Does that statement seem correct to you? Well, “…without faith IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE GOD…” (Heb. 11:6)
So, if we do not have faith we are DISPLEASING TO GOD! This 14th Chapter of Romans is about what should and should not be eaten, and how that will affect our relationship with other Christians. “Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that CAUSES SOMEONE ELSE TO STUMBLE. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall…whoever has doubts IS CONDEMNED IF THEY EAT, because their eating is NOT FROM FAITH; and EVERYTHING THAT DOES NOT COME FROM FAITH IS SIN.” (Rom. 14:20-23)
This is why this is such an important issue, “…each of us will GIVE AN ACCOUNT OF OURSELVES TO GOD. Therefore let us STOP PASSING JUDGMENT ON ONE ANOTHER. Instead, make up your mind not to put any STUMBLING BLOCK or OBSTACLE IN THE WAY of a brother or sister. I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone REGARDS SOMETHING AS UNCLEAN, then for that person IT IS UNCLEAN.” (Rom. 14:12-14)
Paul begins by repeating that no Christian should be passing judgment on other Christians, especially over these disputable matters of opinion like eating meat and observing special days. It will become clear that Paul is writing this new section to those he would describe as having STRONGER FAITH. Paul previously referred to Christians who don’t eat meat for religious reasons as being WEAK IN FAITH. “…you, dear friends, BUILD YOURSELVES UP in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, KEEP YOURSELVES IN GOD’S LOVE as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.” (Jude 1:20-21)
-Bill Stockham