1 Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over
doubtful things. 2 For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak
eats only vegetables. 3 Let not him who eats despise him who does not
eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received
him. 4 Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or
falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand. 5
One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike.
Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day,
observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the
Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives
God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God
thanks. 7 For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. 8 For if
we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore,
whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For to this end Christ died and
rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living. 10
But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your
brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it
is written: “As I live, says the Lord,
Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.” 12 So
then each of us shall give account of himself to God. 13 Therefore let us not
judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling
block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way. 14 I know and am convinced by
the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who
considers anything to be unclean, to him it isunclean. 15 Yet if your
brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in
love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore
do not let your good 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 serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and
approved by men. 19 Therefore let us pursue the things which make for
peace and the things by which one may edify another. 20 Do not destroy the work
of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is
evil for the man who eats with offense. 21 It is good neither to eat meat nor
drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended
or is made weak. 22 Do you have faith? Have it to yourself 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 he does not eat from
faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.
The Apostle begins this chapter with an exhortation to receive, that is welcome as brethren, those who are weak in the faith. The idea here is that those who are stronger in the faith should not do so simply to dispute with them over doubtful things, rather as Jesus Christ welcomes all who seek Him and call on His Name, so should we all. Thus love and acceptance of other believers is not to be governed by their agreeing with us, or practicing with us, what amounts to basically insignificant things on non-essential matters. Indeed in receiving one who is weak in the faith in time they may by our hospitality towards them become liberated from whatever legalistic ideals they themselves are currently living by and under. Though that is not even the goal (to altar anothers opinion or practices) the goal is brotherly love. Thus receiving them has not only their well-being in mine, but also ours, by our pursuing the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace with all who believe (see Eph 4:1-3).
Having giving an exhortation for those who are stronger in their faith to receive those who are not. The Apostle Paul now addresses what the point of contention was. And that is the eating of only certain foods. Now there were two camps in this. The first were those who knew that being In Christ means we are liberated to eat all foods (see vs. 14, 20, 1 Cor 6:12-13; 1 Tim 4:4 etc.). And thus neither Jewish dietary restrictions in the Old Covenant, nor anything else is incumbent upon the dietary behavior of anyone who has come to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ; the exception being restrictions on eating meat with blood; or animals that were strangled to death; or were sacrificed to idols (see Acts 15:22-29; 1 Cor 10:23-33). Though the restriction on eating the meat of animals sacrificed to idols had more to do with the weak consciences of others, rather than anything inherently evil in doing so, as the Apostle Paul reasons with the Corinthians when citing the Scripture which says: “the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness.” Ps 24:1
And so our liberty In Christ allows us all to eat whatever foods we like, and not eat whatever foods we dislike. For we are to ascribe absolutely nothing of the intrinsic qualities of food (or how they were processed) as having anything to do with our sanctification before God the Father (consider Col 2:20-22). And so there was one group of believers in Rome who were living the Christian life in all its liberty and freedom, as this pertains to foods. However there was another smaller group, whom the Apostle Paul calls "weak in the faith" who were living the Christian life under some pretty strict self-imposed dietary restrictions; living as though they should only eat vegetables. Now we are not told why they felt they should only eat vegetables. All we are told is that they were restricting themselves to eating just vegetables, and because of it they had become "disenfranchised" from their brethren at Rome. Therefore to correct this the Apostle Paul commands that first and foremost they be welcomed and received as brethren (vs 1). For ones choices regarding food (or anything else that is non-moral in nature) is not a just grounds for shutting out brethren from fellowship and brotherly love. That done the Apostle Paul then addresses both groups by saying: "Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him." vs. 3
And so those who were eating heartily and enjoying all that God's table allows them (and us) to eat, must not despise their brethren who were holding to their own ideals about only eating vegetables. Similarly those who were weaker in their faith, and were only eating vegetables, must not to judge their brethren who eat meat or whatever kinds of foods they like to eat. "For God has received him." Therefore since God has received us all by our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ we must not be judged as being obedient Christians or not by whatever foods we eat. For again Christian sanctification and discipleship does not come through, nor is it to be marked by the food that we eat, or don't eat. Rather it is to be marked by, and to be made known through our love for each other (consider John 13:34-35). And so the Apostle Paul though wishing all brethren would fully embrace all of their liberties is adamant in defending each believers freedom of conscience (again regarding all non-moral things) and thus their standing before God the Father simply by their faith in Jesus Christ and nothing else.
