By Robert Olsen, Ph.D.
Professor of Historical Theology and Director of Intercultural Studies, University of Mobile
UNITY
Romans 14:5–20
Disagreement (5–8)
In chapter 14, Paul is dealing with issues that arose between Gentiles and Jews — mainly in regard to food regulations and sacred days. For example, Jews might have been criticizing the Gentiles for not honoring the Sabbath and not following dietary laws.
Gentile believers saw no special attachment to the Sabbath since they worshipped on Sunday, and the New Testament makes it clear that the dietary laws have been fulfilled. (See Acts 20:7, Mark 7 and Acts 10.)
Paul focused on encouraging his listeners to serve the Lord and not worry about a legalistic following of rules. This does not mean that all Old Testament teachings were overruled or disregarded.
The New Testament confirms many Old Testament laws, such as not murdering or stealing. Paul urges his readers to focus on loving their neighbors as an outflow of living for God. All of our motivations need to be our love for God and love for our neighbors.
Accountability (9–12)
Since Christ died for us, we owe Him our lives. How we live needs to reflect the love we have for God, which correlates to loving our neighbor.
This means we need to be careful how we judge fellow believers and also how we live in respect to them. Christians are called to judge other believers according to Scripture.
For example, 1 Corinthians 5 tells us to expel the immoral brother if he does not repent, but we need to understand that there are certain areas of living that are not clearly laid out in Scripture. In those cases, Christians need to live in an understanding manner.
Love (13–18)
Living in an understanding manner means intentionally trying not to cause fellow Christians to stumble. We are free in Christ to follow our consciences as long as we are following the Bible. There are many activities that are not wrong to do, but some people have a deep personal aversion to them.
Some people do not play cards because they associate it with gambling. Some people do not drink alcohol because they know the damage alcohol has done to individuals and families. Other Christians do not have a problem with such activities, assuming they follow clear biblical teaching regarding drunkenness and entertainment activities.
Those who practice their freedom in Christ are the stronger brothers and sisters. But for the sake of harmony, they need to curtail their freedoms around those who do not share the same convictions.
In the case of Gentiles and Jews, while there is freedom to eat pork, it would be wrong for a Gentile to eat bacon around a Jewish Christian who feels uncomfortable eating pork products.
For the sake of love, the stronger brother ought not to practice this freedom around those who do not share these convictions.
Edification (19–20)
Unity in the body of believers is an important biblical concept.
Being unified in love is a way that we represent Christ well both in the Church and within society. If we can act in love, looking out for the interests of others, we are practicing love that pleases God and represents Him well to those around us.
Living in love should be the mark of Christians, and it is imperative to give our beliefs action so that a lost and dying world sees how we treat one another and becomes open to hearing the gospel.
EDITOR’S NOTE — The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
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