Today, we also deal with “gray issues.” For example, my dad (who was a pastor) allowed me to go to school dances. A member of our church was furious with this decision and exclaimed, “Your son is on the devil’s path going to dances.” I thank the Lord that I am saved by faith in Jesus Christ and not upon whether I danced or didn’t dance.
We see similar disagreements concerning which translation of the Bible should be used, the type of instruments played in worship, being in a social club and so forth.
These disputes do not involve doctrine but practice. We, too, must avoid judging other Christians’ practices based upon our religious convictions.
Honor God (5–8)
Another area of tension between these two groups is over “sacred” days. Some Jewish believers desired to keep the holy days, festivals and a strict interpretation of the Sabbath. Gentiles, however, did not.
A key to this dispute is understanding the ultimate goal in every religious practice is to honor God.
In this passage, Paul teaches it is OK for Jewish followers to adhere to their strict laws as long as they are honoring God.
Similarly, Gentile believers are free to overlook these holy days as long as they honor the Lord.
I remember a time when no one mowed their lawn, played sports or shopped on a Sunday. Today, I see Christians cutting their grass after church, running to the store and even playing ball on a Sunday.
Admittedly, I still do not cut the grass, wash the car and so forth on a Sunday. However, I certainly do not condemn my brother or sister for practicing their freedom in Christ.
The important issue according to Paul is honoring God in what we are doing or refusing to do. Whether we live or die, we do it unto the Lord.
Remove Obstacles (9–13)
Paul concludes this section by reminding believers we will each stand before the judgment seat of God. Each person will be required to give an account of his or her life.
Put simply, leave the judgment of one’s practices to Him. Our conduct in life that does not contradict biblical truth is a matter just between God and ourselves. Otherwise, we may become a stumbling block within the church (v. 13).
We must determine to remove any obstacles or stumbling blocks for other Christians by our judgmental accusations of the way they live out their Christian faith. Instead, let us make sure our Christian practices bring glory to the Father.
In conclusion, I will keep “shaking both legs,” while some of you only “tap your foot.” Let’s not judge one another.
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