For when people start making their own ideals into what makes our being right in the sight of God, then they are not obeying the gospel of God, rather they are playing "god" (consider Rom 10:3-4). Therefore he says to us all: "Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand." And so the judging of brethren because of what they do, or don't do, again regarding any non-moral thing is utterly discordant with living by faith and obeying the Gospel of peace. Therefore the Apostle Paul leaves no room for the judging of brethren according to the ideals of man. For again we who believe are all Jesus Christ's servants and to our own Master we will stand or fall. Indeed we will be made to stand, for God is able to make us all stand. That is stand firm in our faith and stand justified in His sight with our own convictions on whatever non-moral or non-essential faith doctrinal things that could be used to either to try to divide us, or separate us from God. For what is at stake is here is not sin, rather Christian unity, liberty, and our responsibilities towards each other in the light of such things. Thus where the N.T. is silent, and there is nothing sinful about it, your and my personal preferences on just about anything is not to be a cause for our being despised or judged by another believer.
Vs. 5-6 Having addressed foods, the Apostle Paul expands his reasoning to the area of religious days, which again became a point of contention amongst certain brethren. Now under the Old Covenant observance of religious days (i.e. Sabbath's and holy festivals) was critical, for it was by these that the Jews thought to remain faithful in their covenant with God (consider Lev 19:30; 23:3; Deut 16:16-17 etc.). However in the New Covenant there is no such requirement laid on us, for God the Father laid on His Son Jesus Christ all the responsibility for fulfilling all that was required for our salvation. And so Jesus Christ having suffered Crucifixion death for us all who believe in Him has nailed to the cross the handwriting of requirements that was contrary to us, (which means all the righteous requirements of the Law has been fulfilled by Him), and thus Jesus having taken the hand writing of requirements that was contrary to us, out of the way, has disarmed all principalities and powers. Thus the accuser of the brethren, Satan, has no more legal grounds by which he may seek to condemn us (see Col 2:11-17).
Even the partaking of the Lord's Supper (which Jesus commands of us) is not to be done as means of seeking to remain in a covenantal relationship with God our Father by our observing it. Rather as Jesus said do this in remembrance of Me (Matt 26:26-29; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Cor 11:23-26). Thus it is to be done to remember how Jesus Christ Himself suffered and died to bring us all into a covenantal relationship with God. Therefore the Lord's Sabbath is simply this: that we rest in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ for our salvation. That is the Sabbath or rest that God now commands of everyone, to cease from their own works, and simply rest (i.e. trust) in Jesus Christ's finished work on the cross for their salvation (see Heb 4). And so the Apostle Paul begins here not with a commandment telling us to observe certain days or weeks as being holy and incumbent upon us. Rather he begins with a grace based exhortation on our liberties In Christ to observe each and every day according to each person's own conscience. As he says in verse five: "One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind."
