Romans 14:1-13

Rom. 14:13 is a transition verse for 14:1-15:7.  The first half of the verse (let us not judge one another anymore) summarizes 14:1-12.  The last half (resolve not to put a stumbling block in our brother’s way) summarizes 14:14-15:7.

First, we are not to judge the weak brother.  When Paul says we should not receive him just so as to set him straight (v1), or that we must not despise him (v3) or show contempt for him (v10), he is addressing this issue of judging.  Since we are under grace Paul renews our minds with great truths that provide a powerful rationale against having a critical spirit.  Consider these truths.

·        God has received the weak brother, v3.  If God has received him how can we so judge him so that we do not receive him?  He is to be welcomed into the fellowship as a full participant. 

·        The weak brother is God’s servant, v4.  Servant is the Greek term for house-servant or steward.  It fits the idea of spiritual gifts where each member of the household (church) has something to add.  What this means is that God has placed this brother in the fellowship where He wants him to be (1 Cor. 12:18).  To judge or despise or show contempt for him is to do the same for God.

·        God will establish the weak brother, v4.  It is true that the brother is “weak”.  But God will complete His good work in that brother (Phil. 1:6) just as He has in our lives.  By God’s grace (1 Peter 5:12), through watchful prayer (Luke 21:36) and with the armor of God (Eph. 6:11,13,14) the brother will stand.

·        The weak brother must become convinced in his own mind, v5.  Do we want our brothers and sisters in Christ to depend on us for guidance in the issues of life?  Do we want them to violate their own conscience to do what we say is right?  No!  We want them to learn to discern and follow the Lord’s leading. 

·        The weak brother exists for the Lord’s purposes and glory, v6-8.  Remember Rom. 11:36: For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.  Surely we recognize this of ourselves.  We must believe it for others as well. 

·        Christ is Lord of the weak brother, v9.  The very death and resurrection of Christ was accomplished for this brother.  Again we ask, how can we despise him or be his judge?  What have we done for him to earn such authority?  Christ’s work has earned Him authority over all of humanity.  In that regard I am Lord of no one.  There’s no one left!

·        Christ is Judge of the weak brother, v10-12.  By the resurrection of Christ God has begun the promised exaltation of His Son (Psalm 2:7-9; 110:1).  Not only will Christ be “Lord” in name; He will in fact be bowed to and confessed by every created being.  Again, there’s no one left for me to judge!

I urge you to meditate on these Scriptures.  Our minds need to be renewed in terms of how we relate to all our brothers and sisters.  Let us put off (repent of) a critical spirit, of despising and showing contempt for any of God’s family!