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Romans 14

23 verses

TL;DR

The chapter exhorts believers to respect one another’s differing convictions about food and lifestyle, urging them to live for the Lord without judging, and to act with love and unity.

Summary

Paul encourages the weak in faith to avoid disputations and to accept the practices of others. He addresses the issue of eating certain foods, reminding believers that no one should judge another’s dietary choices or declare them sinful. The passage stresses that each person must stand accountable before the Lord, living and dying for Him, and that Christ’s death and resurrection make Him lord of all. Paul admonishes the church not to create stumbling blocks or cause offense, urging compassion toward those who may be troubled by others' habits. He concludes that all actions are pure, but those performed with offense are harmful, calling for a life centered on righteousness, peace, and the Holy Spirit.

Outline
  1. Encourage the weak and avoid disputation
  2. Address eating and judgment, promote unity
  3. Emphasize living for the Lord and avoiding stumbling blocks
Themes
Christian liberty and unityRespectful love and non-judgmentAccountability before God
Keywords
faithweakjudgmenteatLordsinunitypeaceHoly Ghost
People
PaulJesusChristthe Lord
Places
Things
meatwinefoodsinjudgmentHoly Ghostkingdom of God
Key Verses
  • Romans 14:4: Jesus warns against judging others
  • Romans 14:7: Stresses that none lives for oneself
  • Romans 14:9: Highlights Christ’s death for all
  • Romans 14:13: Calls for non-judgment and avoiding stumbling blocks
  • Romans 14:14: Affirms nothing is inherently unclean
  • Romans 14:20: Warns that eating can destroy God’s work if done with offense
Questions
  • How should we handle differences in Christian practice within the church?
  • In what ways can we avoid becoming a stumbling block to others?
  • What does it mean to live and die for the Lord in everyday life?
  • How can we reconcile personal convictions with respect for others?
  • What practical steps can we take to promote unity and love among believers?
Sentiment

neutral
Exhortatory tone with balanced encouragement and admonition