Notice then that it is neither wrong to hold certain days above others (as did the Jews), nor is it wrong to esteem each day alike (as did most Gentiles). Rather let each person be fully convinced in their own minds. For it's not the observing the day (or not) that sanctifies us, it is the Lord who sanctifies us all by our faith in His Person (Heb 2:11). And so as the Apostle Paul commands let each person be fully convinced in their own minds. For the observing of days or not in the New Covenant does not commend us to God, only our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ does. That is the simplicity of the Gospel which is always under attack by those who wish to add their own requirements to it. (In this consider the Apostle Paul's warning in Gal. 4:9-11 regarding observing days, weeks or months etc. as a means to being made right in the sight of God). For the substance of our faith is always Christ, not the observance or non-observance of certain days. Now this includes Sunday. Which for some is to be a day of worship and nothing else. While for others it is a day for worship and family, vacations and visiting friends and relatives, playing sports, celebrating birthdays, and or doing whatever else one wants too or needs too do. Sunday then, at least for me, should not be an encumbrance upon peoples lives and relationships, rather it should serve to enhance them. Whatever view one holds of Sunday, or any other day, the principal is the same "let each be fully convinced in their own mind". For as the Apostle Paul says: "He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks." vs 6-8
Notice again that the priority is neither food, nor the day, rather it is the Lord who is our priority. Thus if one in good conscience observes the day, or does not observe the day, it is to the Lord that these things are to be done. Same with food, if one eats and gives God thanks for it, it is then unto the Lord that he eats. Or if one does not eat and gives God thanks, it is then unto the Lord that he does not eat. For truly it is only the Lord Jesus Christ who is our Lord and Savior, not any day, nor any food is to govern us, only the Lord Jesus Christ, whom we seek to honor and obey governs us. Thus we trust only in the Lord Jesus Christ crucified, risen from the dead and ascended back to God the Father, and so we live each day dependent upon Him. As it says it the psalms: "This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it." Ps. 118:24 For truly the psalmist is singing about the day of salvation which Jesus Christ has accomplished for us all who believe in Him. And so we should all seek to live each and every in all thanksgiving towards God for having already done everything that is necessary for our salvation, so that we might all live freely to Him.
Vs. 7-9 "For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. 8 For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living."
Thus our lives are not being lived as independent entities. For as the Apostle Paul says: "...if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord." Therefore since we are being sanctified by the Lord we need no man-made sanctification to justify us before God (consider 1 Cor 1:30). For we are the Lord's, whether we live in this body, or we die and depart from this body, and go to be with the Lord, we are still the Lord's. Which is why the Apostle Paul says: "for Christ died and rose again to be Lord of both the living and the dead." Thus Jesus Christ is Lord of our persons, both in life and in death. Therefore why should we make much of those temporal and transient things that do not, and cannot commend us (or anyone else) to the Lord, for Christ Jesus is our Lord not they. For truly they are of no value against the sinful indulgences of the flesh (Col 2:20-23). Indeed placing oneself under all kinds of self imposed restrictions in all likelihood will only produce all manner of temptations within those who try to live by them (consider 1 Cor 15:56). Thus rather than living a life of faith one may find themselves only living a life of hypocrisy! Nonetheless Jesus Christ is Lord of all. Just as He said when rebuking the Pharisees for their criticizing the disciples for not keeping the Sabbath according to their interpretations of it: "The Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath" (see Mark 6:1-4). And thus whether we observe the day, or don't observe the day, we are the Lord's. Kept in perpetual fellowship with Him by His Holy Spirit and His Person within us. And that is why we don't need to keep any ceremonial ordinances to be kept in a right standing with God. For we who believe in Jesus Christ are the Temple of God, being kept by the Lord, and sealed for the day of redemption by God's Holy Spirit (1 Cor 3:16; Eph 1:13-14; 4:30), just as we are being sanctified by Christ's indwelling presence, sanctifying us. Thus observance of days or not, or abstaining from foods or not, all those things have no effect on our standing or sanctification with God. For we who believe in Jesus Christ are being kept by the power of God through faith (1 Peter 1:5). And thus we are only sanctified by faith in Christ (Acts 26:18). Not sanctified by the works of man.
Vs. 10-13 "But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written: “As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.” 12 So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. 13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way."
