Summit: Service
Romans 14:13-23 NASB
13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way. 14 I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 For if because of food your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy with your food him for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing 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 in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. 20 Do not tear down the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are clean, but they are evil for the man who eats and gives offense. 21 It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother stumbles. 22 The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. 23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.
OUTLINE
- Harming Believers (v. 13-15)
- Harming Testimony (v. 16-18)
- Harming Church (v. 19-23)
QUESTIONS
- What are the issues Paul is addressing in verses 13-23? What are some of the modern issues we face that are comparable? How does the church, or how do you handle these issues that divide?
- How might the “strong in faith” have caused the “weak in faith” to stumble? Where do you sense you are strong or weak?
- How does Paul describe the consequence of causing the “weak” to stumble in verses 15 and 20. Have you ever considered that your actions could have these consequences?
- How would a culture of rugged individualism miss seeing and applying these truths?