Romans - Part 11 - Unity in Christ

S - Scripture

Romans 10:12

12 since there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, because the same Lord of all richly blesses all who call on him.

Romans 14:1-13

14 Welcome anyone who is weak in faith, but don’t argue about disputed matters. 2 One person believes he may eat anything, while one who is weak eats only vegetables. 3 One who eats must not look down on one who does not eat, and one who does not eat must not judge one who does, because God has accepted him. 4 Who are you to judge another’s household servant? Before his own Lord he stands or falls. And he will stand, because the Lord is able to make him stand.

5 One person judges one day to be more important than another day. Someone else judges every day to be the same. Let each one be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 Whoever observes the day, observes it for the honor of the Lord. Whoever eats, eats for the Lord, since he gives thanks to God; and whoever does not eat, it is for the Lord that he does not eat it, and he gives thanks to God. 7 For none of us lives for himself, and no one dies for himself. 8 If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9 Christ died and returned to life for this: that he might be Lord over both the dead and the living. 10 But you, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. 11 For it is written,

As I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow to me, and every tongue will give praise to God.

12 So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.

13 Therefore, let us no longer judge one another. Instead decide never to put a stumbling block or pitfall in the way of your brother or sister.

Romans 15:5-7

5 Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6 so that you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ with one mind and one voice.

7 Therefore welcome one another, just as Christ also welcomed you, to the glory of God.

O - Observation

• No distinction between Jew or Gentile. What does this mean?
• Who are the weak and who are the strong?
• What kind of judgment is being mentioned? All judgement, just food or drink, metaphorically?
• God is the ultimate Judge.
• God gives us endurance and encouragement to be unified together.

A - Application

• "There is no distinction between Jew and Greek", Paul is reminding his readers, and us, that being a Jew and following the Jewish customs is not what saves you. Additionally, this is a reminder that salvation is available to everyone to calls on Jesus.
• Those weak in the faith are either new believers or haven't matured enough in their faith yet. Strong, or mature, believers are those who understand what is for and against God. Take Paul's examples mentioned; food, drink, and festivals. Weaker believers would caution themselves so much as to not even partake in eating meat due to their use in idol worship. They may even use the example of Daniel to eat only vegetables since it worked out for him, missing the whole point of why Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah ate only vegetables. But, even though the stronger believers understand that eating meat and drinking wine are permissible, they are told not to make this an issue with weaker believers. In doing so, all they do is create stumbling blocks that prevent them from maturing and growing in their faith.
• Furthermore, weaker believers were still following Jewish festivals, holy days. Paul addresses this in Colossians 2 as well. A weaker believer may continue to follow these holy days due to tradition or believing they still hold purpose. Colossians 2:16-17 lets us know why we don't adhere to these holy days anymore (or dietary restrictions), because they pointed forward to Jesus' coming. Since Jesus already came and accomplished His mission for us, therefore these holy days that point towards Jesus are fulfilled. Stronger believers would understand that there is no longer a need to observe these holy days since they understand their purpose and fulfillment in Christ.
• Paul's words are for us (both weak and strong believers) to not judge (fight, argue, discourage) one another over such things. The judgement here is not general judgement, rather it is about such things that aren't necessarily "unChristian" to do especially if it draws us closer to God. For example, if a weaker believer thinks eating meat separates them from God, a stronger believer shouldn't force them to eat meat to disprove them. The better approach is the for the stronger believer to disciple and mentor the weaker believer until they better understand Scripture to know that the issue isn't the meat itself but rather our hearts towards God.

P - Prayer

Lord, I pray that you continue to work in me and help me grow in deeper understand of Your Word and closer to You. Help me to not be a stumbling block for fellow believers, but to be humble enough to help others grow in their faith and understanding of You. I pray for Your continual endurance and encouragement to find unity with other believers and to be welcoming to them instead of defensive or offensive.

Jesus, in Your holy name, Amen.