Secondly, Hast thou faith? Let not the Christian who uses his liberty, despise his weak brother as ignorant and superstitious. It is observable that the apostle directs his reproof most against those who gave the offence; not as if those were not to be blamed who causelessly and weakly took the offence from their ignorance of Christian liberty, and the want of that charity which is not easily provoked and which thinketh no evil (he several times tacitly reflects upon them), but he directs his speech to the strong, because they were better able to bear the reproof, and to begin the reformation. I. Righteousness. [3.] Have it to thyself, that is, enjoy the comfort of it in thy own bosom, and do not trouble others by the imprudent use of it, when it might give offence, and cause thy weak brother to stumble and fall.” In these indifferent things, though we must never contradict our persuasion, yet we may sometimes conceal it, when the avowing of it will do more hurt than good. It is true we cannot hinder loose and ungoverned tongues from speaking evil of us, and of the best things we have; but we must not (if we can help it) give them any occasion to do it. Art thou satisfied that thou mayest eat all meats, and observe all days (except the Lord’s day) alike? Christ deals gently with those who have true grace, though they are weak in it. In this chapter Paul is dealing with what may have been a temporary and local problem in the Roman Church, but is also one continually confronting the Church and always demanding solution. Thus Christians often despise or condemn each other, about doubtful matters of no moment. Salem Media Group. (7-9) We live and die to the Lord. First, The work of grace and peace is the work of God; it is wrought by him, it is wrought for him; it is a good work of his beginning, Philippians 1:6. There is no intrinsic value to the day itself, only the honor which the Christian gives it. How preferable is the service of God to all other services! Our good often comes to be evil spoken of, because we use lawful things in an uncharitable and selfish manner. Consider the design of Christ’s death: Destroy not him with thy meat for whom Christ died, Romans 14:15. Secondly, The consideration of the love of Christ in dying for souls should make us very tender of the happiness and salvation of souls, and careful not to do any thing which may obstruct and hinder them. [1.] N.A.S.B. Many wish for peace, and talk loudly for it, who do not follow the things that make for peace. Christ deals gently with those that have true grace, though they are weak in it. and in serving him we are not called to live and die to ourselves, but unto Christ, whose we are, and whom we ought to serve. That is the true comfort which we have before God. Copyright © 2020, Bible Study Tools. I think Romans 14 gives us some tremendous principles for making decisions such as these in our lives. True love would make us tender of their peace and purity, and beget a regard to their consciences as well as to our own. I look at the book of Romans in two main divisions. made weak, that is, takes occasion to show his weakness by his censures and scruples. Let every man search his own heart and life; he that is strict in judging and humbling himself, will not be apt to judge and despise his brother. K.J.V. Now walkest thou not charitably. It is a generous piece of self-denial, for which we have Paul’s example (1 Corinthians 8:13), If meat make my brother to offend; he does not say, I will eat no meat, that is to destroy himself; but I will eat no flesh, that is to deny himself, while the world stands. Verse 6 (14-23). Did Christ deny himself for our brethren, so as to die for them, and shall not we deny ourselves for them, so as to keep from any indulgence? Our rule is, to walk as far as we have attained, not further, Phil 3:15, 16.—For whatsoever is not of faith is sin. Compare this with 1 Corinthians 8:10-11, 11. (1-13) And the Gentiles exhorted to take heed of giving offence in their use of indifferent things. Consider the evil of giving offence, and what an abuse it is of our Christian liberty. Another esteemeth every day alike — Holds that the difference of days appointed by Moses has now ceased. That healing method is not the less excellent for being common: in things necessary let there be unity, things unnecessary let there be liberty, and in both let there be charity, then all will be well quickly.—Have it to thyself before God. Those who knew that all these things were done away by Christ's coming, took no notice of the festivals of the Jews. We usurp the place of God, when we take upon us thus to judge the thoughts and intentions of others, which are out of our view. Compare Galatians 6:4; Let every man prove his own work, that is, bring it to the touchstone of the word and try it by that so exactly as to be well satisfied in what he does; and then he shall have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. Did Christ deny himself for our brethren, so as to die for them, and shall not we deny ourselves for them, so as to keep from any indulgence? Lawful things may be done unlawfully, by giving offence to brethren. Compare Romans 14:23. Book Notes Barnes' Book Notes Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Book Notes Robertson's Book Notes (NT) Commentaries Adam Clarke Barnes' Notes Forerunner Commentary Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown John Wesley's Notes Matthew Henry People's Commentary (NT) … Many do for meat and drink destroy the work of God in themselves (nothing more destructive to eh soul than pampering and pleasing the flesh, and fulfilling the lusts of it), so likewise in others, by wilful offence given. No thanks to thee if they be not destroyed; by doing that which has a tendency to it, thou dost manifest a great opposition to Christ. Article Images Copyright © 2020 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. © 2020 Christianity.com. For the further pressing of this rule, we may here observe two directions which have relation to it:—First, Let not then your good be evil spoken of (Romas 14:16)-- take heed of doing any thing which may give occasion to others to speak evil, either of the Christian religion in general, or of your Christian liberty in particular.