The Apostle Paul now asks us all a very poignant question. And that is why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? Now that answer can only, and will only, be given by each one of us when we stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For as the Apostle Paul says (quoting from Isaiah 45:23) we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ, where each one of us will give an account of ourselves to God (vs. 10-12). Therefore in light of such things the Apostle Paul says let us not judge one another anymore. For when we make much of these non-essential, non-moral things, judging our brethren by them, we make little of Jesus Christ's Crucifixion death and shed blood done for us all. "Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way." vs 13
And so rather than doing something that brings an offense to one of our brethren, or causes another believer to be made weak in their faith (1 Cor 8:9), let us use our liberty in Christ to build up each other in love. For as the Apostle Paul says elsewhere "Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being." 1 Cor 10:24 (also see Phil 2:4).
Vs. 14-23 14 I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it isunclean. 15 Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let your good 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 serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense. 21 It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. 22 Do you have faith? Have it to yourself 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 he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.
Here the Apostle Paul addresses the "legality" of eating various types of foods. Saying: "I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean." vs. 14 Thus in Paul's statement we have both the sanctification of all foods for our consumption, as well as a principal that must be applied to them; which is in order to partake of anything one must consider it to be clean, for to consider it to be unclean is to make it unclean for oneself to partake of. That is the principal of faith which is to govern our new lives in Christ (see vs. 23). Thus whether you were once a Jew living under the dietary laws of the Old Testament, or you were a Gentile who had no knowledge of such things. In order to partake of anything you must now consider it clean. And so if you consider all foods clean, then all foods are clean to you. However if you consider something to be unclean then it is unclean to you, and only you. Now if you consider all foods clean (as I do) yet you take this right God has given you and you partake of it in such a way as to grieve your Christian brother or sister who does not, then as the Apostle Paul says in verse fifteen you are no longer walking in love. Therefore do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. Instead if need be while in their presence deny yourself that right if it will keep your brother or sister strong in their faith. For a little self denial can go a long way in building up the church in love. That said the Apostle Paul in verse sixteen does not allow ones right to eat all foods such as one desires to be spoken of as evil as maybe the case with someone whose conscience is weak, and thus they might be apt to do such things. For as the Apostle Paul says: "... the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." vs. 17 For that is the essence of the kingdom of God not partaking of food and drink, nor observing self imposed restrictions regarding these things, but rather pursuing righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. "For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men." vs. 18 Therefore that needs to be our focus and priority pursuing righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, not disparaging brethren over their views on non-essential and morally neutral things. For we are commanded by Jesus Christ to love and encourage each other, not judge each other (vs 4-13). "Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another." vs. 19
That said and commanded the Apostle Paul makes it clear that though we all live by faith, we must not miss use our liberties in Christ, for each and every believer is not only child of God, but is a work of God! And thus is to be treated and regarded as such. For we who believe are all being transformed day by day from one glory to another. And so just as God is at work in each of our lives, we should be careful not to destroy the good work that He is doing there. Therefore the Apostle says: "Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense. 21 It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak." vs 20-21
And thus the principal is given that if it makes my brother or sister stumble in their faith; or they are offended by it; then I won't partake of it in their presence. Now this does not mean that my life will be dictated by those brethren with weak consciences. It means that in regards to their persons and consciences I will not knowingly partake of some particular food, or do anything, in their presence that may offend them or make them stumble. An example of this is taking wine with a meal. Now for some believers this is no different than drinking some other non-alcoholic beverage, however for others this is always too be off limits. Therefore if drinking wine at a meal offends your brethren, or causes one, or may cause one to stumble (i.e. maybe someone was formerly an alcoholic) then it seems a very small sacrifice to refrain from doing so, if it promotes peace amongst and or the well being of ones brethren. Now this principal can be "plugged into" many different aspects of a Christians life. Therefore I hope that you will find ways when necessary to apply its wisdom to your own life and in your own spheres of influence. That all said the Apostle Paul will conclude his exhortation with a principal that I mentioned earlier, and that is the principal of faith (see bellow).
22 Do you have faith? Have it to yourself 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 he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.
