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Can you explain Romans 14?


Introduction. Romans chapter 14 contains invaluable teaching for the Christian. Romans 14 is similar to the teaching found in sections of 1 Corinthians 8 and 10. Romans 14 is also a commonly misunderstood chapter.

The particulars of Romans 14. There were those among the Christians in Rome who were "weak." Their weakness was that they believed they could only eat herbs, they esteemed one day above another, and they abstained from drinking "wine" (vss. 2, 5, 21). Be it known, these issues did not necessarily involve matters of right and wrong, as such. Actually, the action of the chapter was morally and doctrinally indifferent (see vss. 14, 17). Referring to the items under consideration Paul stated, "...there is nothing unclean of itself..." (vs. 14). The kingdom of God is not meat and drink, Paul explained (vs. 17). The problem was that the weak were inclined to condemn or judge those who ate meat, and the strong were of the disposition to judge the weak (see vss. 3, 4, 10, 13). In matters involving doctrinal and moral purity, we are to stand fast and not compromise (Jude 3). Paul himself was set for the defense of the gospel (Phil. 1: 17). We are not to "receive" those who deviate (cf. Rom. 14: 1; 2 John 9-11).

What is not taught in Romans 14. Paul is not teaching, as many contend, that it does not matter what you believe or others believe. However, he is saying that in matters of moral and doctrinal indifference, we must avoid binding our views on others. Again, Romans 14 is not teaching that each person may believe whatever he desires (and be approved). Even in these inconsequential matters being discussed in the chapter, Paul teaches the weak the truth and urges them to forsake their unfounded views.
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