"The Weaker - Part 4, Serve Acceptably"
“The Weaker - Part 4, Serve Acceptably”
Blessings Folk!
We have been examining the “weaker/stronger” brother in Romans 14.
Be certain to read previous posts.
We have seen that we are free to eat and drink, yet we are not to misuse this freedom.
We have seen that the Kingdom of God is not eating or drinking...
Romans 14
16 Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil;
17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
The very next word in the Word is important - “For…”.
Much like “therefore,” we do well to consider what “for” is there for...
The previous verses.
Romans 14
18 For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.
Serves Christ in what way?
In righteousness.
In peace.
In joy in the Holy Spirit.
In not allowing a good thing be spoken of as evil (verse 16).
In walking according to love (verse 15).
In not judging one another (verse 13).
In not placing obstacles in a brother’s way (verse 13).
In not looking with contempt upon a brother exercising freedom (verse 3).
In this way we serve Christ.
In this way we are acceptable to God.
In this way we are approved by men.
So...
Romans 14
19 So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.
We pursue a couple of things.
- the things which make for peace
- the things which build up one another
The Lord reminds us that He is still using eat and drink as an example.
Romans 14
20 Do not tear down the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are clean, but they are evil for the man who eats and gives offense.
21 It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother stumbles.
So, let us do so...
...Not tear down the work of God for the sake of food
...Not give offense
...Cause a brother to stumble
We are not to do anything that will cause a brother to stumble.
You can see why it is the brother that does not live in freedom is called the weaker brother.
The weaker brother will not live in freedom related to food and drink.
They will have rules, regulations, “covenants”, etc.
Still, those living in freedom must not cause the weaker to stumble.
Yes, I know.
The weaker often believe and behave as if they are “religiously and righteousness correct and pious”...can be irritating.
Still, those who are stronger must seek to build the Body.
Do not create obstacles.
Do not cause stumbling.
How blessed are we when we are surrounded with brothers who understand and live in freedom! (I thank the Lord for such brothers.)
Blessings!
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