Romans 14:13-23
Do Not Cause Another to Stumble

Today, 04/10/2023, let us, together in the grace of God, rejoice and reflect on the Word of God in Romans 14:13-23.

13 Then let us no longer judge one another, but rather judge this, not to put a stumbling-block or an offense toward a brother.

14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing by itself is common; except to the one deeming anything to be common, it is common.

15 But if your brother is grieved because of your food, you no longer walk according to love. Do not by your food destroy that one for whom Christ died.

16 Then do not let your good be spoken evil of.

17 For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

18 For the one serving Christ in these things is pleasing to God, and approved by men.

19 So then let us pursue the things of peace, and the things for building up one another.

20 Do not by your food undo the work of God. Truly, all things are clean, but it is bad to the man who eats through a stumbling-block.

21 It is good not to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor anything by which your brother stumbles, or is offended, or is weak.

22 Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Blessed is the one not condemning himself in what he approves.

23 But the one doubting, if he eats, he has been condemned, because it is not of faith; and whatever is not of faith is sin.

[Literal Translation of the Holy Bible]

Suggested Questions:

1. What does it mean to place a stumbling-block or an offense?

2. Do verses 14 and 17 teach that people of God in the New Testament era have the right to choose whether or not to eat unclean food mentioned in the Old Testament?

3. Does the command do not eat meat or drink wine in verse 21 mean that the people of God are not allowed to eat meat or drink wine?

4. Based on verse 23, is it valid to say that even if a person obeys the commandments of God but not out of faith, but only to please others, then their obedience is still a sin? If so, provide an example.

5. If a person doesn’t drink alcohol in front of their brothers and sisters in the church but drinks it at home, is this hypocritical? Why?

Suggested Applications:

1. Have you ever decided not to do something, even though it is not against the Word of God, because you did not want others to misunderstand and stumble?

2. Have you ever done something that wasn’t based on faith?

3. Would you be brave enough to ask a pastor or elder about something you’re unsure of, to find out if it aligns with the Word of God or not?