Notice first that Paul says in verse twenty two "Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God." In other words do not impose your own ideals on others. For in having faith in Jesus Christ we are to direct our faith and lives (and thus live out our own ideals regarding these things) before God, not others. For neither you, nor I, can impose our own ideals regarding these things on others. For to do so would only be to violate the principal of each one living by (or according to) their own faith before God. Therefore let each one of us live out our own faith before God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, according to our faith. For it is to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ alone that these things must be done, for it is He to whom we all must give an account. Therefore as each one has a measure of faith so let them live and walk by it. For as the Apostle Paul says: Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. 23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.
Commentary
Vs. 1 "Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over
doubtful things."The Apostle begins this chapter with an exhortation to receive, that is welcome as brethren, those who are weak in the faith. The idea here is that those who are stronger in the faith should not do so simply to dispute with them over doubtful things, rather as Jesus Christ welcomes all who seek Him and call on His Name, so should we all. Thus love and acceptance of other believers is not to be governed by their agreeing with us, or practicing with us, what amounts to basically insignificant things on non-essential matters. Indeed in receiving one who is weak in the faith in time they may by our hospitality towards them become liberated from whatever legalistic ideals they themselves are currently living by and under. Though that is not even the goal (to altar anothers opinion or practices) the goal is brotherly love. Thus receiving them has not only their well-being in mine, but also ours, by our pursuing the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace with all who believe (see Eph 4:1-3).
Vs. 2-4 2 For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only
vegetables. 3 Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let
not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. 4 Who
are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls.
Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.
Having giving an exhortation for those who are stronger in their faith to receive those who are not. The Apostle Paul now addresses what the point of contention was. And that is the eating of only certain foods. Now there were two camps in this. The first were those who knew that being In Christ means we are liberated to eat all foods (see vs. 14, 20, 1 Cor 6:12-13; 1 Tim 4:4 etc.). And thus neither Jewish dietary restrictions in the Old Covenant, nor anything else is incumbent upon the dietary behavior of anyone who has come to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ; the exception being restrictions on eating meat with blood; or animals that were strangled to death; or were sacrificed to idols (see Acts 15:22-29; 1 Cor 10:23-33). Though the restriction on eating the meat of animals sacrificed to idols had more to do with the weak consciences of others, rather than anything inherently evil in doing so, as the Apostle Paul reasons with the Corinthians when citing the Scripture which says: “the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness.” Ps 24:1
And so our liberty In Christ allows us all to eat whatever foods we like, and not eat whatever foods we dislike. For we are to ascribe absolutely nothing of the intrinsic qualities of food (or how they were processed) as having anything to do with our sanctification before God the Father (consider Col 2:20-22). And so there was one group of believers in Rome who were living the Christian life in all its liberty and freedom, as this pertains to foods. However there was another smaller group, whom the Apostle Paul calls "weak in the faith" who were living the Christian life under some pretty strict self-imposed dietary restrictions; living as though they should only eat vegetables. Now we are not told why they felt they should only eat vegetables. All we are told is that they were restricting themselves to eating just vegetables, and because of it they had become "disenfranchised" from their brethren at Rome. Therefore to correct this the Apostle Paul commands that first and foremost they be welcomed and received as brethren (vs 1). For ones choices regarding food (or anything else that is non-moral in nature) is not a just grounds for shutting out brethren from fellowship and brotherly love. That done the Apostle Paul then addresses both groups by saying: "Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him." vs. 3
And so those who were eating heartily and enjoying all that God's table allows them (and us) to eat, must not despise their brethren who were holding to their own ideals about only eating vegetables. Similarly those who were weaker in their faith, and were only eating vegetables, must not to judge their brethren who eat meat or whatever kinds of foods they like to eat. "For God has received him." Therefore since God has received us all by our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ we must not be judged as being obedient Christians or not by whatever foods we eat. For again Christian sanctification and discipleship does not come through, nor is it to be marked by the food that we eat, or don't eat. Rather it is to be marked by, and to be made known through our love for each other (consider John 13:34-35). And so the Apostle Paul though wishing all brethren would fully embrace all of their liberties is adamant in defending each believers freedom of conscience (again regarding all non-moral things) and thus their standing before God the Father simply by their faith in Jesus Christ and nothing else.
