READ Romans 14:14-23

This morning we will focus upon Romans 14:17-20, "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. 18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. 19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.  20 For meat destroy not the work of God.  All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence."

vs. 17 The greater principles of God’s work is not in externals such as standards of food and drink. Rather, it is in true righteousness which results in spiritual peace and joy through the Holy Spirit of God. Paul is forcefully stirring the Roman church away from the trap into which Judaism had fallen. They had missed the true principles of spiritual development and had focused upon externals of foods, holy days, and rites.

vs. 18 The “these things” of verse 18 refers back to the righteousness, peace, and joy of verse 17. Therefore, those who serve Christ in this fashion are “...acceptable to God, and approved of men.” The word translated as "acceptable" has the basic sense of ‘pleasing.’ As we thus live by spiritual principles (righteousness, peace, and joy), it is pleasing to God, as well as approved by those around us.

vs. 19 The truth here is profound. Rather than pursue that which is divisive, pursue that which makes for peace in the local church. Rather than tear others down, build them up. That is the sense of the word edify.

vs. 20 "For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence."  For such a minor thing as food (i.e., meat) “destroy not the work of God.” In other words, don’t divide God’s people over such a minor issue. Moreover, the truth remains that “all things indeed are pure.” He refers to food. There are not clean or unclean foods for a Christian. However, the evil comes when one will flaunt his particular position to offend another. Then it becomes sin. Think of this example. A brother realized that pork was not sinful for a Christian to eat. Nevertheless, he ate a ham sandwich in front of a Jewish believer who was still confused on the matter, ignoring his offense. He thus did so sinfully.

Have a great weekend!

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1. How can a believer maintain the proper balance between being free to do what he wants and not offending a weaker believer?

2. Self-denial is not the normal tendency of man. What is the key thing that has helped you place the spiritual welfare of others before your own desires?

3. In your day-to-day life, what things can you do that will bring peace and edification to others?

4. Few things are worse than a person quenching the Spirit or quenching the work of God in another person’s life. What are the far-reaching consequences for the person who destroys the work of God in another? What about for the person whose work is destroyed?