Musings on Romans 14

My reflections and comments on, "To Do or Not to Do."

“For one (the strong) believeth that he may…another, who is weak” …[believeth he may not].~ Ro. 14:2

For many years I have re-visited this chapter. Reading and trying to adhere to its truth, I believe, It would bring an end to much of the bickering and division among God’s dear people, if we would make it a priority in our dealings with differing brothers and sisters. 

Rather than expound on this chapter I want to give some preliminary thoughts, things you might want to also consider even while studying it. 

1. The strong believer needs to grow in love while the weak believer needs to grow in knowledge. The weak must learn from the strong—the strong must love the weak.

2. There is a difference between a weak brother and a wicked one. We’re to put away the wicked from us (1 Cor. 5), while taking in the weak (our text v 1).

3. With the strong it is a personal question between his or her liberty and love life. Is your liberty more important to you than loving the weak brother or sister? See 1 Cor. 8:9-13.

4. The chapter takes in Diet, Days, and Drink. (note: the drink is not grape juice; there would be no dispute about that.)

5. But the questionable things take in more than the three issues above. They include any and all things, Ro. 14:21, “It is good neither… nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

6. Paul warns us if what we do cannot be done in good faith, and not flaunted, it is sin. (verses 22-23)

7. The strong are not to despise the weak and the weak are not to judge the strong.

I would remind my brethren that Charles Spurgeon smoked, as G. Campbell Morgan, who smoked (8) cigars a day; C.S. Lewis would drink (3) pints of beer, before lecturing. Also Martin Luther liked his ale; and C.I. Scofield was divorced and remarried after his conversion.

I say the above not to justify or condemn, but to inform those quick-triggered saints, among us.

by an Old Disciple

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