For when people start making their own ideals into what makes our being right in the sight of God, then they are not obeying the gospel of God, rather they are playing "god" (consider Rom 10:3-4). Therefore he says to us all: "Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand." And so the judging of brethren because of what they do, or don't do, again regarding any non-moral thing is utterly discordant with living by faith and obeying the Gospel of peace. Therefore the Apostle Paul leaves no room for the judging of brethren according to the ideals of man. For again we who believe are all Jesus Christ's servants and to our own Master we will stand or fall. Indeed we will be made to stand, for God is able to make us all stand. That is stand firm in our faith and stand justified in His sight with our own convictions on whatever non-moral or non-essential faith doctrinal things that could be used to either to try to divide us, or separate us from God. For what is at stake is here is not sin, rather Christian unity, liberty, and our responsibilities towards each other in the light of such things. Thus where the N.T. is silent, and there is nothing sinful about it, your and my personal preferences on just about anything is not to be a cause for our being despised or judged by another believer.
Vs. 5-6 Having addressed foods, the Apostle Paul expands his reasoning to the area of religious days, which again became a point of contention amongst certain brethren. Now under the Old Covenant observance of religious days (i.e. Sabbath's and holy festivals) was critical, for it was by these that the Jews thought to remain faithful in their covenant with God (consider Lev 19:30; 23:3; Deut 16:16-17 etc.). However in the New Covenant there is no such requirement laid on us, for God the Father laid on His Son Jesus Christ all the responsibility for fulfilling all that was required for our salvation. And so Jesus Christ having suffered Crucifixion death for us all who believe in Him has nailed to the cross the handwriting of requirements that was contrary to us, (which means all the righteous requirements of the Law has been fulfilled by Him), and thus Jesus having taken the hand writing of requirements that was contrary to us, out of the way, has disarmed all principalities and powers. Thus the accuser of the brethren, Satan, has no more legal grounds by which he may seek to condemn us (see Col 2:11-17).
Even the partaking of the Lord's Supper (which Jesus commands of us) is not to be done as means of seeking to remain in a covenantal relationship with God our Father by our observing it. Rather as Jesus said do this in remembrance of Me (Matt 26:26-29; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Cor 11:23-26). Thus it is to be done to remember how Jesus Christ Himself suffered and died to bring us all into a covenantal relationship with God. Therefore the Lord's Sabbath is simply this: that we rest in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ for our salvation. That is the Sabbath or rest that God now commands of everyone, to cease from their own works, and simply rest (i.e. trust) in Jesus Christ's finished work on the cross for their salvation (see Heb 4). And so the Apostle Paul begins here not with a commandment telling us to observe certain days or weeks as being holy and incumbent upon us. Rather he begins with a grace based exhortation on our liberties In Christ to observe each and every day according to each person's own conscience. As he says in verse five: "One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind."
