NGH BIBLE STUDY – ROMANS – OUTLINE #31
The Protection Exhorted of a Believer’s Conscience (Romans 14:13–23)
If the main theme in the first half of this chapter is “Do not judge one another” then the theme in this second half is “Do not hinder one another”. The passage stresses the importance of recognizing the impact of my behaviour on others. Even if I am convinced that I am “in the right” on a certain issue, if my actions stumble another believer (Rom 14:13), grieve another believer
(Rom 14:15) or destroy the work of God in another believer’s life (Rom 14:20) then I am unquestionably in the wrong. We need to avoid unnecessary conflict and keep our focus on maintaining peace, and edifying (building up) others.
Outline
Rom 14:13-15 – The impact of my behaviour on others
- Be sensitive to ever causing a fellow believer to stumble or fall (Rom 14:13)
- While something may not actually be “wrong”, if another believer has no clear conscience about it, then we need to tread carefully in our dealings with that believer on the subject
(Rom 14:14) - If a brother is hurt and de-stabilized by my attitude and behaviour on a given subject, then I am not showing love to one for whom Christ died (Rom 14:15)
Rom 14:16-18 – The impact of my behaviour on the testimony (or reputation) of Christianity & Christ
- The phrases “evil spoken of” (Rom 14:16) and “acceptable to men” (Rom 14:18) bracket this little section
- Very important that my insistence on flaunting my freedoms does not bring disrepute to the testimony
Rom 14:19-21 – Pursue Peace and the Building up of others
- “righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” were identified in Rom 14:17 as key characteristics of the Kingdom of God – this section now picks out “peace” as a noble goal for our Christian living.
- We should all ask ourselves “Do my actions and my influence in the assembly promote peace or discord (or, put more bluntly, am I a peace-maker or a pot-stirrer)? Does my relationship with a fellow-believer build up the work of God in his/her life, or risk tearing it down or hindering it?”
Rom 14:22-23 – Living according to a clear conscience
- Personal convictions in “non-essential” areas should be between me and God – and I should educate my conscience from the word of God, and cultivate the practice of keeping a clear conscience before God. (Rom 14:22)
- We should be very careful in acting against our conscience or influencing another believer to act against theirs. (Rom 14:23)
Key Points/Questions for Discussion
- The specific issues in this chapter were “eating meat” and “observing days” – issues very relevant in a first century church with converted Jews and Gentiles. What might be some practical examples from our modern day where the principles of this chapter should apply?
- How does “walking in love” (Rom 14:15) often contrast with insisting on my rights, pushing my point of view (however correct it may be), or flaunting my liberties?
- How should a Christian (or a community of Christians) be viewed by an outside observer?
(hint – “righteousness, peace, joy” (Rom 14:17). Is it enough to be only concerned about being “acceptable to God” or is it important to also be concerned about being “approved by men” (Rom 14:18)? - How should we allow conscience to be our guide? Is conscience always inherently correct?
Or should it be educated and sensitized by the word of God and by communion with Christ?