Romans 14:19-15:7

We are learning to think like God, to have our minds renewed in how we relate to others in the body of Christ.  Each principle Paul makes reference to is in some way calling us to carry out the new commandment, to love one another.

·        The principle of edification, v19-20.  A stumbling block (offense) in the path of a brother in Christ hinders his growth.  The New Testament is clear that we are always to do those things that edify or build up others (1 Cor. 14:5,12,26; 8:1; and many others).  If we are not building up then we are destroying.  If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him (1 Cor. 3:17).

·        The principle of no-offense, v20-21.  This builds on the previous thought but there is something important to note here.  What Paul says is that we need to go to the extreme not to cause a brother to stumble.  Note carefully: Paul again says that he knows there is nothing wrong with this liberty in eating.  But he will cut out meat as well as wine or any other thing that further weakens his brother.

·        The principle of faith, v22-23.  This repeats the idea in 14:5 that each person must be convinced in his own mind.  My father used to say it this way: if you doubt, don’t!  In other words, if you can’t look God in the face and have no hesitation in your action, then refrain.  How does that fit here?  It relates to the weak brother.  He wants to please God in everything.  But at this point in his life he doesn’t have the freedom to do what you are at liberty to do without a message of guilt from his conscience.  For him to violate his conscience is always wrong, even if it is something we think is allowable.  

·        The principle of pleasure, 15:1-2.  Be sure to keep the context in this.  Paul would not change the gospel to please people (Gal. 1:10; 1 Th. 2:4).  But he would please people for their good (1 Cor. 10:31-11:1).  This is how we are to think in terms of our Christian relationships.

·        The principle of Christ-likeness, 15:3-4.  Christ also “did not please Himself” but pleased others.  The quote is from Psalm 69:9, a Messianic Psalm.  This kind of love for the weak brother fulfills the command of Christ to love each other as I have loved you (John 13:34-35).  

·        The principle of the glory of God, 15:5-7.  Paul concludes with a prayer that reminds them of the most important thing.  We all live to glorify God.  And a local body of believers lives to glorify God corporately.  Remember Rom. 12:16, a verse we said at the time is critical to the entire body.  As people use different gifts and exhibit many other differences they can have the same mind and glorify God if they humble themselves.  

Therefore receive one another just as Christ also received us,

to the glory of God!