Notice then that it is neither wrong to hold certain days above others (as did the Jews), nor is it wrong to esteem each day alike (as did most Gentiles). Rather let each person be fully convinced in their own minds. For it's not the observing the day (or not) that sanctifies us, it is the Lord who sanctifies us all by our faith in His Person (Heb 2:11). And so as the Apostle Paul commands let each person be fully convinced in their own minds. For the observing of days or not in the New Covenant does not commend us to God, only our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ does. That is the simplicity of the Gospel which is always under attack by those who wish to add their own requirements to it. (In this consider the Apostle Paul's warning in Gal. 4:9-11 regarding observing days, weeks or months etc. as a means to being made right in the sight of God). For the substance of our faith is always Christ, not the observance or non-observance of certain days. Now this includes Sunday. Which for some is to be a day of worship and nothing else. While for others it is a day for worship and family, vacations and visiting friends and relatives, playing sports, celebrating birthdays, and or doing whatever else one wants too or needs too do. Sunday then, at least for me, should not be an encumbrance upon peoples lives and relationships, rather it should serve to enhance them. Whatever view one holds of Sunday, or any other day, the principal is the same "let each be fully convinced in their own mind". For as the Apostle Paul says: "He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks." vs 6-8
Notice again that the priority is neither food, nor the day, rather it is the Lord who is our priority. Thus if one in good conscience observes the day, or does not observe the day, it is to the Lord that these things are to be done. Same with food, if one eats and gives God thanks for it, it is then unto the Lord that he eats. Or if one does not eat and gives God thanks, it is then unto the Lord that he does not eat. For truly it is only the Lord Jesus Christ who is our Lord and Savior, not any day, nor any food is to govern us, only the Lord Jesus Christ, whom we seek to honor and obey governs us. Thus we trust only in the Lord Jesus Christ crucified, risen from the dead and ascended back to God the Father, and so we live each day dependent upon Him. As it says it the psalms: "This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it." Ps. 118:24 For truly the psalmist is singing about the day of salvation which Jesus Christ has accomplished for us all who believe in Him. And so we should all seek to live each and every in all thanksgiving towards God for having already done everything that is necessary for our salvation, so that we might all live freely to Him.
Vs. 7-9 "For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. 8 For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living."
Thus our lives are not being lived as independent entities. For as the Apostle Paul says: "...if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord." Therefore since we are being sanctified by the Lord we need no man-made sanctification to justify us before God (consider 1 Cor 1:30). For we are the Lord's, whether we live in this body, or we die and depart from this body, and go to be with the Lord, we are still the Lord's. Which is why the Apostle Paul says: "for Christ died and rose again to be Lord of both the living and the dead." Thus Jesus Christ is Lord of our persons, both in life and in death. Therefore why should we make much of those temporal and transient things that do not, and cannot commend us (or anyone else) to the Lord, for Christ Jesus is our Lord not they. For truly they are of no value against the sinful indulgences of the flesh (Col 2:20-23). Indeed placing oneself under all kinds of self imposed restrictions in all likelihood will only produce all manner of temptations within those who try to live by them (consider 1 Cor 15:56). Thus rather than living a life of faith one may find themselves only living a life of hypocrisy! Nonetheless Jesus Christ is Lord of all. Just as He said when rebuking the Pharisees for their criticizing the disciples for not keeping the Sabbath according to their interpretations of it: "The Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath" (see Mark 6:1-4). And thus whether we observe the day, or don't observe the day, we are the Lord's. Kept in perpetual fellowship with Him by His Holy Spirit and His Person within us. And that is why we don't need to keep any ceremonial ordinances to be kept in a right standing with God. For we who believe in Jesus Christ are the Temple of God, being kept by the Lord, and sealed for the day of redemption by God's Holy Spirit (1 Cor 3:16; Eph 1:13-14; 4:30), just as we are being sanctified by Christ's indwelling presence, sanctifying us. Thus observance of days or not, or abstaining from foods or not, all those things have no effect on our standing or sanctification with God. For we who believe in Jesus Christ are being kept by the power of God through faith (1 Peter 1:5). And thus we are only sanctified by faith in Christ (Acts 26:18). Not sanctified by the works of man.
Vs. 10-13 "But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written: “As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.” 12 So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. 13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way."
The Apostle Paul now asks us all a very poignant question. And that is why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? Now that answer can only, and will only, be given by each one of us when we stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For as the Apostle Paul says (quoting from Isaiah 45:23) we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ, where each one of us will give an account of ourselves to God (vs. 10-12). Therefore in light of such things the Apostle Paul says let us not judge one another anymore. For when we make much of these non-essential, non-moral things, judging our brethren by them, we make little of Jesus Christ's Crucifixion death and shed blood done for us all. "Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way." vs 13
And so rather than doing something that brings an offense to one of our brethren, or causes another believer to be made weak in their faith (1 Cor 8:9), let us use our liberty in Christ to build up each other in love. For as the Apostle Paul says elsewhere "Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being." 1 Cor 10:24 (also see Phil 2:4).
