Romans - Chapters 14-15:13

The Amazing Bible. Book Club

One of the main points in this passage is that as Christians we are not to judge other believers if they hold different views on "disputable matters." Some disputable matters that Paul addressed was eating meat sacrificed to idols and observing special religious days. He reminded us that every one will answer to God for their actions, and it is not our place to judge them. 14:4, "Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own Master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand." Another point is that each person must be fully convinced in his own mind about their convictions on such matters. Verse 16, "Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil." We are not to be controlled by other's views or convictions, but we must stand on our own convictions, but on the other hand, if our convictions cause our brother or sister to sin, then we should give up our freedom. Verse 19, "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification." We are to live unto the Lord in faith, not in condemnation. Jesus, our greatest example, did not live His life to please Himself, but he obeyed the Father, and was willing to suffer and die for us, so that we could live. Paul ended this section with a blessing in verse 13, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."