Vs. 14-23 14 I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it isunclean. 15 Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let your good 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 serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense. 21 It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. 22 Do you have faith? Have it to yourself 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 he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.
Here the Apostle Paul addresses the "legality" of eating various types of foods. Saying: "I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean." vs. 14 Thus in Paul's statement we have both the sanctification of all foods for our consumption, as well as a principal that must be applied to them; which is in order to partake of anything one must consider it to be clean, for to consider it to be unclean is to make it unclean for oneself to partake of. That is the principal of faith which is to govern our new lives in Christ (see vs. 23). Thus whether you were once a Jew living under the dietary laws of the Old Testament, or you were a Gentile who had no knowledge of such things. In order to partake of anything you must now consider it clean. And so if you consider all foods clean, then all foods are clean to you. However if you consider something to be unclean then it is unclean to you, and only you. Now if you consider all foods clean (as I do) yet you take this right God has given you and you partake of it in such a way as to grieve your Christian brother or sister who does not, then as the Apostle Paul says in verse fifteen you are no longer walking in love. Therefore do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. Instead if need be while in their presence deny yourself that right if it will keep your brother or sister strong in their faith. For a little self denial can go a long way in building up the church in love. That said the Apostle Paul in verse sixteen does not allow ones right to eat all foods such as one desires to be spoken of as evil as maybe the case with someone whose conscience is weak, and thus they might be apt to do such things. For as the Apostle Paul says: "... the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." vs. 17 For that is the essence of the kingdom of God not partaking of food and drink, nor observing self imposed restrictions regarding these things, but rather pursuing righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. "For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men." vs. 18 Therefore that needs to be our focus and priority pursuing righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, not disparaging brethren over their views on non-essential and morally neutral things. For we are commanded by Jesus Christ to love and encourage each other, not judge each other (vs 4-13). "Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another." vs. 19
That said and commanded the Apostle Paul makes it clear that though we all live by faith, we must not miss use our liberties in Christ, for each and every believer is not only child of God, but is a work of God! And thus is to be treated and regarded as such. For we who believe are all being transformed day by day from one glory to another. And so just as God is at work in each of our lives, we should be careful not to destroy the good work that He is doing there. Therefore the Apostle says: "Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense. 21 It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak." vs 20-21
And thus the principal is given that if it makes my brother or sister stumble in their faith; or they are offended by it; then I won't partake of it in their presence. Now this does not mean that my life will be dictated by those brethren with weak consciences. It means that in regards to their persons and consciences I will not knowingly partake of some particular food, or do anything, in their presence that may offend them or make them stumble. An example of this is taking wine with a meal. Now for some believers this is no different than drinking some other non-alcoholic beverage, however for others this is always too be off limits. Therefore if drinking wine at a meal offends your brethren, or causes one, or may cause one to stumble (i.e. maybe someone was formerly an alcoholic) then it seems a very small sacrifice to refrain from doing so, if it promotes peace amongst and or the well being of ones brethren. Now this principal can be "plugged into" many different aspects of a Christians life. Therefore I hope that you will find ways when necessary to apply its wisdom to your own life and in your own spheres of influence. That all said the Apostle Paul will conclude his exhortation with a principal that I mentioned earlier, and that is the principal of faith (see bellow).
22 Do you have faith? Have it to yourself 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 he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.
Notice first that Paul says in verse twenty two "Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God." In other words do not impose your own ideals on others. For in having faith in Jesus Christ we are to direct our faith and lives (and thus live out our own ideals regarding these things) before God, not others. For neither you, nor I, can impose our own ideals regarding these things on others. For to do so would only be to violate the principal of each one living by (or according to) their own faith before God. Therefore let each one of us live out our own faith before God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, according to our faith. For it is to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ alone that these things must be done, for it is He to whom we all must give an account. Therefore as each one has a measure of faith so let them live and walk by it. For as the Apostle Paul says: Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. 23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.
Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982,
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982,
